The most frequently asked question in my dental practice is regarding the use of which toothbrush or toothpaste. This article will help you solve all your queries. Many a times you find advertisements which falsely claim that 9 out of 10 dentist recommend a particular brand of brush or paste, or you find videos on social media which claim fluoride in toothpaste is harmful for teeth, or some yoga guru claiming their toothpaste as the best herbal toothpaste. So lets find out the correct and scientifically proven answers.

BASICS OF TOOTH BRUSHING

            Toothpaste is only a means to an end. If you buy it and then are lazy about brushing your teeth, it won’t help.  Brushing your teeth removes all the harmful bacteria and plaque that build up when you eat. No matter which toothpaste you choose, it won’t help unless you’re serious about brushing your teeth.  

SCIENCE BEHIND CHOOSING A TOOTHPASTE

                Most major brands of toothpaste include abrasive agents. Don’t worry about that label, though. Abrasive agents are usually helpful. Fluoride is an important component of any toothpaste. It strengthens tooth enamel, the protective layer on the outside of your teeth, and that added strength makes your teeth less susceptible to chipping and cracking.When you consume items that stain your teeth such as coffee, cigarettes, wine, tea, and sugary drinks, the enamel weakens. Fluoride counters this issue, although you should still brush your teeth more often if you smoke or consume any of those products. Fluoride also fights off previous damage by reversing the process of tooth decay. The fluoride concentration used in these toothpaste is very very small. Yes , fluorides used in excessive quantity is very dangerous for our health but the quantities used in our toothpastes are negligible and hence the social media videos against use of fluorides in toothpaste are not providing correct and complete information.

CORRECT TECHNIQUE OF BRUSHING YOUR TEETH  

            Its the technique of brushing which is important and not the brand of toothbrush or toothpaste. The toothpastes available in India like Colgate Total, Pepsodent, Closeup etc have almost similar ingredients. Herbal / Ayurveda toothpastes are highly abrasive .  Modified Stillmans method of brushing is the most effective way of brushing your teeth and gums.The link for which is as follows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8f0GE5Y6UI  .

Milk teeth in children need to be brushed differently using the fones technique. The link for which is as follows :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roCnm3CyhHE

TOOTHBRUSHES AVAILABLE IN MARKET

             Like toothpastes there are various designs of toothbrushes available with crisscross bristles, polishing cups, etc. Avoid using hard bristles toothbrush. A medium bristle toothbrush is what majority of us should be using. Soft bristle brushes should be used only in patients having sensitive teeth, or after any dental surgical procedure. Lately electric toothbrushes have shown greater efficiency in cleaning our teeth and I personally use the same. They are chargeable or battery operated available from Oral B or Colgate .  

Every individual has different Oral health care needs. Your dentist would be the best person to judge and analyze what kind of brush or toothpaste would suit you the best.