When it comes to your oral health, there are a lot of steps you can take to prevent disease and decay. Brushing and flossing twice a day is one of them. But if you don’t have the right toothbrush in Dallas, TX, then you could be reducing your efforts instead. The wrong toothbrush or floss has the potential to not only leave plaque and tartar behind but also damage your enamel and gums. Taking the time today to pick out the right toothbrush can be key to avoiding costly dental treatment in the future.
How the Right Toothbrush in Dallas, TX, Affects Your Oral Health
No matter what kind of work you’re doing, it’s important to have the right tool. Brushing with an ineffective toothbrush can limit your oral hygiene efforts and even cause damage. It can take a bit of trial and error to find the right toothbrush, unfortunately. But as soon as you know a brush isn’t working for you, it’s important to toss it out and try out another.
Removing Plaque
While it’s nearly impossible to remove all the plaque and harmful bacteria from your mouth with just brushing and flossing alone, the right toothbrush can certainly get you close. Brushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, all designed to reach the bristles into different problem areas of the mouth. If you’re using the wrong toothbrush, you could be missing out on brushing certain areas. For example, longer bristles can help reach between teeth. If you have gaps between your teeth but only short bristles, you may not be cleaning the sides effectively.
Protecting Your Gums
The right toothbrush is also crucial for protecting your teeth and gums from excessive force or abrasion. A hard bristle toothbrush can often wear away at your tooth enamel and even cause gum recession. For this reason, most patients will benefit from using a soft or medium bristle brush to clean their teeth.
But even if you have a soft bristle brush, you may be brushing too hard, leading to damage anyway. For patients who have trouble controlling the force of their brushing, certain electric toothbrushes may be able to help. Some models have sensors that will indicate when you’re brushing your teeth too hard. This could help you build better brushing habits that keep your gums safe while cleaning your teeth.
Providing Comfort
Taking two minutes out of your day twice a day to brush your teeth can be taxing, especially if you have limited mobility or other physical limitations. However, the right toothbrush could help reduce pain and discomfort. Brushes come with a variety of different handle shapes and sizes, as well as different weights. Finding a toothbrush that’s comfortable to hold and easy to lift could help you improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your oral hygiene, you aren’t alone. Many patients who are using the wrong toothbrush find it difficult to clean their teeth properly. At East Quarter Dental, we’re dedicated to helping every patient find the perfect toothbrush for their needs. Call us today at 469-529-5401 to schedule a consultation and learn more about which toothbrush is right for you.