The toothbrush has over 5000 years of plaque fighting history. In the early days, ancient civilizations would chew on a thin twig with frayed ends – a “chew stick” – to clean their teeth. Thankfully innovation has lead us down a path of soft nylon-bristles and refreshing mouthwash for bad breath. With all the modern day novelties enveloped in oral hygiene, there are a few important points to bear in mind regarding the toothbrush topic.
Why brush? To ensure that you keep all teeth intact for chewing and aesthetical purposes! From a dental perspective, brushing helps to remove food and plaque. Plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – can have pervasive effects on the gums if left untreated. If the plaque remains on the gum line, it hardens into tartar thereby raising your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease.
Manual or powered? In practicality terms, either option is ideal. Just make sure the toothbrush displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This certification means the product has been proven through scientific evidence to be safe and effective.
Children find using a powered toothbrush to be much more fun, and if you can making brushing fun early on in a child’s life they will be much more likely to continue the habit throughout adulthood.
How to keep a toothbrush clean? After brushing rinse the toothbrush with water to remove any leftover debris. Then, allow the toothbrush to air-dry in an upright position until next use. Storing the devise inside a closed container promotes the growth of harmful microorganisms.
CDA Dental recommends users replace their toothbrush every 3-4 months. Please contact us for more information on oral hygiene.