We all know that brushing our teeth is essential, but it’s tough to know what’s best with all the different types of toothbrushes and toothpaste out there.

To keep your dental hygiene in tip-top shape, it’s important to use the appropriate tools to suit your needs and preferences. Using the right toothbrush and toothpaste can make all the difference in achieving a healthy, sparkling smile. Not only can they help remove plaque and prevent cavities, they can also help prevent gum disease.

Appropriate Tools for Good Dental Hygiene

We’ve researched the different types of dental products available to you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about toothbrushes and toothpaste to help you achieve a bright and happy smile!

Different Types of Toothbrushes: Manual vs. Electric

You know enough about dental health to know there are different types of toothbrushes. The question is, what’s the difference between manual and electric toothbrushes?

An 11-year cohort study has proven that electric toothbrushes are more effective in eliminating plaque and bacteria from your teeth when compared to manual toothbrushes. On top of that, they can help remove stains from your teeth. Check out our other blog here to learn more about the manual vs. electric toothbrush debate.

For both adults and kids, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to help reduce the risk of gum injury. Electric toothbrushes are particularly useful for kids since they’re super easy to use!

Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste

Now that you’ve decided on your toothbrush, let’s focus on the other key component: toothpaste. Dentists generally recommend fluoride toothpaste because it helps prevent enamel decay, which furthermore prevents discoloration and slows the growth of bacteria.

Natural Toothpaste: Pros & Cons

Natural products are growing in popularity, including in the world of dental health. If you want to learn more about natural products, we’ve listed some natural toothpaste pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pros:

• Safe ingredients and ingredient transparency
• If USDA-certified, it will not contain artificial chemicals, preservatives or sweeteners
• You can make your own natural toothpaste, potentially saving money

Cons

• Do not contain fluoride
• Tend to be more expensive if store-bought

Overall, there aren’t many cons to using natural toothpaste, but the main con, the absence of fluoride, is an important one to consider.

Brushing Technique

Now that you’ve decided on your toothbrush and toothpaste combo, let’s focus on how to effectively brush your teeth. Start with the outer surfaces of your upper and lower teeth, going tooth by tooth. Then, tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush the gum line. This will help get rid of any trapped plaque or food debris. Next up is the inner surface of your teeth. Even though you can’t see them, these surfaces are important! Then, clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Lastly, remember to brush your tongue! This is an easy step to skip, but it can help freshen your breath by removing odor-causing bacteria, which often lead to issues such as halitosis.

Helping You Choose High-Quality Oral Care

Although choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste combo for you can be a challenge, it is important to your dental health. Get professional insight at your next dental visit and ask what dentist-recommended oral care products would work best for you in ensuring you have a bright and happy smile. Schedule your appointment online today!