Re-engineering the toothbrush
For those with sensitive gums and teeth, a silicone toothbrush could be the answer,
SINCE my twenties, I have suffered from bleeding gums when using hard bristle toothbrushes with regular toothpaste. It wasn’t until I found gum care toothpaste and converted to a soft bristle toothbrush that my problem ceased. Even now, I dread using generic toothbrushes in hotels because they make my gums bleed.
The Foreo Issa 2 toothbrush is made for people like me, who have sensitive gums and teeth, and who sometimes feel sharp sensations in the mouth when brushing. Instead of nylon bristles, it uses medicalgrade silicone that is body-safe and hypoallergenic. And unlike nylon bristles, silicone is quick-drying and non-porous, and these qualities prevent bacteria build-up.
TWO BRUSHES
The Issa 2 has two unique brush head designs to accommodate a range of sensitivities — and I can use both comfortably. Both are fully interchangeable. The brushes were developed for gentle and effective cleaning of teeth and gums, and are ideal for users who have sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums or have undergone cosmetic dentistry.
I tried the Issa 2 and find that my mouth feels much cleaner than if I use a nylon bristle toothbrush. I tend to be very gentle on my teeth and gums when I use a nylon bristle toothbrush because brushing too hard may cause my gums to bleed but there’s always this nagging feeling that my mouth isn’t clean.
Issa 2 uses sonic pulse technology with 11,000 highintensity pulsations per minute to help break up and remove plaque. It has up to 16 speeds to choose from for personalised brushing. Instead of
literally brushing your teeth, you just need to glide this brush on your teeth and gums, but that absence of motion needs getting used to. This is a nifty little gadget although I am sure dentists will tell me that it’s more a luxury than a necessity.
ANY TOOTHPASTE
The Issa 2 brushes can be used with any standard toothpaste, tooth powder, tooth polish or other tooth-cleaning products, except for those that contain bleach because it will damage the silicone bristles.
Clean the device after each use by rinsing the brush with warm water while running your fingers through the bristles.
I like it because one 60-minute charge can last an entire year. It comes with a travel pouch and I no longer have to use hotel toothbrushes which can be hard on my gums.