Categories: Oral Hygiene Basics

The Importance of Picking a Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Understanding the importance of picking a toothbrush and toothpaste goes a long way when it comes to keeping your mouth and gums healthy. Brushing is an important element of a good oral care routine, and the type of toothbrush and toothpaste a person uses determines the effectiveness of each brushing session.

The combination of a quality toothpaste and toothbrush makes it easier to remove food particles and plaque from teeth. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.

A typical toothpaste contains several ingredients that work together to keep teeth clean. These include detergents to create foam, making it easier to remove food particles and plaque, an abrasive to clean stains and fluoride to keep teeth enamel healthy and strong. There are also a variety of toothpastes that are designed to deal with specific issues like sensitive teeth and gingivitis.

Common types of toothpaste

Here are the most common types of toothpaste and their main properties:

1. Fluoride

Fluoride can be found in most toothpaste brands. It helps re-mineralize teeth and counteracts the damage done by the acids that teeth are constantly exposed to. Most dentists recommend using a fluoride toothpaste, especially for people living in areas without fluoridated water.

2. Tartar control

Tartar is calcified plaque. It develops when plaque is left on a person's teeth for prolonged periods. The only way to remove tartar is with a dental cleaning performed by a dentist, but these types of toothpaste can be used to prevent its accumulation.

3. Whitening

Whitening toothpaste can be used to remove difficult stains that regular toothpaste cannot remove. Whitening toothpaste are also used to help preserve the appearance of teeth after getting whitening treatments.

4. Desensitizing

People with sensitive teeth can get some relief by using special toothpaste types that block the tubules in the dentin, reducing sensitivity. It should be noted that sensitive teeth are often caused by other dental issues, so those with sensitive teeth should go in for a dental evaluation as soon as possible.

5. Natural

Some people would rather avoid products that contain chemicals, and there are a variety of natural toothpastes that can be used to effectively clean teeth.

6. Smoker's toothpaste

These products contain abrasives that are very effective at removing the discoloration caused by using tobacco products. Due to the strength of the chemicals in these products, using them too often can lead to teeth enamel damage and gum irritation.

Common types of toothbrushes

When it comes to picking a toothbrush and toothpaste, finding the right brush can be a lot easier. The first thing people should look for is one with soft bristles. These are less likely to damage teeth enamel, even if the patient brushes too hard.

The design of the bristle ends should also be considered. Rounded ends are less likely to lead to gum irritation. Most importantly, patients should select a toothbrush that makes brushing their teeth as easy as possible.

Contact one of our dentists to learn more about picking a toothbrush and toothpaste.