Dental care is paramount for overall health, including the digestive system. Polymer toothbrushes have been widely available for over 70 years, with recent designs offering improved features and user experiences.
While traditional polymer toothbrushes are produced from various plastics like Polystyrene, Polycarbonate, and Polypropylene, Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) have gained prominence as a key raw material in modern toothbrush production. TPEs are chosen for their:
- Flexibility
- Softness
- Unique surface properties
These characteristics make TPEs particularly suitable for use in the outer layers of toothbrushes, especially in areas that contact human hands, enhancing the overall user experience.
However, not all TPE grades are suitable for toothbrush production. The ideal TPE grades should possess specific characteristics:
- Appropriate softness: Within the range of 30-70 Shore A, often referred to as “Soft Touch”
- Sufficient coefficient of friction: To prevent slipping during brushing while maintaining a non-stick surface
- Thermal resistance
- Stability of properties over the toothbrush’s lifespan
- Adhesion to the base polymer used in toothbrush production
- Ability to accept coloration
- Specifically designed for contact with the human body, ensuring no threat to human health
Key considerations for TPE grades in toothbrush production:
- Softness range: 30-70 Shore A
- Non-slip yet non-stick surface
- Thermal stability
- Long-term property stability
- Compatibility with base polymers
- Colorability
- Safe for human contact
In summary, the integration of TPEs into toothbrush production represents an innovative approach to enhance user satisfaction and comfort. However, careful consideration of specific TPE properties is vital to ensure the creation of safe and effective toothbrushes that contribute to overall dental health.