For most of us, apart from the colorful bristles and handle designs, all toothbrushes look the same. But what we often don’t realize is the bristle’s value to dental hygiene. The right toothbrush cleans your teeth and gums, while a dentist brightens your smile. Going to the dentist may not be avoidable, but by developing good brushing habits, your teeth and gums will be healthier.
Whether you prefer a handheld or an electric toothbrush, the bristle’s structure and pattern makes a difference. The best bristle is a soft nylon with rounded ends to help clean your mouth, teeth and gums. Soft bristles are perfect for younger and more delicate teeth. Mature teeth appreciate the soft-cupped shaped bristles for cleaning around the tooth or a diagonal cut that cleans the sides of tooth to the gum line. You can also pick a mix of these two bristles for getting in-between the teeth. Lowry Dental, a Boise Dentist, and the American Dental Association (ADA) can help you select the toothbrush that works best for you.
Good Dental Health - Bristles
Choosing your toothbrush is a personal choice but your dentist will usuallyrecommend soft bristles because they prevent costly damages to your teeth and gums. For the best results, the toothbrush head should be one inch tall and half an inch wide.
- Some bristles will change color over time signaling you need a new one.
- Hard bristles injure teeth and gums causing infections.
Brushing harder or using medium or hard bristles will not clean your teeth any better than a soft toothbrush. In fact, the harder bristles will quicken the erosion of your tooth’s enamel and gums exposing the tooth's root surface. The only solution to this problem is an office visit.
Dental Prevention - Brushing
If the bristles are bent, they are worn-out and not cleaning your teeth or gums - time to replace the toothbrush. Brushing helps to get rid of bacteria in our mouth even though it can transfer to the toothbrush. You can keep the brush clean by rinsing it after each use. Let it dry standing upright before you use it again.
Regular brushing removes damaging plaque and food particles. The brushing technique is part of good dental health. Angle the bristles and use circular movements for two to three minutes. If you have been using a medium to hard bristled toothbrush, it takes time to adjust to the soft bristle.
Conclusion
Brushing your teeth daily using fluoride toothpaste is dental health prevention, so is replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Remember, brushing your teeth longer and twice a day is more effective than brushing them harder. Your teeth and gums will be happier and so will your smile.