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Feeling overwhelmed? Where do you begin?
With so much information regarding oral care, it might not be easy to understand what the ideal oral routine looks like and if you are implementing the recommended care.
Consider this a starting point, below are listed some recommended tips, FAQs, and proper techniques for those in need.
Tooth brushes: One size fits all?
With an abundance of toothbrushes on the market, it could be a daunting task to identify which one is right for you. Differences in bristles, material, and pricing can oftentimes make it more difficult when it comes time to select.
Here are some of the key factors to look out for when considering a toothbrush:
Easy and comfortable grip, having a comfortable grip ensures you don't apply excessive force on your gums
Soft bristles, a common mistake some individuals make is getting the hardest bristles to remove the plaque; however, the softest bristles can do the job without damaging your gums or enamel
Manual vs Electric?
A study by Jain Y titled "A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study" looked into the differences in using manual vs electric and these were the results -
" The subject group using the powered toothbrush demonstrated clinical and statistical improvement in overall plaque scores. Powered toothbrushes offer an individual the ability to brush the teeth in a way that is optimal in terms of removing plaque and improving gingival health, conferring good brushing technique on all who use them, irrespective of manual dexterity or training. - Jain Y"
Both choices can be as efficient if proper brushing technique is used.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months and even sooner if you fall ill, or if bristles are noticeably damaged.
Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth is an ideal starting point!
Something as simple as brushing your teeth effectively can be the best defense to prevent potential dental issues from arising.
The video below demonstrates one of the recommended brushing techniques according to the American Dental Association:
Be careful to avoid brushing too hard!
Although many might think that the harder you brush the better you are cleaning that is not always the case and can be the opposite.
According to a research study by C. Ganss titled "Tooth brushing habits in uninstructed adults—frequency, technique, duration, and force," the following are results after testing for applied pressure on a toothbrush.
"It appears that there is a correlation between force and gingival recession [4] since subjects with severe, minor and no recession exhibited mean forces of 3.8 ± 0.5, 2.4 ± 0.4 and 2.1 ± 0.3 N, respectively. [16]. It was also found that subjects with wedge-shaped lesions had significantly higher mean brushing force than subjects without cervical wear (2.9 ± 0.4 versus 2.1 ± 0.3 N) - C. Ganss et al."
Brushing harder can lead to gum recession and higher levels of enamel erosion!
Which toothpaste is the best?
Any toothpaste that contains the recommended amount of fluoride is effective unless otherwise advised by a dentist.
Proper Flossing Technique
Flossing is just as important!
According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that you floss at least once a day (ideally two). This is because the toothbrush often fails to reach between the teeth making it a common area for dental plaque to accumulate.
Flossing after every meal can provide even better results for an even better routine!
The video below demonstrates one of the recommended flossing techniques:
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