When it comes to oral health, the cleanliness of your teeth and mouth have everything to do with what type of toothbrush and toothpaste you use. Most of us look for the cheapest or most generalized type to make sure we cover all the bases, but in reality, you may be doing more harm than good for your overall oral health. The state of everyone’s mouth is different and the tools we use play a major role in increasing our oral health. Make sure you use the right toothbrush.

Types of Toothbrushes

 

Believe it or not, there are a lot of variables that go into each toothbrush. Depending on the size of your mouth and sensitivity, you may need a particular type for ultimate cleaning.

 

Electric or Manual?

 

This is a never ending battle with no clear cut lines. Although it is easier to say one is better than the other, it actually has to do mostly with preference. If your dentist repeatedly tells you that you need to brush your teeth more deeply or for longer periods of time, you may want to switch to electric. Electric toothbrushes do a lot of the scrubbing for you through circular vibrating motions to ensure every surface and crevice is thoroughly cleaned.

 

Large, Medium, or Small?

 

The size of your mouth and teeth are indicative of what size toothbrush you may need. If you have particularly small teeth or a narrow mouth, you may need a smaller toothbrush head to make sure you hit every surface completely. The average adult uses a toothbrush with a head about a half-inch long and one-inch wide. This should be big enough to reach all areas, but small enough to actually scrub the crevices.

 

Bristles

 

There are three distinct type of toothbrush bristles offered at most drugstores: soft, medium and hard nylon bristles. It is suggested for everyone to use soft just to play it safe. Many times we brush too hard without knowing which can have an opposite effect on our teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can lead to severe gum damage and can actually chip away at the enamel instead of cleaning it off. If you choose a harder bristle type, be sure you are extremely gentle while brushing. Your dentist can suggest the best type, specific for your teeth type, that will increase your oral health.

 

Toothpaste

 

There are many different kinds of toothpaste that are made to enhance those with different circumstances in their mouth.

 

Fluoride

 

Do you have soft teeth and are prone to cavities? Choose a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is known to remineralize teeth and build a stronger enamel that can effectively fight against plaque build up. It’s anti-decay properties prevent sugary drinks and food from leaving debris that can turn into acid and wear away at enamel.

 

Whitening

 

If your teeth are mildly stained or you pick up a habit of drinking a lot of coffee or smoking cigarettes, you may want to invest in whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste has more abrasives than other types that improve scrubbing and get beneath the stains to scrub them out. Although it is not a one-time complete change, it will keep your teeth white over time and prevent permanent staining.

 

Desensitizing

 

Some of us have extremely fragile teeth. If you find yourself with a toothache everyday due to extreme temperatures, you may want to get desensitizing toothpaste. There are many different forms of desensitizing toothpaste with different active ingredients, so be sure to check with your dentist before choosing the best one for you.

 

If you are looking for ways to strengthen your teeth and increase your overall oral health, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas to set up an appointment with our dentists. After an exam, we will be able to tell you more about your teeth and what you should use to get the most out of your oral health routine.