21 October 2016The key to a healthy smile is a great home-care regimen. Brushing after every meal, using mouthwash and daily flossing will maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental decay and costly dental procedures. The healthiest, most natural looking smile is your smile; preserve it with careful dental care.
In this first installment of this series we will be exploring the most vital tool in the oral hygiene tool box, the toothbrush. This instrument will see the most amount of use and can have the largest impact on dental health. There are four aspects to consider when choosing a toothbrush. This article will investigate each of these aspects and provide you with information necessary to make the right choice.
1. Size – The head of the toothbrush should be small enough that it allows easy access to all the surfaces of your mouth. For most adults, this means roughly 1¼ centimeters (½ inch) wide by 2 ½ centimeters (1 inch) long. The length and makeup of the handle are dependent on the user’s preferences. The handle should be long enough to reach the back side of the last molars. If the patient has difficulty gripping (often caused by arthritis or other joint disorders) a broad handle, shaped to fit the hand, and added rubber grips can be a real asset.
2. Bristle Variety – The bristles of toothbrushes are made of nylon and are offered in soft, medium and hard. A soft bristle brush is the best choice. Medium and hard bristles can damage the surface of the tooth by removing enamel, increasing the likelihood of staining and exposing the darker colored dentin below the enamel. Medium and hard bristles can also damage the gum tissue, causing it to recede, exposing more of the tooth (creating a longer looking tooth) and the root (creating sensitivity). For added protection, select a brush that has rounded bristles.
3. Expert Recommendation – As a health aid implement, toothbrushes that are certified by governing bodies are subjected to rigorous testing. This testing ensures that the tool will not fail under normal use, is unlikely to cause damage and that it is capable of performing the required task. If you are unsure about which brand of toothbrush is best suited to you, consult your dentist.
4. Cost – Manual toothbrushes are less costly than electric toothbrushes. Either choice can provide effective cleaning and will promote good oral health. Electric toothbrushes often include a timer to alert the user when two minutes (the recommended length of time for brushing) have passed and may make cleaning teeth easier. The decision to choose electric over manual or manual over electric really comes down to personal preference. The best toothbrush is the one that will get used, properly, the most often.
After choosing the perfect toothbrush the next step is to USE IT!! The next series will focus on the proper use of the devices discussed in the “Tools of the Trade” series. The “Tricks of the Trade” series will provide easy-to-follow directions and simple advice for reaping the most benefit from your dental care instruments….and now Dental Floss.
For more information please feel free to Contact Brighton Implant Clinic or Call us on 0800 111 6623.