Your teeth are one of the first things people notice about you when you first meet them. Having well looked after white teeth is not only important socially, you also have to look after them because they need to last us our entire lives. Brushing your teeth is the basis to good oral hygiene, but with so many different shapes, sizes and types of toothbrushes available today, from normal to electric and ionic to the sensitive toothbrush – which one should we choose? Choosing the right toothbrush can seem daunting when you're standing before the multi-colored array of brushes on store shelves. You'll realize how easy it is to get confused by all the choices. Some toothbrushes promise fresh breath, deep cleaning and even teeth whitening. Others are specially designed for orthodontics or dentures. While these special features are enticing, it's best to ask your dentist if they're right for you or if you need them at all. There are, however, some toothbrush basics that you need to know. Dr. Mahdi F. Tours, Consultant of Endodontics and the Chairman of the Dental Center at the International Medical Center in Jeddah have some answers on what could make your search for a toothbrush a whole lot easier... First of all, why brush? Tooth brushing plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene. Brushing helps remove food and plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate the gums. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar. Brushing is more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. As a result, the irritated gum tissue may swell or bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. How do we go about choosing a toothbrush? There are basically two types of toothbrushes: manual and powered. The Saudi Dental Society (SDS) recommends that you buy the one that you will use and one that displays the SDS Seal of Acceptance.. To qualify for the Seal of Acceptance, the company must show that: • All of the toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth • Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges and endpoints • The handle material is manufacturer-tested to show durability under normal use • The bristles won't fall out with normal use • The toothbrush can be used without supervision by the average adult to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque The size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Is a powered toothbrush better than a manual? Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean your teeth. Children may find that brushing with a powered toothbrush is fun. Persons who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush easier to use or more comfortable. Whether you decide on manual or powered, choose a toothbrush that you like and find easy to use, so that you'll use it twice a day to thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your teeth. How often should we replace toothbrushes? You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection. How can we choose the right toothbrush for our children? If you are shopping for a child, select a toothbrush with the following characteristics: • Soft bristles (for gentle cleaning) • Very small heads (designed for baby teeth) • Large handles (easier for children to grip) Lastly, how can we keep our toothbrushes clean? Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again. If more than one brush is stored in the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated to prevent cross-contamination. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air. Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months. The bristles become frayed and worn with use and cleaning effectiveness will decrease. Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. Check brushes often for this type of wear and replace them more frequently if needed. Children's toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently than adult brushes.
