Choosing the Right Toothbrush

You pick it up each morning, and you use it every day… hopefully. That’s right – your toothbrush! However, time passes by so quickly and soon you realize it is time to replace your beloved dental utensil for a new one. With the countless options we observe in the dental aisles, how does one choose the correct toothbrush for them? Here is what one should look for when choosing the perfect scrubber:

•   Soft bristles only

It’s almost unfortunate that toothbrushes are provided with medium and hard bristles to begin with. The amount of force used in combination with the course textures can cause inflammation of the gums and even recede the gum line if applied with too much pressure. Avoid unhealthy gums and maintain a tight gum attachment by choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles only. Don’t worry – they will eliminate debris and plaque just as good!

• Tongue scraper

Some people take advantage of this cool texture on the back of the toothbrush while others do not. Throughout the day, many germs and debris accumulate in the crevices of the tongue as they do on and in between teeth. Utilize the scraper on the back of the toothbrush, or even purchase a separate tongue scraper, in order to remove the additional bacteria to ensure a healthy tongue!

• Conform to your mouth

You may have noticed that some toothbrush heads are much larger than others. Small heads are better at removing plaque in harder to reach places; however, you may be an individual who prefers a larger surface to clean the teeth. Pick the size that works best for you in regards to the shape and size of your mouth without sacrificing its suitability to clean all areas of the teeth!

By choosing a toothbrush with each of these three features, you can assure a healthier smile in no time!

Fone's Method of Brushing

  Fone's Method of Brushing

One of the first methods of brushing teeth was taught to you at a young age. This technique is the easiest brushing method to learn as it does not require much effort. Children and young teens are more likely to utilize the Fone's Method as a result. While it does remove plaque, it is not the most recommended method to use as it isn’t as effective as other methods. However, if you happen to babysit children often or have younger family members, the Fone's Method may be handy for you to know if needed to instruct children on how to brush teeth. Below are the steps for the Fone's Method:

• Clench teeth in a biting position.

• Position the bristles of the toothbrush on the surface of the teeth at a 90 degree angle.

• Move the bristles in large circular motions until all surfaces have been covered for ten second intervals.

• Open mouth to brush the inside surface of teeth facing the tongue.

Viola! You have easily mastered the Fone's Method of brushing.