Edmond Dentist | Toothbrushes Benefit Children & Adults

It seems that all products manufactured today are designed with convenience in mind, says Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS, an Edmond dentist who points out toothbrushes are no different. And though the art of cleaning teeth hasn’t changed in nearly a century, some assert that specially designed toothbrushes make brushing easier. The Edmond dentist says there’s merit to that claim but only for certain people.

EDMOND, Oklahoma — December 24, 2015 — The modern toothbrush was introduced in 1938, says Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS. Since that time, there have been numerous upgrades, as evidenced by the volume and variety available in the dental care aisle. However, the Edmond dentist says that while electric toothbrushes offer major benefits, newly-designed ergonomic toothbrushes may only warrant the extra cost for children learning to hold a toothbrush and those with limited hand function.

Ergonomic toothbrushes, explains the Edmond dentist, are marketed to the general public. They promise to make brushing more efficient and thus give the user better oral health. In his Edmond dentist office, Dr. Johnson tells patients these toothbrushes are mostly just clever marketing meant to scrub money from the pockets of unsuspecting consumers. The Edmond dentist notes that while ergonomic toothbrushes are often lighter and include coated handles that conform to a natural grip, a plain toothbrush is enough for most people.

Dr. Johnson does point out that ergonomic toothbrushes are easier for children still developing manual dexterity to hold. As well, the Edmond dentist explains some models feature a head and bristles fashioned to clean difficult to reach areas.

Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS reports that what really keeps teeth clean is regular brushing, flossing, the use of antibacterial mouthwashes, and regular dental care. Daily brushing, points out the Edmond dentist, has a bigger impact on a person’s overall oral health than what type of brush he or she chooses. Johnson suggests brushing two-to three times per day and flossing at least once, especially after meals that may leave hidden food between teeth. Dr. Johnson instructs his patients to brush for a full two minutes. This is a long time for kids, he says, so making this time fun with a musical toothbrush can influence their brushing duration.

Dr. Johnson also cautions against vigorous brushing. The Edmond dentist reports that many cases of tooth sensitivity actually begin because of over-brushing. Teeth don’t need force to get clean and brushing too hard can damage the enamel. He recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles, since hard and medium bristles can irritate the gums on top of damaging the teeth’s surface.

Regardless of brush type, the Edmond dentist says it’s important to replace it after about three months. Because toothbrushes are inherently stored in a warm, damp environment, they need to be switched out regularly to prevent brushing with a cesspool of bacteria. The Edmond dentist also recommends a new toothbrush if bristles become worn prematurely.  Dr. Johnson says toothbrush sanitizers can help reduce bacteria. The Edmond dentist explains these inexpensive storage units use UV rays to zap germs in between use.

For more information about oral care, visit Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS’s blog online at DamonRJohnsonDDS.com/blog.