Toothbrush type and toothpaste

What Type of Toothbrush Should Be Used?

The head of a toothbrush should be about 1-1 ½ inches and have a suitable handle, allowing for a firm grasp.  The brush should have soft, nylon bristles and be rounded at the ends, which allows for the brush to reach the spaces between teeth, as well as the entire surfaces.  Be careful of brushes with stiff bristles which can be abrasive and wear down or damage tooth enamel or delicate gum tissue.

What is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is also called a dentifrice, which is composed of many different cleaning agents.  Such ingredients found in tooth paste include the following:

• Fluoride
• Humectants and water
• Abrasive
• Coloring agents, binders and opacifiers
• Foaming and flavoring agents

What Kind of Toothpaste is Most Effective?

The main ingredient in all toothpaste is fluoride which is the most important compound.  A person can use any type of toothpaste as long as there is fluoride present.  The goal of toothpaste is to prevent cavities and fight plaque, polish and clean the surfaces of the teeth.  It is recommended that whichever brand is selected contains the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the label which means the safety and efficacy of the toothpaste has been proven in clinical trials.

Overview

With proper dental care and regular dental visits a person can maintain healthy teeth and gums and reduces the risk of different types of related health problems.  Using the above recommended brushing techniques whether in childhood or as an adult leads to a person knowing how to properly take care of teeth at any age.  Brushing teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss daily and gargling with an antibacterial mouth rinse can help prevent dental caries, reduce plaque levels, combat tooth loss, gum disease and other preventable dental problems and ensure a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts for a lifetime.