What toothbrush do dentists recommend?
At My Local Dentists Seven Hills, we firmly believe in patient education. The better educated we are about our mouths, gums, and teeth, the better we know how to look after them and the healthier they remain. The healthier our gums and teeth are, the fewer dental visits they will cost and the more comfortable they will be. But the all-important question regarding toothbrushing is, “Which toothbrush do dentists recommend?”
The Ideal Toothbrush: What Dentists Look For
When selecting a toothbrush, there are two main criteria dentists emphasise:
Soft Bristles
Why? We want to brush our teeth and gums gently. Often, we brush too hard without realising it, and soft bristles ensure that the gums or the teeth won’t be damaged. Overly vigorous brushing might result in receding gums and bone, which exposes dentine and causes irritation.
- Avoid Medium and Hard Bristle Toothbrushes: Medium and hard bristles are too abrasive and can damage the gums or wear away the tooth structure. This might result in teeth becoming sensitive to cold air or brushing and hot, cold, sweet, and sour meals and beverages.
Compact Toothbrush Head
Why? A smaller toothbrush head is easier to manoeuvre and clean the back teeth. Compact toothbrush heads allow you to brush into the crevices between the teeth more effectively.
Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes: Which Is Better?
Is there a difference between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes? Let’s keep it short: There is no clear winner. Research shows no significant difference between using an electric toothbrush and using a manual toothbrush. The technique of how you brush and floss is more critical than the type of toothbrush you use.
When to Consider an Electric Toothbrush
While both types are effective, there are situations where an electric toothbrush might be more beneficial:
- Brushing Too Hard: Some think brushing harder results in a better clean, but it can damage gums and tooth structure. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors can help prevent this.
- Limited Dexterity: For those with arthritis or limited mobility, electric toothbrushes can provide a better clean as they do most of the work for you.
- Motivation: Electric toothbrushes can make brushing more enjoyable for children and adults, encouraging better dental hygiene habits.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Children
When selecting a toothbrush for your child, they must find one they will use. Many young toddlers may chew on their toothbrush rather than brush with it. Brushing your teeth before your child can help them learn proper brushing techniques.
General Guidelines for Children’s Toothbrushes
- Small Toothbrush Head: Smaller than adult toothbrushes, usually 1-1.5 cm long.
- Soft or Super Soft Bristles: Gentle on young gums and teeth.
- Fewer Bristles: More suitable for smaller mouths
- Fun Designs: Let your child pick their favourite colour or character to make brushing more enjoyable.
The Best Toothbrush for Braces
When you have braces, food can quickly get stuck under the brackets and wires, and standard toothbrush bristles might feel uncomfortable.
Recommended Toothbrush: V Shaped Orthodontic Toothbrush
A “V-shaped” orthodontic toothbrush, like the Systema Orthodontic Toothbrush, has an indented middle section to allow the bristles to clean beneath and around braces effectively. Brushing and flossing well underneath the wires are crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene.
Dr Ken’s Toothbrush Choice
Since 2015, Dr Ken has been using and recommending Systema toothbrushes, a product range made by the Japanese company LION.
These toothbrushes meet the criteria of having soft bristles and a compact head, with the added feature of super-thin bristles for gentle yet effective cleaning.
Why Systema Toothbrushes?
Systema toothbrushes are designed with gum care in mind, a critical aspect of good oral health. Gum disease and tooth loss are two consequences of poor gum care.
Symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, and red, swollen gums are early indicators of gum disease.
Using advanced dental technology, Systema toothbrushes offer superior gum protection.
Unique Features of Systema Toothbrushes:
- Soft, Super-Tapered Bristles: At 0.02 mm at the tip, they are one-tenth the diameter of regular bristles, allowing deeper penetration along the gum lines and between teeth.
- High-Grade Bristles: Made from durable PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), these bristles last longer than ordinary nylon bristles.
- Compact Brush Head: Ensures thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
Where to Buy Systema Toothbrushes
We believe in providing our patients with the best oral hygiene products, so we stock and sell Systema toothbrushes at our clinic.
You can’t buy Systema toothbrushes from Coles, Woolworths or the pharmacy, but you can purchase them directly from us.
Available Systema Toothbrushes:
- Systema Gum Care Soft Compact Toothbrush
- Kodomo Children’s Soft and Slim Toothbrush
- Systema Orthodontic V-Shaped Soft Toothbrush
- Systema Super Compact Soft Toothbrush
- Systema Sonic Vibration Toothbrush – Super Compact Head (battery included)
- Systema Sonic Vibration Toothbrush – Super Compact Head – Pack of 2 Refills
Educating yourself about proper dental care and selecting the right toothbrush can significantly improve oral health.
Oral Health in Seven Hills
Whichever toothbrush you select—manual or electric— focusing on brushing techniques and using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a compact head can make a big difference.
At My Local Dentists Seven Hills, we are committed to providing modern and gentle dental care for you and your family.
Contact your Seven Hills dentist at (02) 8605 1696 or schedule an appointment online.
We are located at Shop 55, (Ground Floor) Seven Hills Plaza, 224 Prospect Hwy, in Seven Hills.