The Tribune

BY DR. SPARKMAN FERGUSON

REGISTRAR, BAHAMAS

DENTAL COUNCIL

ONE of the most confusing moments at the drugstore comes when deciding which toothbrush to buy. Really? It is not that hard. The correct one is always “soft”.

Dentists are amazed when patients who visit us every six months for their dental prophylaxis declare that they still use a “hard” or a “medium” toothbrush. This is after we have gone over it many times. There is apparently a desire on the part of many to improvise in spite of having correct knowledge.

Dentists do not receive royalties for recommending soft toothbrushes, but because of the manner in which we recommend them, one would think that we do.

There are two reasons why dentists insist on soft toothbrushes.

1 Soft toothbrushes have soft bristles which are comfortable to the gums. Because of this, we can brush and massage the gums without fear of hurting the gums. This in itself assists with more plaque removal and results in a mouth of healthier gums.

Conversely, if a medium or hard toothbrush is used, the gums are completely avoided when brushing because these brushes hurt the gums, thereby discouraging us from making contact with them. The net result is that the gums are never massaged, plaque and debris remain at the gum lines and gingivitis (gum disease) begins.

2 Soft toothbrushes with soft bristles never damage the enamel (hard outer surface) of teeth. Because of this, with the use of the soft toothbrush, we can brush all the surfaces of teeth without fear of creating holes in the enamel.

On the other hand, if a medium or hard toothbrush is used, after a period of time, holes (abrasions) are created in the enamel near the gum lines. These enamel abrasions get deeper with constant use of this incorrect toothbrush until the abrasion reaches the dentin (the second layer of the tooth with painful nerve endings).

At this point, all cold drinks, or cold air, or even brushing causes immense pain. If these holes are small, toothpaste for sensitive teeth can reduce or eliminate the pain. If these holes are allowed to become deep, the teeth usually need to be restored by your dentist, thereby covering the exposed hole, which then eliminates the pain.

Why are medium and hard toothbrushes manufactured and sold?

This is a question that dentists get all the time. The only reasonable explanation that we can come up with is that manufacturers wish to produce a variety of toothbrushes for people. We must remember that toothbrush manufacturers are not necessarily concerned with the consequences that patients and dental clinicians experience from the use of their products. As in all shopping, the more informed we are, the better our purchase choices can be also.

In conclusion, clinical evidence proves that there is a marked difference in the general dental health of patients based on their choice of toothbrush.

The singular decision to invest in the correct (soft) toothbrush carries with it improved gum health, the elimination of self-inflicted enamel holes and no expense for dental repairs.