Selecting A Toothbrush
The toothbrush is a centerpiece to your dental care. You use it every day. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a good toothbrush as part of your proper oral hygiene regiment.
Any toothbrush no matters the size should have soft bristles. Hard bristles can wear down on your tooth enamel and hurt your gums. This can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature as well as chewing pressure. Soft bristles also clean plaque better and more efficiently.
The head of the toothbrush is also important. Most people will recommend a toothbrush head that is about the size of two teeth. Generally, a smaller toothbrush is better because it will reach more places, including the hard to reach back teeth or molars.
Other features of a tooth brush beyond size and softness of bristles are preferential choices. Try different styles and shapes to see which best fits you. Comfort is key in this situation. If you like the way your toothbrush feels then you are more likely to brush your teeth.
How often should you replace your toothbrush? Most dentists will recommend about every three months or when the bristles on your toothbrush look worn. Using a toothbrush beyond three months will cause for your brushing to be less fruitful, and can cause bacterial infections in your gums.
People who have trouble using manual toothbrush might find an electric toothbrush beneficial. Electronic toothbrushes are easier to use and give you more of a professional cleaning result. Studies show that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning plaque. Of course, you can still clean your teeth perfectly fine with a normal tooth brush.
In conclusion, it’s important to buy a toothbrush with appropriate size and soft bristles but everything else is up to personal preference. Keep in mind that if your toothbrush is comfortable in your hand and also in your mouth, you will be more likely to brush your teeth correctly.
For more tips on proper brushing and the benefits of different tooth brushes, talk to Dr. Hadley during your next dental exam.