Brushing is an essential component of good oral health. Picking the right toothbrush and toothpaste can go a long way in enhancing your oral routine. The choices you make can determine the effectiveness of the brushing process.

Using good quality toothpaste and a good toothbrush will make it easier to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. It helps reduce the risk of tooth and gum issues. 

Choosing the Best Toothpaste

With the wide range of options available, most dentists constantly encounter the question, "which is the best toothpaste?" Many want to find the product that will suit their needs. Most people choose toothpaste based on their favorite brand or flavor. 

They rarely pay much attention to the ingredients or properties of the product. It is necessary to know that the products differ in their effectiveness. Choosing the right toothpaste is a vital part of good oral care. 

Common Types of Toothpaste 

Toothpaste typically contains ingredients that work together to clean teeth. They include foam-creating detergents, abrasives that clean stains, and fluoride to keep teeth strong and healthy. You can find toothpaste that deals with specific issues such as gingivitis and sensitive teeth. The common types include:
 

• Fluoride toothpaste.
   

• Desensitizing toothpaste.
   

• Whitening toothpaste.
   

• Tartar control toothpaste.
   

• Smoker's toothpaste.
   

• Herbal toothpaste.
   

• Children's toothpaste.

Some people prefer products that do not contain chemicals. They choose natural toothpaste to keep their teeth clean. 

Choosing the Best Toothbrush 

The toothbrush you use can go a long way in ensuring effective cleaning. There are many types of toothbrushes in the market. You can choose based on the pattern and design.

Factors to consider include the hardness of the bristles, the bristle pattern, the shape of the handle, and the toothbrush head shape. The design can affect the ease of use or handling. Dentists usually recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes. 

Types of Toothbrushes 

Toothbrush designs and types have come a long way in recent decades. They range from manual to electric. Opinions differ on the best option. Toothbrush types include:
 

• Manual toothbrush.
   

• Electric toothbrush (chargeable or battery-operated). 
   

• Sonic toothbrushes. They produce faster vibration than regular electric toothbrushes.
   

• Interproximal or interdental toothbrushes. The use of toothpaste is not recommended. 
   

• Sulcabrush®. A short-handled brush that cleans close to and beneath the gumline.
   

• End tufted toothbrush. Usually recommended for people with implants or braces. 
   

• Orthodontic toothbrush.
   

• Kids toothbrush.
   

• Chewable toothbrush.

Correct Brushing Technique 

Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is not enough. For best results, use the proper brushing technique. The best technique involves holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and using short strokes in a sweeping motion. Dental experts recommend using circular motions for no longer than two minutes. Brushing for longer can cause tooth damage.

While most experts claim using an electric toothbrush is more effective, a manual toothbrush can produce similar results. The results depend on technique, brushing time, toothbrush control, and pressure applied. Depending on your oral needs, your dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste. 

For more on choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste, visit btyDENTAL at our Anchorage, Alaska offices. Call (907) 333-6666 to schedule an appointment today.