The Best Type of Toothbrush
Your oral health depends on how well and often you clean your teeth. However, not using the proper tools can make those regular brushing and flossing habits a fruitless effort. Thanks to “big dental,” the companies behind dental marketing, many people are fed false information on what is actually best for their teeth. In some cases, we are upsold useless features that don’t do our oral health any good. The one thing every person needs to have to contribute to proper oral health is a good toothbrush.
Soft-Bristled Brush Head
Brush heads come in soft, medium, and hard bristles, so which are you to choose? To some people, choosing a brush with harder bristles seems to make the most sense because harder brushing gets your teeth cleaner, right? Wrong. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are harsher on the enamel of your teeth, which can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth discoloration. You should always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush because they are more gentle on the surface of your teeth.
Manual vs. Electric
There is a debate between which type of toothbrush gets the teeth cleaner: manual or electric. The truth is, when used properly, both types can provide you with quality teeth cleaning. What is more important than type is technique. Brushing too hard can damage your enamel, and brushing for too short a time won’t get the teeth clean enough to maintain your oral health. However, Dr. Fiss does recommend electric toothbrushes to prevent people from brushing too hard.
Toothbrush Maintenance
In addition to choosing a new toothbrush type, it is important to know when to get rid of your old one. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three months. This practice not only tosses out dirty brushes, but it eliminates bent or flat bristles that are no longer effective cleaning agents. You should replace your toothbrush whenever its bristles become misshapen, even if it is before the three-month mark.
Additional Supporting Products
While your toothbrush is the heavy lifter in your teeth-cleaning routine, the other products you use play important roles as well. When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that is low abrasive to prevent enamel erosion. Also avoid products that say they have tartar control or ones that are “whitening.” You should also floss regularly and use a non-alcohol mouthwash.
For more information about maintaining your oral health, see our frequently asked questions.
For regular dental cleanings or if you have any oral health questions, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Fiss today. Call us at (312) 642-6631 or contact us online.