Does the right tooth brush really matter? | Shook Family Dental (2024)

FAQs

Does the right tooth brush really matter? | Shook Family Dental? ›

Does choosing a certain type of toothbrush help you clean your teeth better? Most dentists agree that if you brush your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes, then the type of toothbrush you are using won't have that much of an impact.

Brush Regularly (And Properly) – And You Can Use Any Kind Of Toothbrush You Want! The type of toothbrush you use is not that important. What truly matters is that you regularly brush your teeth, floss, and maintain other good oral hygiene habits, such as visiting the dentist for a tooth cleaning every 6 months.

Dr Ben Atkins, Dentist and Trustee of the Oral Health Foundation, wants to warn people against the idea of sharing their toothbrush and says that it can lead to a number of health problems. Dr Atkins says: “Although it may seem like a kind gesture to share your toothbrush, it really is not a very good idea.

When considering an electric toothbrush, it helps to have guidance from the professionals who set the standards of dental care. ADA-acceptance does just that by letting you know that Oral-B rises to the level of safety and effectiveness that dental professionals recommend.

“Some studies have shown that tapered or angled bristles are slightly more effective at reducing plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says. Whether you opt for a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles. “Bristles that are too hard are more likely to cause damage to gums and enamel,” Tang says.

Key advancements include bristle technology. An expensive toothbrush often features specialised bristles for optimal cleaning, catering to different dental needs. These can range from ultra-soft for sensitive gums to uniquely angled for better reach. The handle design is another area of innovation.

Any toothbrush that is too hard or stiff can damage your gums over time. Over-brushing or “scrub brushing” with stiff bristles is one of the leading causes of gum recession, a common dental problem that exposes sensitive roots.

You risk a number of infections when you choose to pick up someone else's toothbrush. Viruses, including herpes simplex type one, are just one example of toothbrush-spread diseases. Herpes simplex type one is the very same virus that causes oral and genital herpes.

A person's mouth contains millions of bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms. Some of these can be transferred from person to person when a toothbrush is shared. Germs that cause herpes, the flu, colds and gum disease can be transferred when people share toothbrushes.

Why sharing isn't caring when your toothbrush is involved. The particular mix of bacteria in your mouth is unique to you. When you use someone else's toothbrush, you expose your teeth and gums to new bacteria which may not react well with your existing bacteria.

What toothbrush do most dentists recommend? ›

The ADA (American Dental Association) and most dentists recommend soft bristles as the best toothbrush, no matter what style of toothbrush you use.

Yes. Sensodyne is a daily toothpaste specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity* and is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth.

Opt for Soft or Medium Bristles

Hard bristles can put too much pressure on your gums and hurt them. Soft bristles, while gentle enough for your gums, may not provide the most thorough cleaning.

For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.

An extra soft toothbrush is recommended for sensitive teeth because its softer bristles cause less friction and pressure on the tooth's surface, reducing pain and discomfort during brushing. It provides a gentle cleaning action that is less likely to trigger sensitivity.

For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.

Some specialized types of brush heads include:

An angled toothbrush head helps reach the insides of your teeth, especially the insides of your lower and upper front teeth. These areas can be susceptible to tartar buildup because, for some people, they're harder to reach with a standard toothbrush head.

Research shows that both manual and electric toothbrushes do a good job of plaque removal and gum disease prevention when used properly. So, it really comes down to personal preference.

Why sharing isn't caring when your toothbrush is involved. The particular mix of bacteria in your mouth is unique to you. When you use someone else's toothbrush, you expose your teeth and gums to new bacteria which may not react well with your existing bacteria.