https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5ktSAvAO0A&feature=youtu.be
Choosing the Right Toothbrush: Pots vs. Pants
One of the most common questions we are asked at Dillon Family Dentistry is:
“What kind of toothbrush should I use?”
POTS (Plain Ole Toothbrushes) and PANTs (Pretty Amazing New Toothbrushes) are having an epic battle these days.
Let’s look at the PANTs first.
Recently a team of inventors developed “Grush” – a toothbrush that works in conjunction with a video game to help children brush better. Is that really something we need? Well apparently some very smart people think so, because the Grush Brush just took first place in “America’s Greatest Makers,” a new reality TV show from Mark Burnett and Intel. The Grush is expected to sell for $59.00
Not to be outdone, the folks at Proctor & Gamble are about to unleash the “Oral-B Genius.” We’re not sure what it does, but at $200 it better be pretty smart!
Not expensive enough? Fear not. Soon you will be able to purchase the brainchild of a Chicago dentist, the $400.00 Bluetooth enabled Prophix. Just exactly what does a four hundred dollar toothbrush do? The Prophix actually has a miniature camera so you can see precisely where you are brushing through a smartphone app!
Get the PANTs if you love toys and gadgets. or if you honestly think it will help your kids do a better job brushing.
Which leads to the question – do you really need PANTS or is a three dollar one from Target good enough?
We have a very difficult time justifying the expenditure for these toys. The only benefit we can truly see is that perhaps people might use it more, and more often if they spent the money for it.
Once again I will reference the study that showed absolutely no difference between POTs and PANTs and focus on the technique.
It would appear that you should be fine with a plain ole toothbrush as long as:
• You purchase one with soft bristles
• The head of the toothbrush is small enough to reach every surface of every tooth
• You brush several times daily using the correct brushing method (this is crucial)
• You scrub the teeth at the gumline 360 degrees around each tooth
Following these basic guidelines will not just help keep you from getting periodontal disease, but also keep you from getting cavities. You will probably find as you get older you are much more prone to get cavities at the gumline and between the teeth.
The good news is, for most people a good at-home oral hygiene regimen is inexpensive and simple.
Your friendly neighborhood Bryn Mawr dentist would love to show you the correct way to brush and floss (most people are doing it wrong!) and even help you select the best brush and floss for you. Please give us a call at 610-525-5497 or visit our dental office. We are here for you!