What You Should Know about Your Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Using the right dental cleaning tools can make a big difference in your dental health. Ancient Babylonians and Egyptians used frayed sticks to clean their teeth, which was not beneficial. By the Fifteenth Century, the Chinese had developed a toothbrush using natural boar bristles attached to bamboo handles. Luckily, toothbrushes have come a long way since those days. Today, we have soft nylon bristles that come in comfortable rectangles, ovals and other shapes. With easy-to-hold rubber handles and electric or battery-operated models, brushing is even easier and more efficient than ever before.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, most people only brush for about a minute. Unfortunately, this is not long enough to get the job done properly. Most dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes at a time. To clean your teeth without irritating the gums or damaging the enamel, use a soft-bristled brush. Also, remember to change your brush after an illness or when the bristles become damaged, and replace the brush after three months of use.

The first toothpaste was not a paste at all, but rather a powder. In the 1850s, a special tooth cream started marketing. By the late 1800s, Colgate had started producing the toothpaste tubes that are now nearly universal. Early forms of toothpaste contained soap and tended to be gritty. Today, toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate as a cleanser, and many have added fluoride. Use fluoride toothpaste each time you brush for added protection. The fluoride in the toothpaste helps combat oral bacteria, and it can also harden the enamel on your teeth.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule your next appointment.