We all know that it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day – but how do you know if you’re using the right toothbrush and toothpaste? At Riverview Dental Designs in Tuscaloosa, we think it’s important, not only to keep up with brushing your teeth, but to also make sure you know if you’re using a good toothbrush and toothpaste.
Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different size mouths. For larger mouths, a full-head toothbrush may be preferred, whereas if your mouth is smaller, you may opt for a compact head or even a youth toothbrush. Either way, your toothbrush should be able to fit in your mouth comfortably and allow you to easily reach all areas.
The type of bristles a toothbrush has is directly related to how well your toothbrush is cleaning your teeth without causing damage. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush, not only because they bend more easily to access those hard-to-reach places, but also because they are less damaging than hard bristles. Hard bristles can cause gum irritation and can even damage the tooth surface.
The type of toothpaste you use is also important to your oral health. Here are a few key things to look for to make sure your toothpaste is giving your smile the best clean.
First, you need like the flavor, texture, and the toothpaste overall. Choosing a paste that you enjoy helps encourage you to brush everyday, twice a day.
Another way to make sure you’re using the right toothpaste is to look for the all-important ingredient of fluoride. Fluoride has been proven to protect tooth enamel from decay and is crucial to a healthy mouth. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%.
Besides fluoride, toothpastes are also made to cater to individual needs and can include speciality features like helping with sensitivity, tartar control, whitening, and breath-freshening.
Using the right toothbrush and toothpaste is important to your at-home dental hygiene routine, but there’s more to maintaining optimal oral health than simply using the right products at home. Keeping up with regularly scheduled professional cleanings and checkups are crucial to ensuring a healthy mouth. If you’re due for a professional cleaning or checkup, call Dr. Paul Diaz or Dr. David Riley at our Tuscaloosa dental office to schedule your appointment today!
