Keeping Your Mouth Healthy with LMHD
You use your toothbrush twice a day, but how much do you really know about it? Our toothbrushes help us reduce or eliminate plaque, prevent cavities, and freshen our breath. Toothbrushes are an important tool for keeping our mouth healthy, and brushing our teeth is one of the most effective ways we can maintain our oral health. Here we address a few common questions regarding toothbrushing, so you can learn more about your toothbrush, and why it is so important for your oral health. Still have questions? At La Mesa Hills Dentistry, we are here to be your partner in your oral health. Contact us today!
Which is more effective, a manual toothbrush or an electric one?
While many people believe electric toothbrushes are more effective at powering away plaque, the tooth truth is that they are both effective! Both manual and power toothbrushes are capable of getting the job done. A manual toothbrush is acceptable for most people, but power brushes are helpful for people who either have trouble brushing independently or are more prone to plaque buildup. When choosing a toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which lets you know the brush has been independently tested and verified as safe and effective for your teeth.
How often should I replace my toothbrush- every year, or more often?
If you are waiting for your next dental appointment to replace your toothbrush, you may want to rethink that strategy. Toothbrushes should be replaced more often than just when your dentist gives you a new one at the end of your visit. It is important to change toothbrushes between appointments too, preferably every 3- 4 months. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush wear out and a worn toothbrush is not able to clean your teeth as well. If you need a way to remember to change your brush, just go by the season. New season, new toothbrush!
How much toothpaste should I use?
Do you know the proper amount of toothpaste to use when brushing? A good rule of thumb for adults and children age 3 and older is to brush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children younger than 3, it is appropriate to use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. To find a toothpaste, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
What kind of bristles should my toothbrush have?
Did you think a hard bristle brush works best at busting plaque? It may surprise you to learn that firm, and even medium-strength bristles, may cause damage to your mouth, and a soft-bristled brush is actually the most effective. All brushes carrying the ADA Seal are soft-bristled brushes. When you brush your teeth, only brush hard enough to clean the film off your teeth, don’t scrub too vigorously or you may cause accidental damage to your gums and enamel. You can trust that your fluoride toothpaste will do the rest of the work.
Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools we have for keeping our mouths healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning, and once before bedtime, is a critical step in maintaining optimal oral health. At La Mesa Hills Dentistry, we encourage our patients to use an ADA Seal toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush twice a day. We also encourage you to come in for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. At LMHD, we are here to be your partner in your oral health. Contact us today!