Everyone knows that in order to keep their teeth and gums in good condition, they need to brush and floss on a daily basis. However, with so many different types of products to choose from, it can be tricky to determine which ones are most suitable for your individual dental needs. Read on for some advice on how to choose the right toothbrush and floss.
Toothbrush
If you have very sensitive teeth, or are currently suffering from gingivitis, it is generally recommended that you use a soft-bristled brush, as this will enable you to remove plaque without irritating your gum line and causing bleeding or an increase in sensitivity. Those with veneers are also advised to use a soft toothbrush, as hard ones are often too abrasive and can, over time, end up damaging the veneers.
If you don't suffer from gum disease or sensitivity, then a medium- or firm-bristled brush is a better choice (although if you opt for harder bristles, do make sure to only apply gentle pressure, as overly-vigorous brushing with a firm toothbrush can cause receding gums).
Basic manual brushes are usually rectangular in shape, with a flat, level surface. Whilst this shape is reasonably effective at removing plaque, it may not be the ideal choice for your particular teeth. If your dentist has mentioned a noticeable amount of plaque build-up in a specific area of your mouth, then it may be worth investing in a toothbrush with a different-shaped head, that will enable you to target that section of your teeth.
For example, a diamond-shaped toothbrush head, with a narrower top, will allow you to reach into the crevices of your back teeth. Similarly, if you have relatively large gaps between your teeth, in which food particles and plaque tend to accumulate quite quickly, then a v-shaped or 'wavy' toothbrush head would be the most effective option, as this shape will be able to reach into and thoroughly clean between tooth gaps.
Floss
Flossing is an important step in any dental hygiene routine. Standard floss comes in two basic varieties; namely, un-waxed and waxed. Un-waxed floss is generally most suited to those who don't suffer from bleeding gums or have any kind of sensitivity, as whilst it is effective at removing particles of food, it can sometimes push into the gums and cause irritation or bleeding.
Waxed floss is, as its name suggests, coated in a special wax, which gives it a slippery texture; this makes it a bit more comfortable to use. It is not however, suitable for those with tightly-compacted teeth that have little to no space between them, as the coating on it tends to make it too thick to comfortably reach into small spaces.
Floss picks and oral irrigators (sometimes known as water picks) are two alternatives to standard floss. The former is a small tool which holds the floss in place, making it easier for you to clean between your teeth using one hand, instead of two. Whilst a floss pick may be simpler to use, it doesn't allow you to use as many angles as standard floss. Oral irrigators are ideal for those who find floss to be too irritating to their gums and are looking for a gentler option; these devices come with a water container, and are designed to use water pressure to rinse out the areas between your teeth.
For more tips on what dental supplies to use for your everyday routine, contact your dentist.
Share20 October 2016
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
