Here are some guidelines for choosing dental care products – what works for most patients most of the time. To find out what is best for your particular needs, talk to yourdentist.

Begin with the right equipment – a soft bristled toothbrush that allows you to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one. A worn-out brush will not clean your teeth properly.

In addition to manual toothbrushes, your choices include automatic toothbrushes and “high tech” electronic toothbrushes. These are safe and effective for the majority of patients.

Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will not remove plaque from your teeth unless used in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

Another aid is the rubber tip, often found on the handle end of a toothbrush used to massage the gums after brushing and flossing.

Other options include interproximal toothbrushes (tiny brushes that clean plaque between teeth) and interdental cleaners (small sticks or picks that remove plaque between teeth). If used improperly, these dental aids can injure the gums, so it is important to discuss proper use with your dentist.

We are happy to review these options for you and discuss what is best for you and how to implement them in your daily routine.

 

Source: AAP [www.perio.org