We get so many questions about how to clean your teeth and toothbrushes. Here are the ins and outs of toothbrushing, and a breakdown of the different types of toothbrushes:
Manual vs electric:
- This can be personal preference.
- Manual toothbrushes take more skill to use as you have to physically manoeuvre them around each surface.
- Electric brushes do a lot of the work for you and can be helpful if you’re finding it hard to brush every surface of every tooth.
- Electric brushes with a pressure sensor and timer can help avoid overbrushing.
- Electric toothbrushes can help do more work if you have dexterity issues. For example if you have arthritis in your hands, or for young children.
Hard vs soft bristles:
- Soft bristles are best for your teeth and gums.
- Hard bristles can cause overbrushing and toothbrush abrasion lesions. These can become sensitive and need maintenance over time.
Shape of the toothbrush:
- A brush with a smaller head is best.
- Toothbrushes with larger heads make it harder to clean the corners of the mouth.
Other kinds of brushes:
- Orthodontic brushes and interproximal brushes are good additions to your home routine.
- These have smaller heads and different shapes to help get into hard to reach areas like between teeth and behind the lower front teeth.
- Interproximal brushes can be used like toothpicks to go between the teeth.
How to keep my brush clean?
- Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Keep your toothbrush dry and away from the toilet. Use a toothbrush case if necessary.
Do you have more questions about toothbrushing?