Tooth brushing is on of the focus’s of World Cavity Free Day on 14th October 2024. The focus is on children with healthy eating, healthy brushing habits and drinking water. The research shows that children copy their parents, and modelling great brushing habits will assist your children and grandchildren to save their teeth from cavities. So, families that brush together not only keep their teeth clean and cavity free, but also save on the costs of tooth decay in the long term!
With tooth brushing we have the option of electric or manual methods. We thought we would share some of the hints and tips around electric and manual toothbrushes. What do you use at home? Patients report to us a mixed use of electric and manual brushes, sometimes using a manual in the morning and electric at night. Even amongst our team, there are “team manual” and “team electric”. Personal preference plays a large part in selection.
Electric toothbrushes are highly researched and developed to produce a quality, efficient, reliable product. Research has shown that electric toothbrushes are very effective at cleaning of teeth. The toothbrush uses an oscillating motion, with a small circular brush head. This is ideal for manoeuvring around tight spaces and reaching back teeth. Most electric toothbrushes are rechargeable and fully waterproof, so no need for concern in wet areas like the bathroom. When you are purchasing an electric toothbrush make sure you have one with the pressure sensor so you can’t push too hard. With the Oral B electric toothbrush, the whole family can use the one brush, and the colour-coded rings make it easy to identify whose brush head is whose. Being gentle and letting the toothbrush do the work is most important with the electric toothbrush – don’t brush with it! Hold the brush gently on the teeth and let it do the work for you.
Manual toothbrushes have been around since 619, and were first found in China and made of hogs’ bristles. Thankfully the modern toothbrush is a small, soft and carefully made product. Look for a manual brush with soft or extra soft bristles to minimise damage and a small head for reaching back teeth. The simple looking toothbrushes are gentler on the teeth and gums. Use a gentle, circular motion to move around your mouth, spending time reaching all surfaces of the teeth towards the cheeks and towards the tongue. Our team is happy to show you how to refine your brushing technique. We have both plastic and bamboo manual toothbrushes available here. Don’t forget you can recycle all toothbrushes, packaging and electric brush heads at the practice. Please bring them in with you anytime so we can recycle our plastic waste.
Dental benefits – Please remember, as we head towards the end of the year and, dare we say Christmas, we do book up very quickly. For bookings in the next few months, start scheduling now. Don’t forget your dental benefits limits for this year finish on 31st December for most funds. Make the most of those benefits.
Clinic news – Welcome to Tasman, and Lily who have joined our hygiene team! Our lovely Tina is pregnant, which is very exciting. She will be going on maternity leave by the end of the year. We wish her and her partner well!
See you in the clinic! The Adelaide City Dental Care Team.
PS: check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps! Maybe even the latest video on YouTube.
Leave a reply