The answer is yes! You should. It is important to brush a minimum of twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and a good toothbrush. You may be wondering what a good toothbrush really is. Here’s what it is.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD TOOTHBRUSH:

• SIZE

Size of the head of the toothbrush often makes no difference. However smaller heads are able to reach the most posterior teeth (wisdom teeth) much easier than toothbrushes with bigger heads. Select a toothbrush with a head size that can easily fit into the mouth and can brush one to two teeth at a time. You should be able to reach all teeth easily.

• HANDLE

A good toothbrush should have a handle long enough to provide comfort in the hand as one is brushing.

• BRISTLES:

If you think that hard bristled toothbrushes are the ones to use, then you are wrong. Any toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles enough for effective cleaning and safe for the gums. Hard bristles wear away the teeth causing hypersensitivity.

• POWERED VERSUS MANUAL:

Powered toothbrushes don’t clean any better than manual toothbrushes. If you are able to brush, i.e. you are not physically and mentally handicapped, then better you use the manual toothbrush since you will be in full control of the brushing.

Powered toothbrushes are equally good although they are much better for people who are physically and mentally handicapped. However heavy hand electric toothbrushes cause risks of enamel (outer layer of the tooth) wear.

NB: Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months.

DR. MARIA GORRETTI NAKYONYI

          DENTAL SURGEON