The Canadian Dental Association (CAD) recommends that patients replace their toothbrush every three months. This helps ensure that their teeth are kept clean and healthy. But with so many different options to choose from, how do patients know which toothbrush to purchase?
Choosing the right toothbrush is important. In fact, the wrong toothbrush can sometimes cause damage to enamel and gums in the long run. Thata��s why the expert advice of a trained dental hygienist can make all the difference. If youa��re interested in this rewarding career path, herea��s a look at some of the ways you can help patients pick the right toothbrush.
Graduates of Dental Hygienist School Recommend Toothbrushes with Soft Bristles
Toothbrush bristles can be soft, medium, or hard, and choosing the right type can make a big difference for oral hygiene. Many patients believe that brushes with hard bristles can provide a deeper and better clean. But once you begin your dental hygiene diploma program, youa��ll learn that many dentists recommend soft bristles instead.
Hard bristles can sometimes be too rough on teeth and gums, especially for patients who apply a lot of pressure when they brush their teeth. Over time, hard bristles can wear away at tooth enamel and even make gums recedea��creating future problems for patients. Thata��s why soft bristles, which are firm enough to remove debris, but still soft on enamel and gums, are best for oral hygiene. Some dentists and dental hygienists will even recommend that patients with sensitive teeth choose a brush with extra soft bristles.
Students in Dental Hygiene Diploma Programs Know Toothbrush Size is Important
The size and shape of a toothbrush can also play an important role in keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy. This is because a toothbrush thata��s too big can make cleaning tough-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth difficult. Thata��s why dentists and dental hygienists recommend patients choose a brush that can comfortably and easily reach narrow spaces at the back of the mouth.
Once you become a dental hygienist, you can help educate patients on the best size toothbrush for their needs.
Dental Hygienists Let Patients Choose Whether They Prefer Electric or Manual Toothbrushes
Over the years, many studies have set out to determine if electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes. What many of these studies have found, though, is that both are perfectly capable of keeping teeth clean. Thata��s why dentists and dental hygienists recommend that patients choose whichever option feels most comfortable to them.
Some patients prefer manual toothbrushes, because they dona��t like the sound or feeling of an electric toothbrush. Others prefer electric toothbrushes, because they find it easier to reach and clean each tooth. A�In some cases, electric toothbrushes might be helpful for patients with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Of course, as youa��ll soon learn throughout your studies, the most important part of maintaining good oral health is for patients to know how to brush their teeth properly. Thata��s why the help and advice of a trained dental hygienist can make all the difference.
Do you want to enroll at a top dental hygienist school?
Visit our website to discover why CADH students score well above the provincial average of all public and private accredited Dental Hygiene institutions.A�
