A common question many patients ask is which toothbrush to use.
First of all, manual or electric toothbrush? The answer is- it does not matter as long as it is being used properly.
It is important to use the correct toothbrushing technique- angling the bristles along the gum lines and moving the brush in small circles around all the teeth surfaces.
For people who have issues with manual dexterity (for example, due to arthritis), an electric toothbrush might be easier to use as the oscillating head reduces the need for fine motor skills of the hand.
Electric toothbrushes also have a timer function which helps patients brush for an adequate length of time to ensure a thorough clean.
The size of the toothbrush is important. It is preferable to use a brush with a small or compact head. A smaller brush allows easier access to the inside of the mouth and the back of the molars.
What type of bristles should you use?
It is important to always use a soft-bristled brush whether one uses a manual or electric brush. Even though there are medium-bristled brushes available, they are to be avoided. The harder the bristles, the more abrasive the brush will be. With everyday use, an abrasive brush will wear down the enamel of the teeth more quickly, which can exacerbate sensitivity.
Accelerated enamel wear can also happen if patients brush too hard. In this case, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can be helpful. The brush emits an alert when too much pressure is being applied to the teeth, hence preventing overly aggressive brushing.
How long can a toothbrush be used for?
A toothbrush can last 3-4 months. It is recommended to change them regularly as the bristles wear down and distort becoming less effective over time. Also, bacteria build up within the bristles over time. Changing toothbrushes regularly is more hygienic.
Old toothbrushes can be disposed of at the Melbourne Smile Clinic Terracycle collection. For electric tootbrushes, only the brush heads are accepted, not the battery. For more information about our Terracycle collection, click here.
Located in Melbourne Inner North, The Melbourne Smile Clinic is your dentist for Northcote, Thornbury, Fairfield, Westgarth, Clifton Hill, Preston and surrounding suburbs.
For more information or for an appointment, contact us on 9078 4471 or send us a message here