Choosing a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss

Patients often ask us which toothbrush and toothpaste to buy, expecting a brand name. The honest answer is that the type and how you use it matter far more than the brand.

Choose a soft-bristled brush with a small head that reaches the back teeth easily. Medium and hard bristles are more likely to wear down the gum line and the root surfaces over the years, especially if you brush firmly. Replace the brush every three months, or sooner when the bristles splay outwards. An electric brush with a round, rotating head or a sonic action helps people who find it hard to reach every surface, and many have a two-minute timer, but a manual brush used well for two minutes does the job.

For toothpaste, choose one with fluoride, usually listed as 1,000 to 1,450 ppm on the tube for adults. Fluoride strengthens enamel against decay. Herbal and charcoal pastes vary a great deal; some contain fluoride and some do not, and charcoal can be abrasive. Children under three need only a smear of fluoride paste the size of a grain of rice, and from three to six, a pea-sized amount.

Cleaning between the teeth is the step most people skip. Floss works well for tight contacts. Interdental brushes, small bottle-brush shapes in different sizes, are easier for many adults with wider gaps or bridges. We can show you the right size at your next check-up; ask the hygienist after your cleaning.