Happy New Year to all our patients for the coming 2016! We are excited to help you reach your newest health goals. One of the easiest changes you can make to benefit your smile is as simple as changing your toothbrush! Your toothbrush’s purpose is to remove plaque and stimulate your gums to keep away tooth decay and gum disease. So what are your options?
Manual toothbrushes have many benefits:
–Ergonomically designed handles with special grips.
–Easy to transport, these can be tucked in your pocket or bag to use away from home.
–Don’t put pressure on the teeth and gums like powered toothbrushes do, protecting precious tooth enamel.
–May have crisscrossed, extra-long or multi-level bristles.
–May have cupped-bristle design for whitening benefits.
–May have gum stimulators and tongue cleaner pads.
Manual toothbrushes work best for those who are good brushers and flossers. Make sure to brush your teeth and gums for at least two minutes, and don’t neglect the back molars and lower bottom teeth next to the tongue where plaque flourishes. Brush thoroughly but gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush without wearing down tooth enamel. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months so the bristles are firm and straight, and you are good to go!
Electric Toothbrushes and their benefits:
–Good for anyone with limited manual dexterity–for children who haven’t mastered manual dexterity yet, or older people with arthritis or limited ability to move the shoulders, arms and hands.
–Typically have larger handles than manual toothbrushes, making them easier to hold.
–May have sensors to let you know when your two minutes of brushing time is up.
–May have pressure sensors to let you know when you are brushing too hard.
–May have brushing modes for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits, or gum massaging.
Research has found that electric toothbrushes with rotating oscillating bristles (these rotate together in one direction and then switch and rotate in the opposite direction) remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes or electric brushes that spin in the same direction. Also, the Journal of the American Dental Association found that powered toothbrushes had a positive effect on the oral health of 80% of patients, according to dental professionals.
At the dental office of Heather Bobb, DDS, we are excited to help you reach your oral health goals in the coming year. Call us at 512-858-7200 today and we will keep you smiling!