Are You Using the Correct Type of Toothbrush?

Everyone who wears braces knows that extra time and effort must be put into cleaning their teeth so they stay free of food, tartar and plaque. Thorough oral hygiene care means using a toothbrush that will help you do a first-rate job. (String floss and a water flosser are also vital.)

Irmo Office on Broad River Road’s priority is providing orthodontic care that best meets each patient’s needs. Our knowledgeable and caring professionals make sure that everyone who sees us will enjoy attractive and well-functioning teeth for the rest of their lives. 

The brackets and wires of metal and clear braces are perfect havens for food particles that can turn into bacteria and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Cavities and gingivitis are the last things you want while wearing braces. That’s where a toothbrush’s ability to dislodge gunk caught in the brackets and wires comes into play. A toothbrush with a small head can sneak into places where gunk hides. A small head can also banish bacteria that tend to congregate along the margins of the gum line. 

Brushes with soft, round bristles will be kind to your teeth and gums, especially if you feel any discomfort in the days after the orthodontia has been installed or adjusted. A toothbrush with bristles of varying lengths is good at scouring uneven surfaces where plaque and food particles lurk. 

And make sure that your toothbrushes have soft, nylon bristles. Tough or some medium-textured bristles can erode enamel and inflame gums. Gentle bristles clean just as well but without the potential damage. 

A toothbrush’s handle should accommodate the user’s hand size. A child or adult with small hands will find a toothbrush with a large handle more of a challenge to maneuver. Silicone handles give brushers strong control.

Get a new toothbrush every three months. Bristles wear away, and bacteria cling to the bristles and dried-up toothpaste. The longer you use a toothbrush, the more bacteria it contains. It’s time to start fresh after 90 days.

The office of Irmo Office on Broad River Road uses a variety of techniques and appliances that are at the forefront of orthodontic care. These improvements offer a wide variety of benefits to each patient. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.