It’s a given that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but have you ever considered the kind of toothbrush you’re using to get the job done? Not all toothbrushes are built the same so it’s important that you speak to your dentist to help you find the right toothbrush for your needs.
Traditional Toothbrushes
Most people are familiar with traditional toothbrushes since they’re quite common to find in the store. Every great dentist sandy utah will even provide you with a free one after your cleaning. There are a few differences between traditional toothbrushes, though.
- Firmness: bristles can range from extra soft to stiff. However, soft bristles are the best to use to ensure that your gums and enamel aren’t destroyed and won’t cause bleeding.
- Shape: traditional toothbrushes have various head shapes that have different functions. Diamond-style makes it easier for you to clean the tight corners of your mouth while brushing; block-style covers a wider surface area but can be more difficult to move around in your mouth.
- Bristle pattern: wavy patterns are better than flat bristles because it’s easier for them to reach the areas of your mouth that are the most difficult to clean.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes use vibrating or rotating brush heads that simulate the back-and-forth motions of brushing. Many people believe that they provide a more effective clean, but dentists don’t agree. They reduce the amount of work you have to do and come with warning sensors to tell you if you’re pushing too hard.
Does The Type Of Toothbrush Really Matter?
If you are brushing your teeth twice a day for around 2 minutes each, and use fluorinated toothpaste, then the easy answer is no. As long as you’re effectively brushing your teeth, then it doesn’t really matter what kind of toothbrush you use.
Improving Your Toothbrush’s Effectiveness
There are some steps you can take to ensure that you are maximizing how well your toothbrush works.
- Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis; you should be doing this every 3 months.
- Clean and store your toothbrush properly. Don’t store your toothbrush near the toilet and always clean your toothbrush after use. Disinfect it on a regular basis with some hot water and don’t share it with other people.
- Use other hygiene tools, including floss or water picks.
Common Mistakes While Brushing
Even with all these tools and tips under people’s belts, there are still some common mistakes that they continue to make. The most prominent one is that people brush too hard. They think that they’re doing a better job but brushing too hard can actually make things worse.
Another mistake is using toothpastes that have abrasive chemicals and textures in them that can wear away the enamel or compromise the health of your mouth.
If you need some advice on the best ways to keep your teeth clean, then speak to a dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to provide you with all the information you need to invest in the right toothbrush.