A Buyers Guide to the Best Manual Toothbrush on the Market
When it comes to proper dental care, finding the best toothbrush is vital for maintaining a healthy smile. Since ancient times, people have understood the importance of keeping their teeth clean. At one point in history, they were made from bone and the rough hair from boars, hogs, and other animals. Luckily, the evolution of the toothbrush has come a long way since that time.
Today, there are a variety of regular toothbrushes available, so it is important that an individual pays attention to the different features each have to offer such as size and bristle variety. Good dental hygiene prevents gum disease and is a vital part of an individual's overall health and well-being.
If you want to stay healthy, then it is imperative to practice good dental care, which includes using products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The seal of approval from the American Dental Association ensures the toothbrush has been evaluated for safety and efficiency. What is the best manual toothbrush for you? Check out our reviews below.
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Top Toothbrush Comparisons
Nimbus Microfine Toothbrush | 
Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush | 
Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical | 
Brush with Bamboo - Ecological | 
Colgate Extra Clean |
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Soft | Ultra Soft | Soft or Medium | Soft | Soft |
Polyester Bristles | Polyester Bristles | Nylon Bristles | Plant-Based 62% Castor bean oil base | Nylon Bristles |
Great For Prevention of Gum & Tooth Damage | Great For Those Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment | Great For Enhanced Plaque Removal | Great For Environmental Enthusiasts | Great For Oral Care on a Budget |
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What is a Manual Toothbrush?
A manual toothbrush is a toothbrush that is not powered by batteries or electric power. Some may question, are electric toothbrushes better than manual? A manual brush is just as effective as an electric toothbrush, according to the ADA.
Manual toothbrushes are available in a variety of sizes with soft, medium, or hard bristles. Manual tooth brush bristles also come in a variety of shapes. Although some prefer hard bristles, it is best to purchase a brush with soft bristles to prevent enamel damage.
How Does a Manual Toothbrush Work?
In order to properly use a regular toothbrush, an individual should move the instrument in a circular motion to clean his or her teeth with the tooth brush at a 45 degree angle from the gums. According to the American Dental Association, an individual should brush his or her teeth for a duration of two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that is an appropriate size for an individual's mouth.
The ADA also recommends that toothbrushes be replaced every three to four months. However, an individual should replace his or her brush if the bristles become worn before the recommended time-frame. If bristles are worn or frayed, then an individual will not be able to properly clean his or her teeth.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Manual Toothbrush?
Before investing in a regular toothbrush, it can be beneficial to understand the pros and cons of a regular toothbrush.
Pros: Here are a few advantages a manual toothbrush has to offer.
- A manual toothbrush is less expensive than an electric toothbrush.
- It can be easily replaced.
- It is very easy to travel with.
- It does not require batteries or power.
Cons: Here are a few cons of a manual toothbrush.
- A manual toothbrush does not have an automatic timer.
- It takes a little more work (to brush teeth properly) than an electric toothbrush.
When a person uses a manual brush, he or she does not have to rely on an instrument to ensure teeth are cleaned properly. He or she must practice proper brushing techniques, which makes a regular tooth brush a better option than an electric toothbrush.
How to Choose a Manual Toothbrush
For those who prefer to use manual toothbrushes, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration before a choice is made. If an individual is undergoing orthodontic treatment, then there are manual toothbrushes that are designed to properly clean teeth without having an impact on the treatment.
Choose a Soft Bristle
Although toothbrushes are available with soft, medium, and hard bristles, the ADA recommends that an individual purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles. This will ensure plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth without harming the enamel. Hard bristles may be irritating on gums and cause the gums to move away from the teeth.
Make Sure the Handle is Comfortable
When purchasing manual toothbrushes, an individual should be sure to choose a handle that is comfortable to grip. It is also a good idea to make sure the handle is a no-slip handle, which will enable an individual to easily maintain his or her grip while brushing.
There are many manual toothbrushes that have a flexible handle, which can help decrease injury to the gums that is caused from forceful brushing. There are also handles designed to mimic a dental cleaning instrument, which makes it easy to reach areas that can be difficult to brush.
Consider the Shape of the Bristle
Manual toothbrushes are available in a variety of bristle shapes. Manual toothbrushes can come with bristles that are in a cup shape or diagonal shape. According to Dentistry Today, burrs, which are the sharp edges of bristles, can be more destructive to teeth than end-rounded bristles. An individual should select a toothbrush with bristles that are end-rounded, which are less abrasive than burrs.
