What is Plaque?
Before discussing the best brush head for removing plaque, let’s first understand what plaque is. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. If left unremoved, it can harden and form tartar, which cannot be removed by simple brushing alone and requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist.
Importance of Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to remove bacteria-laden plaque and prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. But not all toothbrushes are created equal, and especially not all brush heads. Choosing the right brush head can make a big difference in effective plaque removal.
Sonic Brush Heads
Sonic brush heads, such as those compatible with the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush, are known for their high-frequency motions that disrupt plaque and bacteria more effectively than manual brushing. They have bristles of different lengths and widths, arranged in a manner that gently but thoroughly cleans hard-to-reach areas such as in between teeth and gumline.
Oscillating Brush Heads
Oscillating brush heads, such as those found in the Oral-B Genius 9000 electric toothbrush, feature small, round heads that rotate back and forth to break up and remove plaque. They are also designed to oscillate and pulsate to massage the gums and promote better circulation.
The choice between a sonic or oscillating brush head ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual dental needs. However, both types of brush heads are proven to be effective in removing plaque and promoting better oral health when used correctly and regularly.