Choosing the right toothbrush

Proper dental care begins with choosing the right toothbrush and using the correct brushing technique. Not only will this prevent plaque buildup and the risk of tooth decay, but it will also protect your gums from possible inflammation. In this article, you will find basic information about manual and sonic toothbrushes and practical advice on how to use them most effectively.

Manual toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are classified according to the hardness of their bristles as soft, medium, and hard. Before use, the toothbrush should be wet, which softens the bristles and facilitates cleaning. We most often recommend soft toothbrushes to patients, as they are gentler on the gums, but they also require longer cleaning times. Hard brushes can damage the enamel and lead to gum recession, so their use is not recommended. When choosing the right manual toothbrush, we also focus on the cut of the bristles, which should be straight without any curling.

Cleaning technique

Place the brush so that half of the bristles cover the tooth and the other half cover the gum. Tilt it at an angle of approximately 45° toward the gum and make gentle circular movements to mechanically remove plaque. Concentrate on cleaning as large an area as possible with the bristles of the toothbrush. Make approximately 10 circular movements in one place and then move on to the next tooth. In this way, we clean the teeth from the outside and inside of the oral cavity and finally clean the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.

Sonic toothbrush

A sonic toothbrush is a modern tool that makes brushing your teeth much easier and more effective. It is recommended for children aged 3 and older, provided their teeth are healthy and strong. When brushing, place the brush head at a 45° angle and slowly move it across the surface of your teeth – there is no need to use circular motions, as this will only interfere with the cleaning process.

Warning

Do not press down on the sonic toothbrush and do not use abrasive whitening toothpastes with it. This combination could damage the enamel and increase tooth sensitivity. The ideal cleaning time is 2 x 2 minutes for each jaw (a total of 4 minutes for the entire oral cavity).

Further recommendations and tips

• For optimal care, you can use a manual toothbrush in the morning and a sonic toothbrush in the evening.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, after an illness, or if the bristles lose their shape.
• Use soft toothbrushes that are gentle on your gums and enamel.
• Don’t forget to clean between your teeth – interdental brushes or dental floss are essential for complete oral hygiene.
• Don’t apply too much pressure to the toothbrush – a gentle touch is enough to prevent damage to the gums and enamel. Brushing your teeth is not about strength, but rather about the time you spend cleaning them.

our team

Who will take care of you?

Meet our friendly pediatric dentists.

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Mgr. Valerie Burešová, MSc.

Head dental hygienist

Klára Matušková, DiS.

Dental Hygienist

Cliniq Dejvice

CLINIQ Chodov

Michaela Gaššová, DiS.

Dental Hygienist

Cliniq Dejvice

CLINIQ Chodov

Helena Horáková Řeháková, DiS. et DiS.

Dental hygienist

Cliniq Dlouhá

Anna Semerádová, DiS. et DiS

Dental hygienist

Cliniq Dejvice

Bc. Klára Čadová Měsíčková

Dental hygienist

Cliniq Dlouhá

Cliniq Dejvice

Karolína Čermáková, DiS.

Dental hygienist

Cliniq Dejvice

Eliška Nešporová DiS.

Dental hygienist

Cliniq Dejvice

Bc. Pavla Holubová

Dental hygienist