Choosing a Proper Toothbrush

Choosing the proper toothbrush enables you to reach as many areas as possible in your mouth to prevent built up tartar, which causes plaque to form.  The right toothbrush promotes better oral hygiene and helps you to avoid getting cavities and gum disease.

All toothbrushes have about 2,500 bristles that come out of a head on a handle.  There are a number of different toothbrush textures and handles available.  Usually dentists recommend that you use a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles that are rounded.  You can check with your dentist to see which type would be best for you.  The head should be short enough to reach your back teeth easily and get to tight places in your mouth.  The handle should be long enough to get to the back of your mouth and comfortable to hold while you brush your teeth. 

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss to be in between teeth and at the gum line where brushing can't reach.  Your toothbrush should be changed at least once every three months and after you have a cold.  Brush your teeth for three to four minutes with a fluoride toothpaste to ensure you have removed all the tartar on your teeth.  By using the proper toothbrush and brushing at least twice a day, you will have good reports when you visit your dentist for regular checkups.