Dental Cleaning and Toothbrush Basics

A good toothbrush is an essential tool for daily dental care and good dental hygiene. Not long ago, toothbrushes were all rather standard in design. Now they are available in a dazzling array of colors, sizes and styles, angled heads, tufted bristles, powered by hand, electricity, or sonic waves.

When selecting a toothbrush for your teeth, always look for the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This is awarded only to products meeting stringent testing for safety and effectiveness. Claims made by dental care products must be accurate for what they say, as well as imply, to receive the ADA Seal.

Manual Dental Cleaning

Choose a brush with soft, polished bristles and rounded ends, comfortable in both size and shape that allows you to reach every tooth. Hard bristles can injure your gums.

For good dental health replace your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if the bristles are frayed. Some brushes are designed with replacement indicators to help remind you when a new brush is needed.

Old, worn out toothbrushes don't achieve desirable results and may also hold harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. It's also recommended that you replace your toothbrush after an illness. Children's toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often due to wear.

Electric Toothbrushes

There are a variety of powered brushes featuring different speeds, bristle rotations, and head sizes. Products vary and the manufacturer's instructions must be carefully followed. Check with your dentist to make sure you're using the brush correctly. Use a light touch and slow movements for maximum tooth cleaning effectiveness.

Electric toothbrushes offer convenience for the disabled and elderly with limited manual dexterity. Children under ten years old should be supervised.

Sonic Toothbrushes

With this new dental care technology, sonic waves remove plaque bacteria without actually having to touch it. Through the motion of sound waves, these toothbrushes are able to sweep away plaque in hard to reach places, between teeth, and below the gum line.

The sonic wave technology is gentle on teeth, even sensitive ones. These toothbrushes also have proven effective in reversing gum disease, shrinking periodontal pockets, and removing tough stains like coffee, tea, or tobacco.

If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush for your preventative dentistry needs, consult your dentist. Whichever toothbrush you select, use it at least twice a day, as part of a good dental health care program.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Choosing Dental Health, Three Reasons Why It Is a Wise Choice for Care

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Although any dentist will say these are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good dental health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First of all, dental health is part of your overall health. Second, choosing dental health is a wise investment of your time and financial resources. Third, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your image of yourself. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Your Physical Health

How easy it is to forget that our teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of our physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of our physical health. The ability to chew our food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dentist and dental team, you can create a plan for your dental health that will contribute to your overall health plan.

Dental Care - A Wise Investment

When treatment is necessary, the new dentistry is also an investment in your financial future. Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow. For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and the new dentistry offers you.

Dental Hygiene - Emotional Well-Being

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of dental health self-care and regular dental hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

The new dentistry also can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, the new dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

By Brian DesRoches, PhD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.