Here’s What to Consider When Buying Your Next Toothbrush

August 15, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — drfossum @ 11:20 pm

attractive woman smiling brushing teethDoes it really matter what type of toothbrush you buy? After all, aren’t they all made equal? Your dentist in Temple says that to get the most from your oral hygiene and to protect your teeth and gums, it definitely matters what type of toothbrush you choose. As you continue reading, learn what to look for when making a selection, and discover why it’s so important to make the right choice. Additionally, get some key pointers on how to brush your teeth properly so you can enjoy excellent oral health down the road!

Why Your Toothbrush Matters

It’s important to choose the right toothbrush to preserve your enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. While it’s composed of the hardest material in the human body, it isn’t infallible. Thus, choosing the wrong toothbrush could lead to premature wear, which can leave the sensitive dentin layer that lies underneath vulnerable to damage and painful sensations. Therefore, when shopping for your next toothbrush, it’s important to keep in mind that all of them aren’t created equally.

What to Look for in a Toothbrush

When you’re in the market for a toothbrush, here are some factors to consider:

  • Softness – While it may seem that the harder the bristles are on a toothbrush, the better they are at cleaning your teeth, the reality is that it can cause damage to your enamel. So look for a toothbrush with softer bristles instead.
  • Shape – Another factor to consider is the overall shape of the toothbrush. It should fit comfortably into your mouth to allow you to easily clean your teeth.
  • Personal Needs – If you have difficulty controlling a manual toothbrush and getting into the harder-to-reach spaces, an electric toothbrush may be a better option.

Brushing Up on Your Technique

It’s also important to consider the way you utilize a toothbrush. In general, it’s better to apply light pressure instead of attempting to use force to more effectively clean your teeth. Also, when brushing, be sure to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle away from the gums to prevent any irritation. Then, when cleaning the chewing surface, hold the toothbrush flat while gently moving back-and-forth. Finally, to brush the inner parts of the teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically to carefully clean this area.

Along with brushing correctly, you should also be flossing at least two times a day to help rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can cause a host of problems. By consistently performing oral hygiene and maintaining semi-annual visits with your local dentist, a life of fantastic oral health awaits you!

About the Author

For the past two decades, Dr. Richard Fossum has been providing the Temple area with top-notch dental care. A graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, he still remains hungry to expand his knowledge, which is why he takes hours of continuing education annually. Dr. Fossum helps patients experience the fullness of having excellent oral health at Fossum Dental Group, and he can be reached for more information through his website.

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