What kind of toothbrush should I use?
So many choices and so little consequence. When it comes to brushing, the brush itself is much less important than the person holding it, says Dr. Cynthia Sherwood, of the Academy of General Dentistry .
If you know how to brush your teeth properly, you won't need a fancy toothbrush to keep your teeth healthy. So, what should you look for in a toothbrush and how long should you brush your teeth?
Whether you decide to go for straight or angled, manual or electric, fancy or plain, you should follow a few basic guidelines.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Some of the electric toothbrushes on the market have timing devices and/or displays which show which teeth you should be brushing each 30 seconds.
- Choose a toothbrush with a small head (about an inch long and a half-inch wide) and a long handle.
- Select a child's toothbrush for a child. It sounds obvious, but, you would be surprised at often it doesn't happen.
- The brush should have soft, rounded bristles. Choose one labeled "Soft". Hard bristles won't get your teeth any cleaner, but they can wear down your teeth and damage your gums.
- If you have periodontal disease also known as "gum" disease, I recommend an electric toothbrush because the extra vibration seems to help massage the gums and speed healing. Tooth brushes sold by your dentist have higher speeds than those sold in stores. Prices can range from $25 for the lower end brushes up to $140 for those with displays and timers. I recommend Oral B toothbrushes to my patients.
- If you are not certain you are brushing properly, your Dentist or Hygienist can provide you with instructions.
Next time we will talk about toothpaste.
CHEWING THE FACTS
A PUBLIC SERVICE
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Dr. Louis A. Hassell, DDS
3796 Ashley Phosphate Rd.
North Charleston , SC 29418 |
