Toothbrushes – What should I use?

Your toothbrush is an integral piece in maintaining your good oral health & few people know that you should change your toothbrush every 2-3 months or when the bristles become splayed, when this occurs your brush is no longer cleaning you teeth properly!

Now your dentist can advise the best toothbrush for your teeth but at the Treatment Centre we like to generally advise Electric toothbrushes. Tests and clinical trials have shown that certain electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes at removing the primary cause of dental decay & gum disease, ie Plaque.

Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and are great for people with limited movement. With very little movement from the user the electric toothbrushes clean thoroughly and effectively. The majority of electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor so you can control the firmness of your brushing, some now have the 2minute timer so you can make sure your brushing for the recommended period.

Manual toothbrushes – If you are anti-electric you will need a small-medium size brush with soft-medium round-ended nylon bristles. The head needs to be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth, especially the back of the mouth where cleaning is more difficult.

So you’ve chosen your toothbrush now you need a good toothpaste…

Fluoride toothpastes are the most effective at strengthening & protecting your teeth – they can reduce tooth decay in adults & children. An adult will only need a pea sized amount whereas a child needs less than half the pea sized amount.

Children should have their own toothpaste up to around the age of 6. This is because children’s toothpaste has a lower fluoride level, as children have a tendency to swallow the majority of the paste it reduces the risk of them taking too much fluoride.

Remember to brush your teeth twice daily for a minimum of 2 minutes, electric toothbrushes generally have a timer but if your using a manual perhaps purchase an egg timer.

If you would like to discuss what toothbrush is best for you please ask your dentist at you next routine check up.