Our Bloomingdale and West Loop dentists love October for many reasons: changing leaves, brisk fall mornings, and because it is National Dental Hygiene Month! Dental hygiene is something that everyone should implement into their daily routines. Here are some lesser-known dental health facts to help you make the most of your time brushing your teeth.
Find the Right Brush
Have you considered the type of toothbrush that you are using? There are toothbrushes with different bristles; soft, medium and firm. Most times, we recommend that patients use soft-bristled brushes to best remove plaque and other debris inside of your mouth. Harder bristles are ideal for other situations but can cause damage if the patient uses them too forcefully.
Hold Your Brush Correctly
You should always be holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to help brush along your gum line. If you hold your brush flat against your teeth, it doesn’t help specifically target the gum line which is where most of the bacteria live.
Electric or Manual?
Many people ask our Bloomingdale and West Loop dentist if a manual or electric toothbrush is better to use. Generally speaking, manual toothbrushes are sufficient for keeping your teeth clean, but certain factors should be considered. For example, children may sometimes have a harder time brushing with a manual toothbrush, so they could benefit from an electric brush. Elderly who have hand or wrist injuries may also benefit from an electric brush.
Schedule a Reservation Today
The ADA recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year! Schedule a reservation at Pure Dental Spa today.