Prevention is always better than cure. The adage still rings true even when it comes to caring for your teeth. Regular brushing of your teeth serves as your oral health’s first line of defense against oral infections, cavities and gum disease. If you fail to care for your teeth daily, don’t be shocked when you find yourself at our emergency dental clinic in Midland.
That’s why you cannot be cavalier about brushing your teeth. However, you will need to go a step further and understand your dental equipment. Choosing the right equipment is vital since this represents a huge chunk of the results.
Most people get overwhelmed at their local store looking for the appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. This is because there are many options on the shelves, and you risk picking an option that might not work for you. So, let’s check how you can pick the right dental equipment.
Is There a Wrong or Right Toothbrush?
The short answer is yes and no. Once you reach the dental care aisle, you will realize that toothbrushes come in different shapes and sizes, and knowing the one that is appropriate for your mouth makes a huge difference.
Your toothbrush is the foundation of your dental hygiene. Sometimes, people will say electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones. But when you clean your teeth, the technique is what matters. All you need to do, whether you have an electric or a manual one, is used either correctly.
Some of the general factors that you need to peel your eyes for are:
- Size
Size is a critical attribute that you should consider when choosing a toothbrush. The whole point of getting a toothbrush with the appropriate size is that it should access all of your teeth’s surfaces. Angled toothbrushes will help you reach the inside of your teeth, where plaque and tartar can easily build up.
On the other hand, you might go for a toothbrush with a smaller head that is excellent if you have a smaller mouth. Full-size toothbrushes are only appropriate for patients with large mouths. The full-size toothbrushes may be a bit too bulky for children and people with small mouths.
But the best way to find out would be to try out various toothbrushes to find the best one for your mouth. Another thing you may need to look at is the handle. You need a toothbrush with a handle that you can comfortably hold while brushing your teeth.
- Electric or Disposable?
Electric toothbrushes have several perks, the main one being that you can time them, aiding in brushing your teeth properly.
However, as long as you have mastered the proper brushing technique, you can effectively deal with plaque whether you use an electric or disposable toothbrush.
- Bristle Variety
Bristle type is also a vital factor when you are choosing a toothbrush. Bristles are the ones that clean your teeth, so you may need to take some time when picking your toothbrush based on the bristles.
The varieties of bristles that you will find are soft or nylon bristles and medium and hard bristles. Soft bristles are good for most people since they will go easy on your teeth and gums. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the enamel, root surface, and gums, especially if you are vigorous. If you want the best results, get a toothbrush with soft bristles with rounded tips.
How Do You Choose the Right Toothpaste?
Unless our family dentist advises you differently, you need to look for toothpaste with fluoride. Most kinds of toothpaste will have similar ingredients, such as abrasives, fluoride, stabilizers, thickeners, and flavors.
Fluoride is an essential component since it aids in protecting the teeth against tooth decay. Even though most brands will have fluoride as a common ingredient, you should check to see if it’s included.
The abrasives are also included to remove stubborn food particles sticking to the teeth. They also polish the teeth after removing the stains.
You may have to speak to our dentist to help you pick out a particular toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth designed to clean your teeth and reduce sensitivity.
The Takeaway
Don’t just get into your local supermarket and pick a brand. Check the size, bristles, and handle to ensure that you have the right toothbrush for your mouth. When choosing the toothpaste that you need, check the ingredients.
If you have any questions about your dental equipment or need dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, contact us at Midland Avenue Dental, and we would love to help you.