Toothbrushing 101 - By Dr. Eric Seidel

Toothbrushing 101
By Dr. Eric Seidel

 
Going to the store to buy a toothbrush can be a daunting experience.   With so many choices and so much advertising trying to influence your decision, some may find themselves wishing for the days when your only real choice was what size and color to pick.  We also now have the choice of electric toothbrushes that adds to the overwhelm.   I will attempt to simplify this subject and give you the same advice I give my own patients. 

Toothbrush selection has three main components, size, bristle type and manual versus electric.   My suggestion on size is don't go too large. Some of the hard to reach places such as the outside of the upper second molars are nearly impossible if the toothbrush head is too large.  It was thought for years that firmer bristles were required to effectively remove plaque.   However, we now know gentle but thorough brushing with a soft bristled brush is the best choice.   This not only cleans the teeth and gums but also doesn't harm these oral structures as some of the firmer bristle types can.  The debate over manual versus electric goes on, but research suggests that the benefits of a quality electric brush far outweigh its manual predecessor.   I personally use a rechargeable Sonicare brush by Philips but brands like Oral-B and Crest also have good alternatives.   I like the rechargeable variety with soft bristles but these can get pricey.   Getting one with changeable batteries will reduce the cost and still do a fine job.  The primary component that makes an electric brush more effective is choosing one with sonic technology which helps disrupt and remove the biofilm(a thin sticky layer of plaque and bacteria that forms after eating) that can lead to gingivitis and more aggressive forms of gum disease if not routinely removed. 

It is recommended that toothbrushes are changed every three months as the bristles wear out and become less effective.   If you have your teeth cleaned every six months make sure to not rely solely on your dentist for brushes as you are doing yourself and your teeth and gums a disservice for the last 3 months.   It is also important to rinse the brush and let the bristles air dry as brushes can harbor bacteria.  For this reason, sharing brushes is also not recommended and should be changed after you get over an illness.  

The most important element of brushing is the user.  It is suggested that thorough brushing for two minutes twice a day is essential.   My advice is to brush after every main meal or at least 3 times per day.  The two minutes is essential and don't forget to angle the brush so you clean the teeth and gums. 

To summarize, good technique and proper brushing time are the most important elements of brushing.   Use a small or medium brush with soft bristles only and if you are able treat yourself to an electric brush....you won't go back!  Happy brushing.

Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.