Choosing the right toothbrush when you have braces

May 1, 2013 | Orthodontics

There is a lot of conflicting information out there regarding what type of toothbrush you should use. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should pay extra attention to regular tooth brushing to avoid plaque build-up during treatment, so picking the right toothbrush is essential. The purpose of a toothbrush is to stimulate the gums and remove any plaque that has accumulated on the teeth. The vast majority of toothbrushes will accomplish this task if you use them properly and replace them regularly.

Manual toothbrushes have many advantages. The most obvious advantage is their price, which is often lower than that of electric toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are readily available and are easy to carry with you anywhere you go. These toothbrushes also don’t require batteries or to be charged. A manual toothbrush needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the bristles clean your teeth optimally. When the bristles are worn and soft there is a risk of placing too much pressure on your teeth and gums while brushing, which can strip away the enamel covering, causing the gums to bleed.

Electric toothbrushes are another option to consider. They are a good option for anyone, but can be especially helpful to people with dexterity problems, gripping problems from arthritis or elderly patients. Many of today’s electric toothbrushes have additional features that can let you know if you are using them incorrectly or if you are pushing on them too hard. Rotating and oscillating electric toothbrushes appear to be the best for truly cleaning the teeth, as opposed to brushes that spin in a single direction.

Whether you have clear plastic aligners or brackets and wires, using the right toothbrush to clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment is essential. If you are looking for advice about modern braces in Gravesend you should consider the dental team of the Parrock Dental and Implant Centre, which is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.The dental staff of the Centre, which is led by Dr Rik Trivedi, can answer all of your brushing and orthodontics questions. Interested people can get in touch with the dental office through their website, www.parrockdental.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191.