How to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for optimal oral health

The importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene for general health and the importance of choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush cannot be overstated. It can be tough to choose the best toothbrush and toothpaste because there are so many options available. Below are some suggestions for selecting the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your dental health.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Consider the Bristle Type:
Brushes are available in a variety of bristle kinds, including soft, medium, and hard. Selecting a toothbrush with soft bristles is crucial since harsh bristles can harm the gums and enamel, causing sensitivity and other oral health problems. Also if you notice your bristles start to splay outwards, it means you are brushing with too much force. As the sides of the bristles aren’t effective at removing plaque, it is important to replace your toothbrush and brush more gently.

Size of the Head:
Toothbrushes come in many sizes, shapes and with varied features. To clean the parts of the mouth that are difficult to reach, for example around the back of molars and wisdom teeth, or around crowded teeth, use a toothbrush with a smaller head. A larger head with cross-action bristles can be effective for the easier to reach areas, but may be too large for others. Consider your own teeth and ask your dentist or hygienist for advice.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes:
For good reason, electric toothbrushes are becoming more and more well-liked. Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque due to high speed oscillations, and a smaller head to reach harder to reach areas. Although manual toothbrushes can do a satisfactory job if used properly, you must be more diligent and confident in your tooth-brushing technique for a manual toothbrush to be effective. If you have any doubts or you are missing some areas, it would be beneficial to upgrade.

In addition, some electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors which help to reduce damage to your oral tissues, and most have a 2 minute timer to help you identify how long to brush.

Comfort and Grip:
Varying toothbrushes have varying grips, so it’s important to pick one that fits well in your hand. You can hold a toothbrush comfortably and properly brush your teeth if it has a decent grip.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Fluoride Content:
Fluoride is a mineral that is crucial for preserving good dental health and can help prevent tooth decay. Make an effort to select toothpaste that contains at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. For children, please refer to the age appropriate fluoride toothpastes, and remember to spit the excess, not swallow. However, you don’t need to rinse afterwards, which lets the toothpaste soak into your teeth and protect them.

Consider Your Oral Health Needs:
Different kinds of toothpaste address various dental health requirements. If you have sensitive teeth you can choose a toothpaste that is designed to help reduce sensitivity, and there are many different versions with different ingredients that help. When choosing toothpaste, go for one with a high fluoride level if you are prone to cavities; some may only be available from your dentist or a pharmacy, so please ask for advice from your dentist or hygienist on the best toothpaste for you.

Flavour:
Choose a flavour of toothpaste that you like from the many choices available. Regular tooth brushing will be encouraged by toothpaste with a flavour you enjoy. Most fluoride toothpastes have a mint flavour, however there are some that opt for a Strawberry or Bubblegum flavour – they may be hard to find but worth it if you or your children can’t handle mint.

The Top Tips for Optimal Oral Health From Tranquility Dentistry

Brush your teeth twice a day:
For the best dental health, aim to brush your teeth twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed

Floss daily:
Aim to floss at least once each day to eliminate plaque and food particles that a toothbrush cannot reach. At night is a perfect time, as there will be more in between your teeth from the daytime that needs to be removed before you sleep.

Visit your dentist regularly:
Regular dental check-ups, which we advise doing every six months, can protect your oral health and ensure that any problems are identified at an early stage.

Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks:
Tooth decay and other oral health issues can be brought on by foods and beverages with high sugar and acid content. If you do indulge occasionally, rinsing your mouth or drinking water afterwards will reduce the level of acids and sugars on your teeth.

For best oral health, choosing the correct toothbrush and toothpaste is crucial. You may maintain and improve your dental health by selecting a toothbrush with soft bristles, a smaller head, a decent grip, and consideration for the toothpaste’s fluoride concentration and chemicals. Additionally, maintaining a sparkling smile is possible by adhering to a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing twice a day, visiting your local dentist in Yamanto, Ipswich for routine check-ups (us at Tranquilly Dentistry of course), and avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acid.

If you are due for your next check-up or want to have a chat with one of our friendly dentists about your toothbrush and toothpaste, book in now here.

 

How to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste