Does The Right Toothbrush Really Matter? Yes – And Here’s What To Look For!

You may think that all toothbrushes are the same. But is that really true? Can you use any toothbrush and expect to maintain a healthy, cavity-free mouth? The answer is more complex than you may think! Not all toothbrushes are the same, and in this blog from DK Dental Care, we’ll explain why. We’ll also discuss what you should think about when choosing a new toothbrush. 
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Your Toothbrush Matters, But So Do Your Brushing Habits!

When it comes to picking a toothbrush, some things are a matter of personal preference, like the size of the brush, the type of handle, and the shape of the head. There are lots of different types out there, and they’ll all do a good job if you brush your teeth consistently.

The main thing to look out for is bristle stiffness. This actually can have an impact on your oral health. Most people should choose soft to medium bristles. These provide plenty of cleaning power, and are gentle on your gums and teeth.

In fact, stiff-bristled brushes can actually damage your oral health. If you use a brush that’s very stiff and you brush your teeth aggressively, you can actually damage your gums and wear down your enamel. So unless you’re very gentle when brushing, you should avoid stiff bristles.

And consistency is key. To keep your mouth healthy, you not only need the right toothbrush, but you also need to brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
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So, What Toothbrush Should I Use? Our Tips For Choosing The Right Brush

If you choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles, you use the right toothpaste, and you brush consistently with good technique, your teeth will stay healthy. But if you’re not sure what to buy, here are a few of our recommendations at DK Dental Care:

• Diamond-shaped head (manual toothbrush) – For manual toothbrushes, a head that tapers at both ends is the best choice. The narrow ends make it easier to clean tight spaces in your mouth, compared to a block-shaped or rectangular brush head.
  
  
• Round head (electric toothbrush) – If you have an electric toothbrush, you should go for one with a round head. That’s because these brush heads physically rotate, which helps knock plaque and bacteria loose from your teeth. In contrast, square electric toothbrushes tend to be “sonic” toothbrushes. These use special vibrations to vibrate the head, but it doesn’t actually rotate, so they tend to be less effective.
  
  
• ADA acceptance – if you’re not sure about a particular brush, just look for the ADA seal of acceptance. This means that the toothbrush conforms to the American Dental Association’s requirements, and will be safe and effective. 
  

• Replace your toothbrush often – Replacing your toothbrush regularly is almost as important as choosing the right toothbrush. You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever you notice that the bristles look worn and frayed.
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Six-Month Dental Visits In Hales Corners Are Also Essential For Your Oral Health

At-home oral hygiene is very important for your oral health. But so are regular visits with Dr. David Keeling at DK Dental Care. Routine six-month visits allow Dr. Keeling to check on your oral health, look for hidden signs of issues like cavities and gums disease, and make recommendations to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.

So don’t wait. If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should choose the right toothbrush, brush regularly, and start coming to DK Dental Care for your six-month checkups. Contact us online or give us a call at (414) 529-3253 to get started today.