Soft Toothbrushes: Soft toothbrushes are actually more effective at removing food and plaque build-up than hard-bristle toothbrushes, and they are gentler on your teeth and gums. Soft-bristled brushes are best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth and along the gum line as they aren’t abrasive enough to cause erosion to the enamel. While a toothbrush with soft bristles cannot cause actual damage to your teeth or gums, you must use a good brushing technique to ensure plaque and debris are removed from your teeth.
Proper Brushing Technique:When brushing your teeth, it's essential to use the right technique to ensure thorough cleaning without causing harm. Begin by tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and using gentle, circular motions to brush both the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth. Pay special attention to areas around brackets and wires when brushing with braces. For a detailed guide on proper brushing technique, refer to The Ultimate Guide to Oral Hygiene with Braces: Ensuring a Healthy, Beautiful Smile.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush? Many people don’t replace their toothbrush often enough. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every time it begins to show wear and tear, or every two to three months. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush if you have been ill, as the bristles can harbour bacteria and germs, leading to reinfection.
Choosing The Right Toothbrush For You: There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to purchasing a toothbrush, so it can be difficult to know what to look for. OralB has put together a list of some general tips on what to look for:
Small brush head and well-designed bristles: Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you to get to the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.Soft bristles: Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. If you have recessions, you may want to consider an extra-soft bristled toothbrush.Multi-angled bristles: Multi-angled bristles are designed to increase contact with tooth surfaces between teeth, removing plaque even from tough spots. That’s why angled bristles are superior to straight ones.Comfortable handle: Many toothbrushes have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet. Additionally, the handles on many Oral-B toothbrushes have been modelled based on research into the five different ways that people hold their toothbrush while brushing.
What Kind of Toothbrush Should You Use With Braces? Once your teeth are straightened by braces, it’s much easier to reach plaque on and between your teeth. But while wearing braces, plaque and food particles have more places to accumulate and become trapped. So be prepared to spend twice as much time on your oral care while you have braces to prevent the risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. Alternatively, consider an electric toothbrush. These can be more effective at removing plaque than regular brushes and most have a timer to ensure you brush for the right amount of time.
The bottom line is that if you choose a toothbrush that is the right size and style of bristles for your oral care needs, you’ll be able to effectively clean your teeth and help prevent bacterial build-up and the development of plaque.
Still unsure about what toothbrush to buy? Speak to your orthodontist or dentist today!
Book a consultation with us for expert guidance on oral hygiene with braces.
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