Facts you probably didn’t know about silicone toothbrushes
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Beginning from chewing twigs prepared from aromatic tree twigs, the toothbrushing tools have come a long way. Our ancestors used natural bristles like swine hairs, horse hairs to clean teeth until the invention of nylon bristles in 1938. Later, the softer nylon bristles were prepared during the 1950s.
In 1954, Dr. Philippe Guy Woog ivented the first electric toothbrush. Later, the rechargeable cordless toothbrush was introduced in 1961. Such evolution of toothbrushes is still continuing. Nowadays you have a wide variety of toothbrushes like manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes.
Besides these, silicone toothbrushes are constantly gaining attention in recent years. In this blog article, our oral hygienists have delivered a comprehensive note on silicone toothbrushes.
What is meant by a silicone toothbrush?
Silicone toothbrushes are a kind of teeth cleaning appliance in which the bristles are prepared from silicone, rubber, and other relevant materials. Besides the silicone bristles bonded to a plastic handle, the silicone toothbrushes that are completely made from silicone are also available.
Likewise, oral hygiene product manufacturers have started to fabricate electric silicone toothbrushes as well as manual silicone toothbrushes.
How do the silicone bristles differ from nylon bristles?
Nylon bristles are used as the default for toothbrushes because it is proven that they are safe for teeth and gums. However, the configuration of nylon bristles varies for each brand. Moreover, the bristles are available in different hardness and they have been cut with polishing cups on the edges so that the bristles cannot injure the teeth surfaces.
On the other hand, the silicone bristles are large, gentle, and incredibly soft on the teeth. The silicon bristles have wedge-shaped ends that deliver a different sensation while brushing. Even though the silicone bristles are softer than the nylon bristles, the users would feel mild difficulties until they get used to the new kind of bristles. It is because these bristles are wider and flatter.
Are silicon-bristled toothbrushes effective as nylon-bristled toothbrushes?
Even though silicon toothbrushes are becoming more popular, there are not enough studies regarding the efficacy of this appliance. In the meantime, dentists and oral hygienists believe it is the right choice for gum disease patients and people having teeth sensitivity. Due to the extremely soft bristles, the silicon-bristled toothbrushes have the following advantages:
- Prevent Gingivitis – Unlike nylon bristles, silicone bristles have rubber-tipped edges. It is found that brushing with rubber-tipped bristles can boost a tooth’s ability to fight against the microbes forming the bacterial film called plaque. If it is not removed properly, the bacteria in plaque will infect the gum portion that surrounds a tooth’s bone called “Gingiva”. In essence, gum infections can be prevented if you brush your teeth with silicone bristles.
- Suitable for brushing baby teeth – Silicon toothbrushes are beneficial in keeping infants’ milk teeth clean, thanks to their softer bristles. Hence it is alternatively called “Baby Toothbrush”. Silicone is also used in finger toothbrushes, which are used by parents to clean their infants’ gums and babies. If you are looking for a kid-friendly toothbrush, then get a silicon-bristled toothbrush.
Bottom line
The silicone toothbrushes have some features like having a combination of silicone nubs and PBT polymer bristles. Moreover, the rubber cups at the end of the bristles guarantee a safe and efficient brushing. It is safer for kids, and infants also. In contrast, some people do not get used to silicon toothbrushes due to their wider and flatter configuration of bristles.
If you want to switch to a silicone toothbrush, consult your dentist to detect the right brand and whether it will fit your dental needs.
