The Right Tool for the Job

Choose the Proper Toothbrush

Modern advancements in technology have certainly made our lives easier. We send communications instantly instead of through postal mail. We cook our meals within minutes, instead of hours in an oven. The Internet provides instructions, tips and pointers for any hobby or chore, and some cars are learning to drive by themselves. Nevertheless, our everyday tasks still need to be done, regardless of how easy — or how difficult — they might be. And sometimes the tool that we use is not the best one for the job, it’s simply what was “handy.”

The Yuba City Dentistry Group wants to remind you that the same is true with brushing our teeth. We should brush our teeth twice a day, for about two minutes during each session. That’s nearly 1500 minutes a year. If you’re going to spend that much time on a necessary task, it’s important to use the right equipment to do it. So, let’s talk about the right kind of toothbrush for your oral health.

Look for Soft Bristles

This might seem counterintuitive, since a toothbrush with firm bristles sounds like it will scour your teeth clean and destroy nasty plaque and tartar. Scour your teeth they will! But although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, your gums are not! They get irritated, worn down, and even destroyed by aggressive brushing with firm bristles. And that leads to exposed roots and tooth decay! From there, your best hope is restorative dentistry from the Yuba City Dental Group, but you do not want to get to that point!

Consider the Size

When it comes to the size of the head on your toothbrush and the number of bristles, sometimes a lesser quantity is the better choice. A smaller head is often easier to maneuver, helping you get into the far back of your mouth, as well as the tough to reach areas between your teeth. Ultimately, it’s best to use a toothbrush that’s comfortable for you.

Power Tools and Your Teeth

Many patients ask whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual one. Studies show significant benefits to using electric toothbrushes. Many now incorporate smaller heads into their design to help with getting into cramped areas of the mouth. The oscillating functions used by many are a unique benefit that manual toothbrushes cannot emulate. Consider other articles on our website to determine if electric toothbrushes are right for you. Still, the best brush is the one you currently have — the one you use for two minutes, twice a day, to ward off tooth decay and gum disease.

If you’d like to upgrade your toothbrush or find out what the best options are for you, don’t hesitate to call our office or schedule a consultation with your dentist at the Yuba City Dentistry Group. We maintain our knowledge of different brushes, toothpastes, mouth rinses and other dental products on the market today. And we can factor in the current state of your oral health, to make sure you get the right tool for the job!