(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
A SOFT toothbrush is best for your teeth and gums.
The advice comes from the American Dental Association (ADA)
“Hard toothbrushes have hard, stiff bristles that don’t flex and don’t bend and don’t sweep down under your gum,” says Dr. Sally Cram, a spokesperson for the ADA. “Soft bristles do a much better job of getting into more nooks and crannies.”
According to Amanda Gardner, a freelance health reporter, a toothbrush that has a lot of bristles is better than a toothbrush with few bristles.
“It’s better to have lots of bristles, then as you’re making a circular motion with the brush, you’re actually getting the little bristles to sweet under the gum tissue,” she quotes Dr. Cram.
The size of the toothbrush head is also crucial.
They may need a toothbrush that has a more compact head, she continues, pointing to some adults who use children’s toothbrushes, a common mistake everyone makes, says Ms. Gardner.
As for the best brushing technique, the ADA recommends keeping the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums then move it back and forth in short strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces of your teeth, the inner surfaces as well as the top or the surfaces of the teeth used in chewing, says Ms. Gardner.
Getting the inner surfaces of your front teeth can be tricky, she says, pointing to the ADA recommendation of doing up-and-down strokes when brushing, with the toothbrush slanted vertically.
“Ultimately you want to make sure you are focusing on the gum line,” says Dr. Burnett. “Many people just brush the eating surface.”
Toothpaste should also contain fluoride which protects against cavities, Ms. Gardner writes.
Take good care of your toothbrush during its life span, however brief, she says, citing the ADA recommendation to rinse the toothbrush with tap water after each use.
The toothbrush must not be covered during storage as a closed space may encourage the growth of bacteria. Open air is better.
And as all dentists recommend, brush at least twice a day or after every meal. Floss. And visit your friendly dentist at least once a year or, better, twice a year.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
