3 Reasons Not to Use Your Travel Toothbrush as a Long-Term Solution
Many people prefer to use a smaller travel-sized toothbrush when they go off on vacation; in fact, many people will simply use the little ones that are often included in the complimentary hygiene kits often provided when you take a long-distance flight. Those little toothbrushes might be okay for one or two nights, but you should never consider them a suitable long-term solution.
Here are just three reasons why.
1. The Bristles Aren't Designed for Long-Term Use
Not all toothbrushes are created equal. In fact, travel toothbrushes have been created more as a stop-gap solution than as a high-quality product for ongoing oral care. One of the clearest differences you'll notice is that travel toothbrush bristles tend to be in straight, even rows, while your regular toothbrush will tend to arrange the bristles in more complex patterns. Those patterns aid in tooth-cleaning. Additionally, your standard toothbrush bristles will have been designed to hold up against long-term use, so they won't splay out as easily.
2. Breakages Are Possible
Many people exert too much pressure on their toothbrushes while they are brushing, and even the most careful of people will still have to apply at least a little bit of pressure in order to keep their teeth clean. Regular toothbrushes are made to bend and flex with that pressure, but travel toothbrushes are normally made of a cheaper plastic that will not flex and bend. This makes it more likely for the body of the brush to snap. This is obviously going to be inconvenient, and it can even lead to oral damage if the break occurs during vigorous brushing.
3. You Won't Be Able to Reach the Back of Your Mouth
Even if your travel toothbrush never breaks, it still won't offer the structural benefits of a standard toothbrush. Most importantly, travel toothbrushes tend to lack the length required to reach the teeth at the back of your mouth. These teeth are commonly left out during brushing in any case, making them a prime target for oral health issues, and it can be even more tempting to miss them if you can barely reach the back of your mouth with your toothbrush.
If you need to have something handy to brush your teeth on a long-distance flight or have a back-up to use while you're away, a small travel toothbrush is ideal. Just make sure you don't make the mistake of using yours as a long-term solution.
Share