A sensitive subject

Regular toothbrushing is the cornerstone of every good oral hygiene routine. It is fundamental for removing plaque and maintaining healthy teeth and gingiva. As clinicians, it’s important to assess each patient’s oral hygiene, and ensure they have a good understanding of how best to remove plaque and maintain a healthy mouth. This means ensuring that patients are using the most effective tools for them, be it a manual or electric toothbrush, interdental tools, or even the correct technique. Sometimes, patients use too much pressure when brushing, thinking that this will help to remove any plaque, debris, and staining, but they may be doing more harm than good. A combination of patient education and recommending the right equipment is needed to improve patients’ oral hygiene routines.