Over the years, you may have received plenty of advice from parents and dentists alike on the importance of brushing your teeth for least two minutes twice a day. Brushing plays a critical role in removing plaque, as well as reducing the oral bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease.
However, even regular brushing can yield less-than-optimal results if you don't choose the right kind of toothbrush for your needs or brush with the wrong technique. Brush up on your toothbrushing expertise by studying the answers to these frequently asked questions on the subject.
How Do Different Toothbrush Designs Suit Specific Dental Needs?
You'll find toothbrushes available in a variety of designs. Even the humble manual toothbrush may offer many choices regarding bristle head size and handle configuration. Even if you have a larger mouth that can accommodate a larger toothbrush head, you may find a smaller head more effective for brushing the back molars.
Some research indicates that straight toothbrushes may remove more plaque overall than angled toothbrushes. However, angled toothbrushes can make it easier to reach hard-to-reach areas such as the inner surfaces of the front teeth. If you tend to collect excessive tartar in those areas, go with an angled toothbrush.
Although manual toothbrushes can do a perfectly adequate job of cleaning your teeth, you may find an electric toothbrush even easier and more effective for your needs. Electric toothbrushes perform the actual brushing motion for you, making them an especially smart choice for people with arthritis or other manual dexterity challenges.
What Degree of Bristle Softness Should You Choose?
Toothbrush makers typically offer brushes with varying degrees of bristle softness. Medium or hard bristles can remove more plaque per stroke than soft bristles, but at the potential cost of enamel, root, and gum damage, making soft bristles the safer choice. If you have sensitive teeth, you may even need extra-soft bristles for comfortable brushing.
The tips of the bristles will also make a difference in your dental well-being. Avoid cheap toothbrushes that have sharp-edged bristle tips, which can damage and irritate your gums. Look for toothbrushes that offer both soft bristles and gently rounded bristle tips.
What Brushing Motion Yields the Best Results?
Incorrect brushing technique can actually increase your dental plaque problem instead of reducing it. For instance, if you brush vertically toward your gums, you can actually push food debris beneath the gumline, adding to the plaque and tartar that your dentist must remove with professional instruments.
To brush your teeth correctly and effectively, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Brush back and forth in short motions to clean each tooth one at a time, sweeping the loosened food away from the gums using vertical strokes. Use similar vertical strokes to clean the rear surfaces of your front teeth.
In addition to employing the correct brushing motion, you must also take care to use gentle pressure when brushing. Overly vigorous brushing can contribute to enamel wear and tear, making your teeth more sensitive. This can also encourage your gums to recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots.
When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush every three to four months or whenever you notice fraying of the bristles — whichever comes first. Normal brushing causes bristles to wear out or get twisted, reducing their effectiveness at removing plaque. They also tend to accumulate germs over time.
If you develop a cold sore, you should automatically change your toothbrush (or at least change the head on your electric toothbrush) as soon as the cold sore subsides. The virus that causes cold sores can linger on the bristles, promoting fresh outbreaks. Consider keeping your toothbrush in a dry place instead of a humid, germ-nourishing bathroom.
Family Dental Care of Wilmington can provide a wealth of advice on how to maintain your at-home dental hygiene, while also offering professional cleanings to get rid of tartar that home care can't remove. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.
