Many people wonder why some individuals experience more dental problems than others. While genetics play a role, a large part of oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene and care.
In this blog, our experts will debunk common oral care myths and share essential tips to help you maintain a bright, healthy smile. Let’s dive into the secrets of good oral hygiene!
The first myth we’ll address is: “Brushing harder makes your teeth cleaner.” This is completely false. In fact, the harder you brush, the more damage you cause. Over Brushing wears down the outer enamel layer, exposing the underlying dentin, which is yellowish brown in color. This not only makes your teeth appear more yellow but also increases sensitivity.
Let us delve into the basic questions about toothbrushing:
How to choose a toothbrush?
Just like you don’t pick any random shampoo or face wash—you consider what suits your hair and skin—choosing a toothbrush also requires some thought based on your dental needs.
The next time you buy a toothbrush, ask yourself the following questions:
Is the size of my toothbrush head compatible with the size of my oral cavity?
There are generally four sizes of toothbrush heads based on age for easier brushing. Toothbrushes typically specify the age group they cater to, but if an adult has a smaller mouth, they may opt for a smaller-headed toothbrush for a more customized brushing experience. The approximate toothbrush sizes by age are as follows:
- Newborn to 2 years: 15mm
- 2 years to 6 years: 19mm
- 6 years to 12 years: 22mm
- 12 years and above: 25mm
What Kind of Bristles Should My Toothbrush Have?
Toothbrushes typically come in various bristle types: ultra-soft, soft, medium, and hard. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are almost never recommended, except for denture cleaning or occasional cleaning of stained teeth. For daily use, medium- to soft-bristled toothbrushes are generally recommended. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s best to use a soft bristled toothbrush.
For frequent food particles getting stuck between your teeth, consider using a toothbrush with multilevel bristles, along with cleaning aids like interdental brushes and floss. To help remove surface stains and polish your teeth, choose a toothbrush with rubber-like circles in the center.
Using the right toothbrush will help you maintain better oral care and keep your teeth healthy.
What is the proper tooth-brushing routine?
Toothbrushing should ideally be done twice a day—once in the morning and once at night before bed—for two minutes each time. Initially, you can use a stopwatch to ensure you’re brushing for the right amount of time. Make sure to cover all areas of your teeth: front, back, outer, inner, chewing surfaces, and the gum line.
While manual brushing works well for most people, an electric or sonic toothbrush can be a great alternative, especially for those with limited dexterity or for individuals who may have difficulty brushing effectively due to physical or mental health conditions. It can also be helpful for people who struggle with applying the right amount of pressure while brushing, which can lead to enamel abrasion from vigorous brushing.
What toothpaste should you use?
For adults, it doesn’t matter which brand of toothpaste you use, as long as it contains fluoride (approximately 1000 ppm). You can opt for toothpaste tailored to specific needs, such as sensitivity, teeth whitening, or gum care, based on your personal preferences. What’s more important is the amount of toothpaste used. For adults, a pea-sized amount is sufficient; for children aged 3 to 6 years, use half a pea-sized amount; and for children under 3 years, a smear of toothpaste is all that’s needed. Here’s a common myth to debunk: using more toothpaste doesn’t lead to better cleaning. The recommended amounts are all that’s needed for optimal effectiveness.
What other cleaning aids can we use?
Teeth come in various shapes and sizes and perform different functions, such as biting, chewing, and crushing. As a result, your cleaning routine may require more than just brushing. While brushing is the primary method, adjuncts like tongue cleaning, flossing, and mouth rinses are essential for thorough oral hygiene. If you have gaps between your teeth, crowns or bridges, interdental brushes are effective at cleaning the spaces between teeth. For cleaning gum pockets and hard-to-reach areas, a water flosser or waterpik can be useful.
Avoid using tooth powders in place of toothpaste, as they tend to be more abrasive and can damage your enamel. It’s also important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up.
Conclusion
By using the right toothbrush, proper techniques, and additional aids like floss and mouth rinses, you can maintain a healthy smile. For expert guidance and regular checkups, feel free to visit Cusp Dental – Best Dental Clinic in Gurugram for expert care and guidance tailored to your unique dental needs.
