Toothbrushes, Interproximal Brushes, and Floss
Inside Dental Hygiene (IDH): Access to care is a passion of yours. How important are toothbrushes and floss in that regard?
Crystal Spring, BSDH, RDH, LAP: So often, children do not even have their own toothbrush, and it is not necessarily a result of financial status. Sometimes, if they split their time between different households with divorced parents, they might not have a toothbrush at one place. If there are many people living in the home, their toothbrush might get taken. So many children I work with get excited just about free floss. It is so important to ensure that they have these tools.
IDH: What do you recommend in selecting a toothbrush?
Spring: I strongly prefer soft toothbrushes because they are less abrasive. Some patients do better with smaller heads; with the elderly, for example, a smaller head is just easier to manipulate. I love electric toothbrushes, and I like a round head with an oscillating motion. The amount that an electric toothbrush vibrates is an important consideration depending on the patient.
IDH: What are some considerations for floss?
Spring: Most important is what the patient will be comfortable enough with to actually use. If they have the type of teeth that will shred floss, then something smooth and shred-resistant is preferable. That is not for everyone, however. Personally, I like a thicker floss that will grab more interproximally.
IDH: What are your thoughts on interproximal brushes and water flossers?
Spring: I love them. Interproximal brushes are so useful. Water flossers, obviously, should not be a substitute for floss, but there are so many people who do not floss who will use a water flosser, and that can go such a long way toward good oral health.
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