In this guide brought to you by The Sadati Center For Aesthetic Dentistry in South Florida, we explain why choosing the right toothbrush for your needs matters, and how to find the best toothbrush just for you.
What Are Things To Consider When You Are Shopping For A New Toothbrush?
- Toothbrushes With Soft vs. Hard Bristles
- Manual Toothbrushes vs. Electric Toothbrushes
- Toothbrush Size And Why It Matters
- When To Throw Out And Replace Your Old Toothbrush
What Are The Benefits Of A Toothbrush With Soft Bristles?
Some people think brushing harder can lead to a better, more effective deep clean, but this is simply not the case. Toothbrushes with hard bristles, when used with too much force, can injure your teeth by weakening the enamel and causing dental erosion.
Brushing forcefully with hard bristle toothbrushes can also irritate your gums and cause gum tissue to recede. This process in which the gum tissue surrounding teeth degrades and exposes more of the tooth or the tooth’s root is called gum recession. With less protective gum tissue, gum recession can leave your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria. To avoid these issues, the American Dental Association recommends using a brush with soft bristles. And remember, it’s important not to apply too much force with your toothbrush.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Manual Toothbrushes?
Today’s market offers a wide range of toothbrushes for purchase. Countless options of both manual and electric toothbrushes are available. Manual toothbrushes are perfectly capable of keeping your mouth healthy when used correctly, so choosing an electric toothbrush is a matter of preference. Here are some ways in which electric toothbrushes are more practical:
- Less waste: While manual toothbrushes need to be thrown out entirely while most electric toothbrushes only require that users replace the head.
- Cleaner results: Depending on the model, an electric toothbrush can have the ability to make your mouth cleaner than a manual brush. Certain models of electric toothbrushes have bristles that are programmed to scrub your teeth and tongue thoroughly for adequate time and pressure.
- Less work: Probably one of the best benefits of a motorized toothbrush is the fact you do not have to do the work because the toothbrush can handle a bulk of the effort. This feature is especially beneficial for people with arthritis or other limited mobility issues.
How Does Toothbrush Size Impact My Brushing Habits?
When it comes to toothbrushing habits, one of the most common issues is that there are often areas that most people skip. Two of the areas that most people commonly neglect during their daily tooth brushing routine include the inside of their teeth and along their gum line. It’s important to remember to brush both these areas, as plaque and bacteria commonly build up in these areas.
In order to comfortably reach all the surfaces of your teeth, it’s important to choose a toothbrush with a long enough handle that you can comfortably grip your toothbrush as you go about your oral hygiene routine. Another thing to look out for as you shop is the size of the toothbrush head. If the head of the toothbrush is much too large, you may not be able to comfortably clean all the nooks and crannies of your smile.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
According to experts, it is advised that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles have become visibly damaged. In following these guidelines, you can expect to replace your toothbrush at least 3 times per year. For sanitary purposes, it is also recommended to replace your toothbrush if you have been sick or if someone else accidentally used your toothbrush.
While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, it is also important to visit your dentist twice a year (or once every 6 months). Even with good oral hygiene habits every day, only a dentist can offer a professional cleaning and an expert exam to address any issues you may have missed.
If you are ready for a regular dental check-up in the West Palm Beach, FL area, consider The Sadati Center For Aesthetic Dentistry in Wellington. For your general and cosmetic dentistry needs, The Sadati Center is proud to offer teeth whitening, metal-free fillings, and even express dentistry for patients traveling in the South Florida area. Call 888-873-3558 to ask about a check-up or schedule a visit today.
