What’s the best toothbrush for gum disease? (The answer might not be what you were expecting?

I often get asked, ‘what’s the best toothbrush for gum disease?’ or ‘should I get a special toothbrush for gum disease?’.

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The truth…there is no special toothbrush for gum disease (or any other oral health issue for that matter). The best toothbrush is the one you like using. Certainly, there are pros and cons for both electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes. There is also a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth. In this blog we’ll explore all aspects of effective teeth cleaning, so that you can enjoy your best brush yet. 

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Oral health: the basics 

Regular teeth brushing is essential for good oral care. Why? Because it helps to remove dental plaque (biofilm). This is the ‘furry feeling’ layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Everyone gets plaque and even brushing isn’t enough to banish it completely. Plaque is persistent and begins reforming within hours of brushing the teeth. That’s why we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.

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The problem with plaque is that, if left untreated, it can harden and turn into tartar (dental calculus). The rough, porous texture of tartar makes it an ideal hiding place for harmful bacteria—the type to cause cavities and gum disease. 

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Now that you’ve ‘brushed up’ on the importance of regular teeth cleaning, what do you need for effective tooth brushing? 

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• A manual or power toothbrush
• Soft-bristled brush 
• Fluoride toothpaste

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8 teeth brushing mistakes

In most cases, effective brushing relies on you, not your toothbrush or toothpaste. To get the best clean, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.

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1. Brushing too hard. Burly brushing doesn’t mean a better clean. 
2. Choosing a hard-bristled brush. This is more likely to damage the teeth and gums.
3. Using an old toothbrush. Wore-down bristles are ineffective, so it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three months (or at least when the bristles look worn).
4. Not brushing for long enough. Two minutes allows you time to all the areas of the teeth you can reach.
5. Forgetting the gum line. The gum line serves as a hotbed for bacteria, so should be included in every brush. 
6. Brushing up and down. This action can damage the gums. Instead use small, circular movements.
7. Not cleaning in between teeth. Toothbrushes reach around 60% of the tooth area. Interdental cleaning (with floss or a Pikster) is a great way to get to that other 40% for a total mouth clean.
8. Incorrect technique. Keep scrolling for more on this.

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How to brush your teeth (properly)

Brushing teeth can be an inconvenience, particularly in the morning when you may be time poor. Like any repetitive task, it can become tedious. The fact remains, brushing your teeth (properly) is important for your oral health, general health and even your mental health. 

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Correct teeth brushing technique involves:

• Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. 
• Gently move the brush over the surface of each tooth and the gumline in small, circular movements. 
• Cleaning the inside surfaces of the front teeth by tilting the brush vertically and making several up-and-down strokes.
• Using a back-and forth movement to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

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Electric vs manual toothbrush

Despite having the same purpose, there are pros and cons for both manual and electric toothbrushes. There’s the misconception that electric toothbrushes are better for gum disease, but this isn’t always true. As mentioned earlier, the best toothbrush is the one you like using and use well. To help you make a decision, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the manual and electric toothbrush.

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Electric toothbrush pros and cons

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Manual toothbrush pros and cons

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Why don’t people brush their teeth?

Steadfast twice-daily tooth brushers may be surprised to hear that not everyone is so committed to their oral hygiene. The Australian Dental Association’s Consumer Oral Health Survey reveals 1 in 5 Australians still only brush once or less per day. Even though more than 30% of adults have untreated tooth decay. Some of the reasons why people may not regularly brush their teeth include:

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• Health conditions. Mental health disorders, such as depression, cognitive-related illness, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as conditions that impact dexterity. 
• No history of dental problems. 
• Poor oral health knowledge. 
• Prioritising a busy schedule over their oral health.

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Final thought…

Ultimately, effective tooth brushing comes down to you. The best toothbrush is the one that removes plaque, leaves your teeth feeling clean, and you enjoy using. Your brushing technique is more important than your choice of toothbrush. Even then, especially for people with gum disease, twice-daily brushing alone probably won’t be enough. Regular cleans by your dental hygienist or periodontist will be needed to minimise and control the issue.