Our family dentist says good oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and possibly using an antibacterial mouthwash.
The quality and type of toothbrush you use will affect the effectiveness of each brushing session. For example, the worn-down bristles of an old toothbrush will not be as effective as the bristles of a new toothbrush when it comes to removing plaque.
With so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, figuring out which one gives your teeth the most protection can be a daunting task. When it comes to toothbrushes, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Our family dentist recommends finding one that fits your mouth and is easy to handle.
Here are some of the important metrics you should be looking at when shopping for a new toothbrush:
There is no point in getting a toothbrush if it cannot reach the teeth at the back of your mouth. Toothbrushes with small bristles and heads work best for most people since they are small enough to reach the furthest parts of the mouth. Our family dentist recommends going even smaller when shopping for a child.
Despite what some people might think, hard-bristled toothbrushes do not clean teeth any better than soft-bristled ones. The harder the bristles of a toothbrush are, the more likely they are to damage teeth enamel or gum tissues. Brushing too hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush can lead to receding gums, which leaves teeth roots exposed to irritants in the mouth.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are a better option and their increased flexibility makes it easier to clean teeth at the back of the mouth with them.
A manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric one when proper brushing techniques are used. However, people who use electric toothbrushes generally have cleaner teeth and healthier gums than those who use manual toothbrushes. That likely is the result of most people not using proper brushing techniques.
Electric toothbrushes do all of the work, while you hold it along the gumline at a 45-degree angle and move it along. The pulsation from the device promotes healthy gum tissues and some models warn you when you are brushing too hard. Given how affordable electric toothbrushes have gotten, anyone who has never used one should give them a try.
The bristles of a toothbrush wear down over time so they need to be replaced periodically. It takes the average person about three months to wear down the bristles of their toothbrush.
A good toothbrush serves as the foundation for your oral hygiene routine. Call or visit our Alexandria clinic to learn more about how to keep your mouth healthy.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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