Let’s talk about toothbrushes.

What should you use? It comes down to two basic types, powered (electric) or manual.

Toothbrushes come with big handles and little handles, many bristles or few bristles. Studies have shown that powered brushes work better but only if they are used correctly! One of the best electric toothbrushes I have found and I recommend to my patients is the Philips Sonicare FlexCare or FlexCare Plus. It’s a bit expensive, but many patients have remarked that their teeth feel nearly as clean as they do after a cleaning! They can often be found at local drugstores, Walmart, or Amazon.com.

A manual brush that is well applied works wonderfully. Don’t forget, the bristles of the brush should be soft, so as not to harm the gums or tooth. Brushes used to be real stiff and made from boars hair, but studies show that although they were efficient at cleaning, they were harmful to the gum tissue and caused excessive tooth wear. Ideally, you should get your teeth healthy and clean after every meal. They should be as clean as if you have just had a professional cleaning. Brushing, along with flossing, rubber tipping, and water picking, is a crucial part of your home regimen to keep a healthy mouth and prevent periodontal disease. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask myself or any part of our team- we will be happy to show you proper technique. Happy brushing!