Unlike cars, you can’t actually test-drive a toothbrush at your local convenience store. Consequently it’s sometimes difficult choosing the right brand. Back in the days, the choice of which toothbrush to get mainly came down to color choice. Now, with all the modern technology that goes into toothbrush design, you will probably need a prescription to find one to do the right job. Choosing the right toothbrush is as crucial as regular brushing when it comes to oral care. The right toothbrush can not only prevent cavities, but also gum disease, by removing plaque, as long as it is used effectively and replaced regularly. Brushing with a good fluoride toothpaste can significantly protect teeth against decay.
Bristles became the main material for toothbrushes by the end of the eighteenth century, even though, believe it or not, some toothbrushes were made from horse’s hair in the early days. At any rate, the size and shape of your toothbrush should allow you to reach every tooth comfortably.
When choosing the right toothbrush, first of all, make sure your choice has proven clinical credentials. Ask your dentist for suggestions to make sure your toothbrush has undergone rigorous quality control tests for cleaning power and efficiency. You may also look for manual or powered toothbrushes that have earned the Seal of Approval of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Choose medium to soft, round-tipped and polished nylon bristles. If the bristles are too hard, it could damage the gums, but it should be firm enough to remove the plaque effectively. The next factor is head size; in order to maneuver easily around your mouth, without damaging the gums, select a smaller rather than a bigger head. As a simple rule of thumb, the size of your mouth should determine the size of your toothbrush. Although it may seem strange, the cut of the bristles, the angle at which the head is attached, or even the shape of the handle, don’t really matter with regards to fighting off cavities.
People usually get confused as to whether manual or powered toothbrushes are more successful at removing plaque and reducing gum disease. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate this matter. Scientists have found that, on the whole, there was no significant difference between manual and electric toothbrushes, as regards their ability to prevent cavities and gum disease, and remove plaque. There is, however, some evidence that suggests that a specific type of powered toothbrush, called a spinning oscillation toothbrush, is more efficient than hand-driven toothbrushes. Although you may say that this is the lazy man’s way of brushing, electric toothbrushes have been proven to painlessly loosen and remove plaque with high frequency micro-movements. This ensures accurate brushing by means of thousands of vibrations per second, and is also less trauma for sensitive gums.
You mustn’t get too attached to your toothbrush, since any toothbrush needs replacing when the bristles start bending or spreading. Dentists recommend that toothbrushes should be swapped every three to four months. Once the bristles bend, they may injure your gums, and furthermore, they cannot clean your teeth properly.
Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.
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