The Best Brush
There are always new toothbrushes coming on to the market. Some have rounded bristles, others have thicker handles, and all claim to be the best at removing plaque. Which brush is best for you?
According to research, the best brush for you is the brush you like best -- as long as it is a soft-bristled brush. In other words, the brush that feels best in your hand and allows you to feel that you've done an effective brushing job is the one you should choose.
One study involving dental students looked at three different brushes -- a convention brush, one with staggered bristles and a curved handle, and a third with angled bristles and a somewhat angled head. In the study, all three brushes were found to remove significant amounts of plaque, but more importantly, the researchers found that brushing technique was much more important to efficient plaque removal than brush design.
However, the study also found that participants brushed better when they were using a brush they liked. In conclusion, if you like the feel of a brush and you think you're brushing better with it, you probably are.
First, place the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and angle the bristles toward the gumline. Brush groups of two to three teeth at a time, being sure to brush both the gum and the tooth.
Second, pay attention to your technique. Be gentle, but diligent. There's no need to push the bristles under the gums. If you have the brush angled properly, this area should be cleaned sufficiently.
Third, do a thorough job. Cover the outer surfaces of your top and bottom teeth, and the inside surfaces as well. For the insides of front teeth, use several up-and-down motions to clean the teeth and gums.