Toothbrushes are just like any other product on the market and that means that there are plenty of options available.

So when it comes to brushing, which toothbrush and toothpaste should you choose? Is it really worth investing a lot of money in an electronic oral care system? Let’s find out.

Selecting a Toothbrush for Your Child

If you’re looking for a toothbrush for your pre-schooler, look for a manual brush with a brush head that’s approximately 19mm long. Once your child starts going to school, a brush head that’s nearly 22mm long should be good enough. Look for soft bristled toothbrushes for children until they learn how to brush on their own. This will prevent them from damaging their teeth and gums.

Selecting an Adult Toothbrush

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to adult toothbrushes. If you can afford to pay for a good toothbrush, then look for a powered one that comes with multiple speed and motion settings. Powered brushes have an edge over manual ones because they effectively break down plaque and tartar. Powered brushes are also ideal for people who are physically challenged. They simplify the brushing process and don’t require one to do much.

The only drawback to powered brushes is that you have to keep them charged. So if you're going to be travelling extensively and won't have the opportunity to charge your brush, carry a manual toothbrush.

Sonic Brushes

Sonic brushes use fluid dynamics to displace plaque from the oral cavity. These brushes produce sonic waves or vibrations to agitate saliva which in turn breaks down plaque build-up on the teeth. Sonic brushes are some of the most effective in the market and come with a higher price tag.

Tips to keep in mind:

• If you’re purchasing a manual toothbrush, buy a soft bristled brush, especially if you’re used to brushing vigorously. This will protect your gum line and the enamel coating on your teeth.
• If you find it hard to reach posterior teeth, find a brush with a narrow or smaller head.
• Make sure your toothbrush dries out completely after use so that it doesn’t breed bacteria.
• Replace the brush/brush ahead after 3 months or if the bristles start to wear out.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

The type of toothpaste you choose will depend on the type of oral problems you have. If you’re more prone to cavities, look for a toothpaste that controls tartar formation. Use a fluoride rinse after brushing to protect the enamel from corrosion and decay.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, on the other hand, desensitising toothpaste may be an ideal choice for you. These toothpastes often contain potassium nitrate, known to numb pain or sensitivity caused by hot or cold foods and drinks. Desensitising toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride are considered safer than others that contain harmful desensitising ingredients.

For more tips on choosing the right oral products, talk to the professionals at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic in Melbourne. Our experienced family dentist, Dr Mahima Krongold, has more than 20 years of experience in dentistry. She performs a wide range of cosmetic and general dental procedures at our modern family dental clinic in Caulfield.

We work Monday to Saturday and accept emergency dental bookings in Melbourne. If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care for you and your family, give us a call on (03) 9533 0996 or request an appointment online.

We all know that too much sugar does a lot of damage to the teeth but there are some foods that are known to attack the enamel, causing pain and increased sensitivity. If you're more prone to tooth sensitivity, it's a good idea to stay away from these enamel-eroding foods and drinks.

• Sweets

Lollies, gummy bears, jelly beans and sour candy, are known to chip the enamel and cause a lot of pain. If you must go for something sweet, look for sugarless mints or lozenges that contain xylitol.

• Dried Fruit

Have you ever sat down with a handful of dried fruits only to discover that you start feeling some pain after eating a few? The combination of sweet and sticky creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and eat away at the enamel. So instead of dried fruit, go for a small piece of chocolate and wash your mouth thoroughly once you’re done.

• White Bread

White bread generally sticks to the teeth and is converted into sugar by the body. Apart from doing damage to the teeth, it also elevates blood sugar levels. Look instead for wholemeal or wholegrain varieties when shopping at the supermarket.

• Doughnuts

If you’re always reaching for a doughnut on your way to work, it’s time you make a switch. Doughnuts are disastrous for your teeth. They contain twice or three times the amount of sugar than oatmeal cookies, depending on whether they’re glazed, iced or sprinkled with sugar. What’s worse is when you wash it down with a cup of coffee, a beverage known to cause tooth staining. Stick to healthier alternatives like a bowl of oatmeal or fresh fruit.

• Wine and Tea

Like coffee, wines and teas are also known to cause tooth discolouration. Even if you undergo a tooth whitening procedure, the stains will likely come back if they’ve become intrinsic. Some types of herbal teas also cause enamel erosion, so limit your consumption of these beverages when possible.

• Soft Drinks

Soft drinks damage your teeth in three different ways. Firstly, they’re loaded with sugar so they turn your mouth into a breeding ground for bacteria. Secondly, some soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, an ingredient known for its corrosive properties. Lastly, they stain your teeth, leaving them with a yellow tinge.

If you can’t stop yourself from reaching for a soda, use a straw so your teeth don’t come in contact with the liquid. Also, rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming a can of soft drink.

For more tips on oral care, visit the experts at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic in Melbourne. We employ some of the best family dentists to treat a wide variety of dental issues like crooked teeth and tooth discoloration.

Our modern family dental clinic in Caulfield features some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic tools. We offer teeth straightening, whitening, cleaning and emergency dental at affordable prices. So if you're suffering from a toothache, enamel erosion or any other oral problem, walk into our friendly practice or give us a call on (03) 9533 0996 to schedule an appointment with a certified dentist in Caulfield.