Look at the Shape of the Head of the Toothbrush
There are conventionally shaped manual toothbrush heads and diamond shaped manual toothbrush heads. Conventional toothbrush heads are designed to effectively clean all teeth, and diamond shaped toothbrushes are designed to give users easy access to posterior teeth.
Choose an Appropriate Size
Manual toothbrushes are made in many sizes. When purchasing a toothbrush, an individual should consider the person's age and size of his or her mouth. There are manual toothbrushes designed for toddlers, children, and adults that are size-appropriate and help make brushing easier and more effective.
Here Are Our Top 5 Manual Toothbrush Reviews:
One of the first toothbrushes being reviewed is the Nimbus Microfine tooth brush. It was designed by a periodontist to safely and effectively clean teeth and gums. This brush has two distinct types of soft bristles, which are long-tapered bristles that are very fine and short support bristles. The long-tapered bristles are designed to reach those hard to clean areas and the shorter bristles are made to effectively remove plaque.
This cleaning tool uses a multi-tufted technology on a handle that is designed to provide the user with comfort.
It is ideal for those with sensitive gums due to the softness of the bristles. The Nimbus Microfine brush is also ideal for the prevention of gum and tooth damage.
PROS:
- Soft bristles
- Designed by a periodontist
- Inexpensive
CONS:
- The long bristles can be hard to control
The Dr. Collins Perio toothbrush is an innovative toothbrush that includes a patented tapering technique. It includes extremely slim bristles, which effectively reach further between teeth to eliminate plaque. The bristles on this cleaning tool are ultra soft, which reduces the chances of damaging gums and is less abrasive on teeth.
The polyester bristles featured on the end of the brush provide the user with a better brush because they are less porous than other bristles. The bristles are known to last 50% longer than a cleaning tool that has nylon bristles.
This toothbrush is ideal for individuals who are under orthodontic treatment or individuals who experience sensitivity due to receding gums.
PROS:
- Ideal for those under orthodontic treatment
- Longer lasting bristles
CONS:
- Bristles are too soft for some individuals
The Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex brush is unique because it has sides that are made to flex and adjust to the many curves of the teeth, which makes for a better cleaning.
The flexible sides are also gentle on the gums. When used correctly, this toothbrush can effectively remove 93% of plaque in areas of the mouth that are hard to reach. It can reduce gingivitis and improve oral health in as little as two weeks.
PROS:
- Flexible
- Reduces Gingivitis
CONS:
- Stiff bristles
Brush with Bamboo's - Ecological Bamboo brush is made with plant-based bristles, handle, wrapper, and packaging box. The soft bristles are made from a castor bean oil base in the USA.
Brush with Bamboo's brush is Green American Certified, vegan friendly, and non-toxic. It can be used as long as a plastic toothbrush and is USDA Certified Biobased. This cleaning tool is ideal for anyone who wants a good brush that is also environmentally friendly.
After 5 months of use - twice daily, the toothbrush bristles are still fully in tact and it looks almost like it was never used. I'm very pleased with it. Still, it's time to replace as the recommended replacement time for a toothbrush is 3 to 4 months.
PROS:
- Plant-based
- BPA Free
- Non toxic
CONS:
- More expensive than other manual toothbrushes
- Quite narrow toothbrush head
The Colgate Extra Clean toothbrush, full head, soft is a great toothbrush for the price. These toothbrushes include a cleaning tip, which is made to clean hard-to-reach places. The end-rounded bristles are soft and are made to provide effective cleaning while protecting gums and tooth enamel from being damaged.
The circular bristles also help to clean teeth and the easy-to-grip handle provides a user with extra control while brushing. This cleaning tool is ideal for anyone who wants a superior cleaning experience at an affordable price.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Easy-to-grip handle
CONS:
- Some felt the bristles were not soft enough
Now You Can Choose the Right Manual Toothbrush
Based on an individual's needs, there are many factors that should be considered before purchasing a regular toothbrush. Finding a regular brush that is best-suited for an individual can allow him or her to maintain good dental hygiene and prevent gum disease. With all factors considered, we think the Nimbus Microfine Toothbrush is the best manual toothbrush.
In order for a manual toothbrush to be effective, remember to replace it when the bristles become worn or every three to four months. Replacing a toothbrush on a regular basis is essential for proper dental hygiene.
Aurora is the lead editor here at pearlywhytes.com. She is one of those people who actually likes going to the dentist. She loves to write about anything health related, but oral health is her most passionate topic. Her free time is spent partaking in family activities and experimenting in the kitchen.
