White Rock Dental Group is a general dentist’s office in South Surrey, BC that operates with the conviction that no two smiles are alike. Everyone we treat is unique, with individualized needs and personal expectations about oral health. That’s why you can count on Dr. Rogers and the rest of our staff to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to preventive dentistry. Even in the months between office visits, your home care should be tailored to your specific needs at any given time. And your tools should be appropriate for the task at hand. This includes your toothbrush.
Keep reading, to hear about what makes for a great toothbrush, and then be sure to get in-touch with our team to schedule your next preventive appointment.
How Do You Find The Best Equipment?
Using strategic preventive dentistry tactics at home and in our office is a good plan for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, which in turn, helps keep the rest of your body healthy.
If you are doing what you are supposed to, throughout your life you will use your toothbrush every day, at least twice a day, for at least two minutes at a stretch. Those are the minimum guidelines accepted in the dental world.
So, here’s a question for you: what can you tell us about your toothbrush?
Did it come equipped with a tongue scraper? How about a gum massager? Is it one of those toothbrushes that vibrate? Or is it one that pulsates?
Why does any of this matter?
Well, none of that really makes any difference in terms of effectiveness, which is the point we are trying to make. All that really matters about your toothbrush is size and bristle firmness.
Everything else is just a matter of personal preference.
Finding an effective toothbrush is not rocket science, but it is important that you choose the right one, or else you may not be getting your teeth as clean as you could be, and you could be putting yourself at risk for problems down the road.
The Appropriate Size For You
Does size matter? Yes.
The size of your toothbrush is important because it determines how easily you can maneuver your toothbrush around to get to hard to reach areas of your mouth.
Your back teeth, or molars, are difficult to brush, and if the head of your toothbrush is too large, or if the handle is too short, then it can be a frustrating experience, to say the least.
On the other hand, if the the head is too small, you will have to work that much harder to cover the surface area of your teeth, which will make it easier to overlook spots, especially when you are thinking about going to sleep or you are trying to get your bearings at the start of a new day.
Keep in mind that if the handle of the brush is too long, you run the risk of injuring the soft tissue inside your mouth. The inside of your cheeks and the back of your throat are particularly sensitive.
So, what should you be looking for in a toothbrush?
Look, this is just a broad observation and may not be right for you. Still, we have found that a toothbrush with a head that is about a ½ inch wide by an inch long is the ideal size for the typical adult patient. Keep in mind that the handle needs to be long enough for you to be able to get a good grip on it and work it with ease.
Soft Or Hard?
Do you think harder is better? In actuality, most people need to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The medium and/or hard bristled brushes may be fine if you are dealing with abnormal plaque and tartar build up, but you will want to be careful so as not to inflict damage on your teeth and gums.
Can A Dentist Help?
Yes! On top of brushing, the best way to eradicate tartar, plaque, and bacteria that has built up is to visit us every 3-6 months for a professional teeth cleaning. At that point, we may make recommendations regarding your toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash choices. We can also set you up with fluoride treatments, sealants, and the like.
Preventive dentistry begins with your toothbrush, but it doesn’t end there! Believe it or not, even your child’s baby teeth can get cavities. It’s important to set the stage for great dental health all through life. This is done by making regular preventive dentistry visits. Dr. Rogers recommends bringing in your children for their initial dental exam when they are 2 years old.
Let’s Get Started!
If you have any questions or concerns about your toothbrush or preventive dentistry in White Rock/South Surrey, contact us right away!