Using The Right Toothpaste And Toothbrush

In Jan 2022 Dr Reddy Conducted a workshop at Whitestone Dentistry for educating patients regarding brushing techniques and choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste. The workshop was attended by 20 patients and 7 dentists. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?

Brushing your teeth properly has probably been instilled in you from a young age. However, as the saying goes, a workman is only as good as his tools, and so choosing the right toothbrush is essential to ensuring you are giving your teeth and gums the best possible care. However, the market is saturated with different types of toothbrushes all making claims about how they help to look after your teeth, and so choosing the right toothbrush for your unique dental situation isn’t always easy.

With new toothbrushes shown to remove up to 30% more plaque than one that is three months old, regularly replacing your toothbrush is essential for maintaining a consistently high level of oral hygiene. Dental experts recommend that you should replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles begin to show wear, whichever comes first.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A TOOTHBRUSH?

Here is our guide to what you need to look for to help you make the right decision.

• Head Size. You will see a range of brush heads available, but by choosing a small-headed brush you will have better access to the parts of your mouth that can be trickier to access. For this reason, many dentists also advocate a round-headed toothbrush, as there are no additional angles to contend with!

• Bristle Design. Bristle design is equally important when it comes to choosing your toothbrush. An increasing number of manufacturers are now producing heads with varying size bristles, which is very useful for getting into the deeper gaps between teeth and those hard-to-reach locations.

• Bristle Firmness. Hard or soft bristles is another common debate among consumers, with many wrongly believing that firmer bristles will do a better job of cleaning your teeth. In fact, firm bristles can actually damage your teeth and gums. Instead opt for soft bristles which will be just as effective at cleaning your teeth, and will do so without irritating your gums or contributing to a receding gum line.

• Handle Grip. When you consider that you should brush your teeth for at least the recommended two minutes every time, a handle with a comfortable and secure grip should be a priority. There are lots of varieties available so just pick whichever makes cleaning your teeth easiest.

What’s your toothpaste?

Whichever toothpaste you choose, you can be sure of one thing: It’s full of oral health goodness. Strictly no harmful ingredients – no SLS, no Triclosan, no plastic microbeads. 

Here are tips on how to choose the right toothpaste.

– Look out for the ADA Approved Toothpaste

The American Dental Association helps in offering reliable oral health information to patients and professionals. Any toothpaste approved by ADA means that it is safe to use and will help you accrue the intended benefits. When shopping for a toothpaste, make sure you go for ADA approved toothpaste.

– Check for Fluoride

Almost all toothpaste sold contains fluoride. According to the ADA website, brushing your teeth twice using fluoride toothpaste is a basic of oral hygiene due to fluoride’s proven the ability to fight cavities. Several diverse fluoride formulations are available, and all of them seem to be similar in fighting cavities and safety. Though, it is crucial to keep in mind that most natural toothpaste formulations do not contain fluoride.

– Choose a toothpaste that meets your needs

Every individual’s body chemistry is different. That is why you may find a brand of toothpaste that is loved by many, but it does not work for you since it doesn’t make your mouth feel fresh and clean as you would want. Also, you may find that you are sensitive to a certain type of ingredient. Therefore, it is important that you consider what your teeth need most so that you can choose the right one for you.

– Tartar Control

Gum disease and tooth decay are often caused when you neglect your teeth regularly. While shopping for a toothpaste, always go for the one that is tough on plaque and tartar. However, plaque and tartar are best removed through a professional deep cleaning. So, apart from getting a good toothpaste, you can visit your dentist for professional deep cleaning at least twice a year.

– Read the label carefully

Some toothpastes are clearly labeled for use only be older children and adults. While others recommend consulting your dentist before using for longer than a specified period. Always ensure that you read and follow any instructions on the label.

Bottom Line

Using the right toothpaste and toothbrush is important to maintaining your beautiful smile. However, it does not replace your twice-yearly appointments to the dentist. During these dental visits, your dentist will polish your teeth to remove all the tartar and make sure your smile shines.