When you decide to undergo treatment for dental implants in Richmond, or indeed anywhere else in the country, you’re likely to be spending a fair bit of money by investing in your oral health. Therefore it stands to reason that once the implants have been fitted they need to be cared for and looked after. One of the main weapons in making sure this happens is your humble toothbrush.
Should I use a standard toothbrush or should I go electric?
There are many arguments for the use of electric (particularly sonic) toothbrushes and some of them hold water too. For example the speed of the rotating head means that less pressure is exerted on the teeth and makes cleaning the gum line more comfortable, particularly if you suffer with weak or tender gums. In addition the oscillation process that a sonic toothbrush brings is said to be able to remove more plaque than by normal brushing. However most dentists will tell you that as long as it is fit for purpose then whether you decide to opt for a manual one over the electric variety is largely down to preference.
Toothbrush replacement
if you want your toothbrush to be as effective as possible then you need to know when to replace it. Unfortunately toothbrushes aren’t meant to last indefinitely and as a result shouldn’t really be looked on like an ‘old friend’. Instead choose a fairly stiff bristled brush and look to replace it every three months, or when the bristles start to bend out of shape (whichever is first). When bristles become worn and soft they simply can’t pick up the plaque and bacteria which may well be building up. An unconventional test to see if you need to replace your toothbrush is to turn it upside down and look directly down onto the base of it. If you can see bristles splaying out the sides, then it’s time to treat yourself to a new one.
Brushing itself
Clearly regular brushing is important and especially so when dealing with a dental implant. In Richmond here at Sheen Dental we suggest that people set a timer for two minutes when brushing as this is the optimum level. So why a timer? For most people although they may feel that they’re brushing for the recommended time, the chances are that they will be falling way short of this, so a timer is a great way to make sure that the magic 2 minute figure is reached. Finally try not to rinse after brushing. Instead simply spit out the excess. This way the toothpaste remains on the teeth longer therefore helping to protect them.
If you’re considering dental implants in Richmond and want to find out more about how your humble toothbrush can help prolong their life, or indeed any other aspect of the implant procedure then contact us on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk