Experienced dentists, like San Antonio general dentist, Dr. John Moore, always suggest that it is best to brush and floss your teeth after every meal, because in order to maintain proper oral hygiene, it is important to make sure that your teeth are clean and that no food particles become trapped beneath the gums and teeth. This is to ensure that plaque does not build up and cause cavities—or worse—periodontal (gum) disease.
But while many people are aware that brushing and flossing are a important part of oral hygiene, not many remember the other suggestion that dentists like Dr. Moore make: finding the optimum toothbrush for the job. After all, how many times you brush in a day is critical, but that won’t do you any good if the tools you use aren’t right for the job.
First things first, what brush should you use?
There are many toothbrushes to pick from in the market, some are manual and some are electronic, but we prefer our patients to use an electronic toothbrush like Sonicare. The bristles on this toothbrush go as fast as 30,000 strokes per minute, giving your teeth are getting a good scrubbing. If you prefer manual toothbrushes, use a soft bristle one to prevent wearing down the enamel.
It is also important to choose the right toothpaste to put on your toothbrush. We highly recommend our patients use Colgate Total because it contains an ingredient called triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent that’s been proven to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. For patients with sensitive teeth, we recommend Sensodyne toothpaste because of its active ingredient—potassium nitrate—which is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity.
Whether you’re using an electronic or manual toothbrush, make sure to use only a pea size amount of toothpaste and brush along the gumline at a 45 degree angle with a circular motion. Make sure that you only apply gentle pressure and brush for at least 2 minutes. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue. In three months, or when the bristles begin to fray, replace the head or get a new toothbrush.
Maintain good dental hygiene and make regular visits to your San Antonio, TX dentist
As powerful as home dental and oral hygiene products have become, it is still highly important to keep up with scheduled appointments to your dentist and hygienist for a quality teeth cleaning and examination.
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