Over the years the quality of tooth brushes has improved substantially.
The amount of research in bristle technology and tooth brushing techniques has been so great that we now use brushes that although look the same, they really bear no resemblance to the older ones.
The materials and manufacture are now so much better that today’s toothbrushes are more efficient and easier to use.
With the increasingly efficient toothbrushes comes a problem, we are seeing more and more cases of toothbrush abrasion (see picture enclosed). The gums being worn away by the physical over use of the tooth brush.
Understandable really, because we have been conditioned to brush our teeth twice a day, the message that we all make up in our head is that if we brush 3 or 4 times a day- the teeth will be even cleaner or if we brush harder then they will be whiter.
Sadly this is incorrect, many of us are keeping our teeth for longer and over brushing can almost be worse than not brushing at all, this is because brushing harder not only wears away the enamel which is the white part of the tooth, thus making the teeth yellower but also causes premature recession of the gums
So what’s the answer?
1. Be careful! We all need to be taught how to brush! Sounds ridiculous but it’s true. Most of my patients which include several doctors/dentists don’t brush correctly. A session with a hygienist is a must.
2. Brushing too hard is a problem, so ease off!
3. Missing areas (especially the uppers at the back).
4. Missing the gums, we forget the gums!
5. Missing a complete section (the lower molars on the tongue side is a common area).
6. Get a good branded toothbrush- we recommend Colgate or Oral B.
A later blog will discuss the difference between hand and electric toothbrush.
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