Have you ever noticed that there is always a mountain of choices for different tooth brushes on sale?
The task of choosing the right one can sometimes be a little daunting and often patients are unsure on which is best suited for them.
So what are some key aspects we need to look for when selecting a tooth brush?
For adults
Bristles – These vary in range from hard, medium, soft and extra soft. Some patients feel the need to buy the hardest bristles as they believe these can achieve a better clean, but these can be having a negative impact on their teeth and gums. It has been shown that the harder bristles can cause premature gum recession and wear facets on the teeth. For these reasons we recommend using the extra soft bristles as they achieve the same result whilst minimising trauma to the teeth and gums. Also, the slimmer bristles tips are able to enter and sweep food particles from along the gum line and between narrower gaps between the teeth.
Head size – The smaller the head on the tooth brush the easier it is to clean around all the teeth. Some people can find it difficult to keep their back teeth clean and using a smaller head it makes it easier to manipulate around those hard to reach areas.
Flexible neck – Having a flexible neck on the tooth brush can also be advantageous when it comes to difficult areas pf the mouth.
Tongue cleaner – Tooth brushes that contain an extra tongue cleaner on the back of the head can be a handy feature, but if they don’t you can always use the bristles to give the tongue a good clean too.
“The best tooth brush is the one you use”
For Children
There are a few minor differences between children and adult tooth brushes, but choosing a tooth brush with soft bristles and a small head is a good start. Another key feature for children is always going to be the size/grip on the handle. This is especially important in younger children, who are developing their fine motor skills. It’s best to look for a brush with larger easy grip for them to use. This is also the case for elderly or people with dexterity issues, additional attachments can be added to the handle of their tooth brushes to make them more user friendly.
“Only brush the teeth you want to keep!”
Proper care for tooth brushes
It is recommended that your tooth brush is changed every 3 months. An easy way to remember this is to change it with every new season. It’s essential to keep your tooth brush clean and debris-free between uses, rinsing thoroughly after use and keeping it in a dry location is best. If you notice that the tooth brush bristles are fraying before the recommended 3 months it’s probably a good indicator that you are brushing too hard.
Tooth brushing should be an important part of everyone’s daily hygiene routine. Incorrect or insufficient tooth brushing can lead to a build up of bacteria around the teeth and gums contributing to gum disease and tooth decay.
At Concord Dental Practice, we aim to identify, treat, and educate our patients on the best oral hygiene techniques to help maintain their own oral health at home. If it’s been more than six months since your last check up give one of our friendly staff a call on 9743 4001 to book an appointment.