Los Angeles Toothbrush Truths and Myths

Basic dental care seems pretty simple, right? As long as you brush your teeth, then you’re okay. However, it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. It doesn’t help there are a myriad of myths out there circulating about it. This article sets the record straight for Los Angeles folks, as well as everyone else out there who’s interested. Here are the most common toothbrush myths and the facts behind them.


Frequency of Brushing


The general rule is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. While this is all well and good, it is actually advisable to brush your teeth after every meal. This prevents the buildup of organic matter in between the teeth. When brushing your teeth, you must remember to be gentle but thorough. Too much pressure on the teeth and gums might damage them.


Type of Toothbrush


Most people believe that the type of toothbrush one uses doesn’t figure in dental care. This is a misconception. Hard bristles can scratch the surface of the teeth as well as the gums. Dental professionals recommend the use of a toothbrush with soft bristles. Aside from its mild texture, it is also more flexible, making it more capable of reaching the hard-to-reach crevices between the teeth.


Type of Toothpaste


The most qualified dentist Los Angeles residents can trust would say that while the type of toothpaste used is quite important, the brand isn’t as essential. Often times, people equate cost with quality, but this isn’t always true. There are fairly-priced toothpastes that work just as effectively as expensive ones.


Direction of Brush Strokes


Perhaps you’ve heard that the correct way to brush your teeth is from side to side or up and down. These are both wrong. Any dentist Los Angeles folks can ask would claim that the proper direction of toothbrush strokes is circular. The first two stroke directions can severely weaken the gum tissue, which can lead to more serious complications.


Necessity of Flossing


Flossing is primarily viewed as an optional dental care procedure. Most people only rely on a good brushing for their oral hygiene. However, this only cleans fifty percent of the bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Through flossing, the gaps between the teeth unreachable to a toothbrush are rid of leftover matter. The best dentist Los Angeles can offer would definitely recommend flossing as a part of basic oral health care.