Toothbrush selection

[drsushant]

There are many factors to consider when selecting the proper toothbrush. The brush should be able to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces without damage to the tissue or tooth. The brush should fit properly in the hand. The brush should be soft nylon to prevent scratching the teeth or gums.

When brushing, apply medium pressure at a 45-degree angle. Too much pressure can bend bristles and damage your teeth and gums. A toothbrush should be soft enough to massage and stimulate the gums and clean the teeth.

Electric toothbrushes are great, especially for children, disabled adults, and anyone with braces. A water pick can also help with dental care. Keep in mind water picks do not replace toothbrushes or floss. They are designed to produce a direct pulsating stream of water to wash food particles from between teeth.

The following tips can make your toothbrush selection easier:

Your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest a particular brush that would be most effective for you.
Select products that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
A toothbrush with soft bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue.
The size and shape of the brush should allow you to reach the surface of every tooth. Smaller brushes work better for smaller children.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Worn or frayed brushes may injure the gum tissue.
Electric toothbrushes are just as good as manual brushes. People with handicaps and young children may find an electric toothbrush easier to use.

        

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WaterPik

Many of our patients do not floss. They don’t like to floss. They don’t want to floss. They find the process too difficult, too messy. Excuses abound while compliance is low. Numerous studies attest to the importance and benefits of at-home interproximal cleansing. How to bridge the gap? Water Pik’s Ultra Water Flosser (WP-100) is an easier alternative to string flossing, and it is clinically proven to remove plaque biofilm, reduce inflammation, and decrease gingival bleeding. Compare the effectiveness of manual brushing with the chairside dental water spray! Water flossing has been available for several decades, but it is only recently that its significant advantages have been clinically reviewed. Laboratory tests indicate that 99.9% of plaque can be removed with a single 3-second application. The primary indications for water flossing include the areas that are the most challenging for string floss: implants, crowns, bridges (subpontic), orthodontic brackets and wires, and of course, patients with periodontal pockets. Debris is washed away rather than jammed into existing pockets. Water flossing massages the gums and enhances circulation; it is clinically documented to improve gingival health twice as effectively as string flossing. It also removes bacteria from deep between the teeth and below the gingival crest where bushing and flossing cannot reach. The WP-100 is smaller and quieter than previous models, with 10 distinct pressure settings ranging from 5 psi to 90 psi, and 6 unique tips designated for specific oral conditions. Water, mouthwash, and similar liquids can be used. The 90-second reservoir capacity is adequate to effectively water floss the entire dentition. The Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (WP-100) is easy and pleasant to use, increases patient home-compliance, and leaves the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

        

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