The Right Brush

        Toothbrushes now come in all shapes and sizes with some powered by battery. You should choose soft nylon bristles that are long-lasting and will not hurt your gums. The main purpose of brushing is to remove soft plaque deposits, so a soft toothbrush is always you need. A medium or hard-bristle toothbrush may not be more effective at removing plaque. Brushing with hard or medium bristles may strip away tooth enamel, root surface and gum tissue. This can cause abrasion, tooth sensitivity and gum recession. When it comes toothbrush size, bigger does not always mean better. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to clean the sides of the back morals, or back teeth. When in doubt, go for the smaller size that is meant for adults. For people wearing, there are special toothbrushes that have shorter middle bristles than those at the edge of the toothbrush. This design allows the toothbrush to clean both the teeth and the braces well. Those with crooked teeth may want to consider a modified toothbrush called an end-tuff brush. Such toothbrushes have bristles shaped like an arrow for cleaning areas that are difficult to reach. Contrary to popular belief, an electronic toothbrush, with all its attendant hype, is not always better. When using electronic toothbrush, do not apply excessive force on the teeth or over-scrub as tooth structure may wear out. That electric toothbrushes may be suitable for people with limited movement, like stroke patients who may have difficulty reaching their back teeth with a manual toothbrush.

        The toothbrush should be changed once every three months as bristles may fray by then.. Bacteria may also grow if toothbrushes are used for an extended period. To brush correctly, position the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line and move it in a circular motion. Don't scrub your teeth horizontally along the gum line as if you are scrubbing the floor. It may cause the gum to recede, exposing the root of the tooth. This may increase tooth sensitivity as the gum tissue acts as a protective blanket for the tooth's roots. Always floss before blushing. flossing helps to dislodge the buildup of plaque.