Toothbrushing Mistake No.2

Last Updated on September 26, 2013 by Dr Patricia Panucci

Toothbrushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

With the numerous toothbrushes and different bristle types available in the market today, consumers are having a hard time selecting the appropriate toothbrush. Aside from the abundant options, advertisements are also rampant and most of the time they are just promoting their products not bearing in mind that whatever they say on the commercials can affect the decision making of each individual which will later have an impact their overall oral hygiene.

So are there guidelines, tips, or clear-cut path to follow when choosing the toothbrush with the right bristles?

No matter how the bristles are placed (angled or straight); dentists do not agree that one type is better than the other. The sturdiness of the bristles should be hard enough to remove debris and plaque but should also be soft enough in order not to damage the gums while brushing, says Richard H. Price, DMD. Using natural bristles from animal hair or boar hair is also highly discouraged by Price.

Not picking the right bristles can lead to gum problems (very stiff or hard bristles can damage teeth and gums) or tooth decay (too softer bristles may not be able to remove plaque which will later cause tooth decay). Hence, it is important to find the balance on the sturdiness of the bristles for more effective teeth cleaning.

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Toothbrushing Mistake No.2

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.