Everything to know about toothbrushes

When the time comes to change your toothbrush, do you wonder which toothbrush is best for your teeth? Do you look at all the available toothbrushes at your local drugstore without really knowing which one is the best for you? Don’t panic! Here’s a little guide to help you when you’ll have to buy your next toothbrush.

When to change toothbrushes?

How often do you really change toothbrushes? According to the Ordre des Hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ), you should replace your toothbrush minimum every three months, or after having caught a virus or the flu. Generally, you’ll have some signs that it’s time before 3 months, letting you know in advance. For example, if the bristles are curved back and flattened, the brush won’t be efficient and won’t allow for optimal brushing.

How to store your toothbrush?

When it comes to storage, it’s strongly recommended to let the tip of the toothbrush air dry, to prevent moisture accumulation, which could lead to mold and fungus. Also, avoid closed compartments and make sure, if you’re more than one person to store your brush at the same place, that they don’t touch each other. Store your toothbrush in a cupboard if possible, to prevent water particles that are ejected in the air when you flush the toilet from landing on its bristles. Also, make sure to properly shake it to remove excess water after you brush your teeth.

Which toothbrush is best for your teeth?

There are a plethora of choices out there when it comes to toothbrushes. It’s perfectly normal that you feel a little lost when it comes to choosing. It’s important to understand that the characteristics that will be presented are indicative only. It’s always preferable to ask for a recommendation from your dentist or your hygienist to make sure your toothbrush is well adapted to your oral health profile.

At Clinique Dentaire Champlain, our qualified personnel is able to advise you not only on your choice of toothbrush, but on your brushing technique as well. Take the time to ask your questions during your appointments!

Here are some details to take into account when you make your choice.

Its size: it’s recommended to choose a smaller head. This will allow you to reach deeper areas of your mouth. Look for the keyword “compact head” on the back of it.

Its head: The ideal would be to choose a round or oval-shaped head, for higher comfort and better adaptation.

Its bristles: The bristles should preferably be in nylon, and be soft/extra soft. Opt for the extra soft ones if you have sensitive gums or if you have gum recession. Thinking that medium or hard bristles clean better is a myth! On the contrary, this kind of bristle can cause long term damages to your gums and cause problems if frequently used. Moreover, softer bristles are proven as being more efficient to dislodge particles under the gums.

Manual or electric toothbrush?

Using a manual toothbrush can be very effective when the technique is properly executed and dental hygiene is fine. However, in certain cases, using an electric toothbrush can be a good choice. We advise you to discuss about it with your hygienist or your dentist.

Here are situations where an electric toothbrush might be prescribed:

• Low or limited manual dexterity;
• During orthodontics treatments;
• Inability to apply the manual technique;
• Patient suffering from a gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, etc.);
• Tendency to brush too hard;
• Patient having had many complex restorations (bridges, crowns, implants, etc.);
• People needing external assistance during brushing.

Know that if you have a pacemaker or any other implanted device, using an electric toothbrush is prohibited. If that’s your case, consult with your doctor and mention it to your dental hygienist during your next visit.

A more enlightened choice

After reading our tips, we hope that the choice of your next toothbrush will be more intuitive for you, and that you have a better idea which toothbrush is best for your teeth. However, as mentioned above, it’s important to properly follow your specialists’ recommendations at Clinique Dentaire Champlain, because a well-adapted toothbrush can help you keep an optimal oral hygiene and avoid certain oral diseases.