Finding the right toothbrush head for your Oral B electric toothbrush can often be overwhelmingly difficult or confusing due to the vast range of products on the Oral B market. By finding your perfect match, you can enhance your oral hygiene routine to become not only more effective, but more pleasant.
Oral B brush heads have been carefully engineered to each perform a specific purpose. One way to ensure you have chosen a well-suited toothbrush head for your needs is to learn about the different types and special features of each brush head. Ideally, the right brush head will be fitted with bristles that fits the mouth perfectly by reaching all of your teeth and any problem areas comfortably.
Why use the Oral B electric toothbrush & heads?
One thing that is exceptionally useful about the Oral-B electrical toothbrush range is that any of the brush heads can be used with any of the toothbrush models* unlike many other brands. This makes the toothbrush incredibly useful as this feature allows you to change the brush style, rather than being tied to just one original brush head. This can be advantageous for multiple reasons:
•You can experiment with different brush head designs to determine which one is more suitable for you.
•You can switch between different heads during your oral care routine, to allow for a more thorough clean, targeting more specific areas of the mouth.
•If the brush handle is shared, you can switch the heads according to each individuals needs.
•When looking to replace your old electric toothbrush, you can be sure to buy any of the models, knowing you can still use the brush heads you already have.
*Not including the new iO Model.
What are the different brush heads?
The Floss Action Head
The Floss Action brush head is an oval shaped brush with four flat, rubber-edged flossing strips among the bristles, designed carefully to slip between the teeth while the bristles clean the tooth surface. The rubber bristles, also known as the micro pulse bristles, also give this brush head an improved ability to clean in between the teeth and along the gum lines compared to both a manual toothbrush and the other brush heads. When used, it can be expected to feel a vigorous cleaning action due to the micro pulse bristles, potentially making the brush a little too aggressive and firm for individuals with sensitive teeth or gums but perfect for those who would like an intense cleaning effect.
The 3D Whitening Head
The 3D Whitening head has been fitted with a central rubber cap which aids in the polishing of teeth surfaces as the outer bristles clean away any plaque. This cap helps to buff the teeth in a similar way to a hygienist polishing tool but at a fraction of the price. When used with a whitening toothpaste, this brush can help to remove and prevent any surface stains to help make the teeth brighter.
The Trizone Head
The Trizone head is shaped and functioned in a similar way to a manual toothbrush but with much more efficiency, providing a better overall clean. The dark blue bristles of this brush remain static to clean the tooth surface while the longer white bristles sweep from side to side to clean in between the teeth. This head is also aligned carefully with angles bristles at the tip to sweep into hard-to-reach areas where a manual toothbrush cannot simply reach.
The Cross Action Head
The Cross Action head is advertised as representing Oral-B’s most advanced design. This head is a rounder brush head with its bristles angled at 16 degrees, making it ideal for removing dental plaque from along the gum line. This brush combines a gentle mix of soft and harder bristles, with the firmer ones at the centre of the head and softer ones around it, aiding with the cleaning of the gum lines. This irregular arrangement allows for the brushing to be more effective as more surface area can be covered without being too harsh on the gums.
The Sensi Ultrathin Head
The Sensitive Ultrathin head is a small round brush head fit with extra soft bristles. This brush has been designed to create a gentler but still effective brushing experience for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. Although, this brush is not as suited as the other brush heads in plaque removal, so it is recommended to opt for the Cross or Floss Action in order to achieve a more vigorous clean.
The Ortho Care Head
The Ortho Care head has been engineered specifically for cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as underneath and around orthodontic brackets and wires, though it is also recommended for use around bridgework or large gaps. The brush consists of fewer and more spread-out bristles to help reach in between and around obstacles in the mouth.
It is important to note that Oral-B suggests that brush heads are replaced at 3-month intervals or more frequently if the bristles have become worn, in order to help maintain their effectiveness.