Let’s Have a Closer Look At Your Toothbrush

Have you considered the type of toothbrush you’re using and why? Each toothbrush has its own purpose and style and can greatly affect your teeth and smile. This oral hygiene instrument is used to clean your gums, teeth, and tongue, therefore it’s vital to determine which one facilitates the best cleaning in the hardest to reach areas of your mouth. For your oral care, let’s take a look at the various types of toothbrush bristles and general tips in choosing the right one:

• Soft brushes – These are the most recommended by dentists as the soft bristles are less harsh on your teeth and gums and provide a thorough cleaning if manually brushed in a circular motion covering all upper and lower teeth.
• Hard brushes – The nylon bristles of this toothbrush provide a vigorous cleaning, however, if you swipe back and forth on your teeth, the hard bristles could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. Make sure the brushes have rounded tips to ensure more tooth protection.
• Disposable – The bristles will have safety tips, and not fall out of the toothbrush under typical brushing conditions. The handle will also withstand normal use, and a disposable toothbrush will effectively reduce plaque build-up and gum disease in their early stages.
• Electric – A powered toothbrush where the bristles go round and round and back and forth is more effective than a manual toothbrush. It all depends on the user and what suits their needs best. Electric toothbrushes do help eliminate plaque and reduce gum disease, thus unless you experience limited mobility (such as painful arthritis), these toothbrushes are efficient. Some varieties also have a built-in timer to let you know when you’ve devoted enough time to brushing.

When it comes down to it, the best toothbrush is going to be the one you are most likely to use. Some people may not prefer the vibrating feeling of the electric toothbrush, while others resort to the affordability of the disposable variety. As long as you clean your teeth regularly using a proper brushing technique, you should be able to reduce the buildup of plaque and keep your gums healthy and strong with any of the above types.

A Child’s Toothbrush

The best toothbrush for your child needs to be one they will use regularly and properly. There are a variety of both disposable and electric options made specifically for kids. They even come in a wide selection of colors or feature a child’s favorite cartoon character to enhance the

brushing experience. The electric toothbrushes also have an option that plays music to alert your child to know how long to brush. The following suggestions are what to look for when choosing a good toothbrush for your child:

1. Make sure there is an ADA Seal of Approval on the packaging.
2. Select a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
3. When your child is old enough to speak, have them help you choose their toothbrush, which will make the entire tooth-brushing experience more enjoyable if they’re involved.

Never underestimate the importance of good oral hygiene, not only for dental health but for your overall wellness. Gum disease is a major risk factor for the development of other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and opting for a quality toothbrush to keep your gums and teeth health is vital.

Dr. Reger has all your general tips on what to look for based on your personal preferences. At Reger Family Dental his dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, and help you determine what toothbrush works best for your teeth. You owe it to your smile to pay his San Antonio office a visit.