Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Are you using the right toothbrush, or do you always pick the one on special offer? There is a huge range of different toothbrushes for sale, so it’s not surprising most of us continue to go for the same type time and again, or simply choose the cheapest. However this might not be the best choice for your oral health.
The first thing to consider is the size of the brush head, as it should be small enough to enable you to reach all the areas of your mouth quite easily. If your mouth is particularly small then you could even think about choosing a child sized toothbrush, as it really doesn’t matter if it gives you better access. Your brush should feel comfortable to hold, and the handle should be sufficiently long enough to reach right to the back teeth.
The next thing to think about is the type of bristles, as they generally come in soft, medium or hard. Choosing a brush with soft bristles can be the safest and most comfortable choice, as bristles don’t need to the hard to clean effectively. Choosing a brush with bristles that are too hard could lead to you damaging your teeth and gums. This is because hard bristles can wear away the tooth enamel, and can even lead to the gums receding. Make sure your toothbrush has rounded bristles as this will provide the greatest protection against damaging your teeth and gums. Choosing a brush that has received the American Dental Association seal of approval will ensure it has been rigorously tested and assessed for its effectiveness, quality and safety.
Is an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush?
The answer is that both can be equally effective when used properly. So long as your brushing technique is good, you should be able to remove all the plaque that builds up throughout the day with either type of toothbrush. Studies have shown there isn’t really much of a difference between using electric small manual toothbrushes, but it has been found that choosing a toothbrush with an oscillating action could remove more plaque. People who have difficulty gripping objects may find it easier to use an electric brush.
The effectiveness of the toothbrush is largely down to whether or not you find it easy and comfortable to use. Provided you are prepared to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, and take care to cover all the surfaces of your teeth, then your brushing regime should be effective. If you feel your technique could use as little help, then ask Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby for advice on brushing correctly.
For more information, call Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby at Advanced Dentistry by Design in Carson City, NV today!
Source: http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/toothbrushes.html