Great Dental Hygiene Requires the Right Toothbrush
Do you grab whatever is on sale, stick with your tried-and-true favorite, or is it all about the color?
Whatever your decision strategy is you go home with a new toothbrush, but is it the best one for the job?
Here are a few do’s and don’ts for picking the right toothbrush for great dental hygiene.
Do always opt for soft or extra soft bristles
Brushing with anything other than a soft toothbrush will do you more harm than good. It can lead to recession, tooth and root surface abrasion and overall sensitivity. A good way to help prevent the “long-in-the-tooth” look is to stop scrubbing and always use a soft bristled brush.
Don’t buy no-name dollar store toothbrushes
I know it seems like a steal to walk away with a package of toothbrushes for a buck, but there are risks associated with this. These brushes are quite often made of inferior and possibly unsafe materials. More often than not they are produced by companies or in countries that don’t have high safety standards. Considering a toothbrush is being used inside your mouth 2+ times a day, it’s definitely worth spending a bit more and going with a reputable manufacturer.
Do find the appropriate toothbrush head and handle
Some shapes and sizes will suit your mouth better than others. Be sure that the head can reach the back of your very last molar comfortably. The handle should fit comfortably in your hand, if you suffer from any grip issues, perhaps arthritis, try opting for a wider handle, or one with rubber on the handle to avoid slipping.
Don’t be afraid of trying a powered toothbrush
There are plenty of reasons to try out a powered brush. Do you rush through your brushing; do you have an injury or arthritis? You may find a powered toothbrush easier or more comfortable to use. You may also have better luck getting your kids to brush with a fun new power brush.
Do get the right sized brush for everyone in the family
Babies need baby toothbrushes, and small children need smaller versions of adult brushes. If the brush is too big, your child will not have any success accessing all the areas in their little mouths. Don’t forget to replace everyone’s toothbrush every 3 months.
If you can’t remember when the last time you replaced your brush, then it’s probably time to pick up a new one.
If you need any advice feel free to contact us, we can help you maintain healthy dental hygiene, make the right choices and show you proper techniques as well.