If you have sensitive gums, orthodontics, or dental implants, there is a dentist recommended toothbrush for you that will help you achieve the best oral health.
With so many teeth cleaning products on the market, how do you choose the right toothbrush for your needs? Do you opt for the best value, go electric, or try something softer? At Arkansas Family Dental, we can help you find the toothbrush that’s best for each person in your family. However, the best dentist recommended toothbrushes for your individual needs will always depend on a number of factors.
Finding a Dentist Recommended Toothbrush for You
Gum health is very important whether you wear braces, experience sensitivity, or have dental veneers. For this reason, we most consistently recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles for a deep clean that removes plaque and protects your gums. This is because preventing tooth decay is a key factor in maintaining your overall health, preserving your smile, and preventing bad breath.
To find the best toothbrush for you, the following are important to consider:
- Size. A good toothbrush should be large enough to reach each of your teeth, but small enough to get in and around the curvature of each tooth. For your children, the best dentist recommended toothbrush will be those specifically crafted for their age group by size.
- Bristle Type. Bristles are available in soft, medium, and hard textures. Most patients find soft bristles to be the most comfortable. For patients with sensitive teeth and gums, we highly recommend avoiding hard bristles which can potentially cause painful damage.
- Bristle Angle. The angle at which the bristles on your toothbrush are cut and arranged helps the surface to connect with difficult to reach crevices. Bristles cut on a sloped angle can help you brush between tooth surfaces, while toothbrush bristles with rounded edges are generally gentler on the gums.
- ADA Seal of Approval. Any toothbrush you buy should have the American Dental Association Seal of Approval. This means that the device meets the rigid ADA testing criteria for safety and effectiveness and has pure manufacturing standards. If you are buying an electrically-powered toothbrush, you should also look for the Underwriters Laboratory seal to make sure the device is safe.
- Other Health Factors. Your dentist also considers your overall health and wellness when recommending a toothbrush. For example, patients with arthritis in their hands have less dexterity, so an electric toothbrush will likely be the dentist recommended choice because it will be easier to use.
No matter what type you use, we recommend you replace your toothbrush, or the head of your electric toothbrush, every three months. A worn toothbrush is less effective at cleaning your teeth and can also damage your gums. If you ever experience an illness, make sure to replace your toothbrush afterwards to avoid re-distributing harmful bacteria in your mouth.
If you have questions about your oral health routine and the products you use, contact Arkansas Family Dental for a personalized toothbrush recommendation from our dentists or call 501-683-8886 to request to schedule an appointment that works best for you.
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