At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we are sometimes asked how to choose that most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as hard as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.
If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store or drugstore lately, you know what we mean. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up.
Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you pick the best one?
One essential factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can weaken your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
When choosing a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth.
At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Our patients come from Blue Ash, Loveland, Montgomery OH, and throughout the area. Call to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:
513-791-8880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242