Dentist in Leeds - Dental Blog - Leeds City Dental Care

Is an Electric Toothbrush Any Better Than a Manual Brush?

Are you looking for advice from a dentist in Leeds about keeping your mouth healthy? Brushing your teeth can often seem like a chore, so anything that makes the job easier has to be worth considering. Many people swear by their electric toothbrushes, but are they really any better than manual toothbrushes? There’s little doubt that these high-tech brushes are growing in popularity, and they can be extremely useful for some people. As to whether or not they’re necessary, that’s a bit of a different matter.

Dentist Leeds Manual toothbrushes can be every bit as effective as electric toothbrushes, and it’s all a question of how often they are used, and brushing technique. If you have excellent technique and are vigilant about flossing then you’ll do just fine with a manual toothbrush. However electric toothbrushes can be extremely useful for anyone with limited manual dexterity, for example people with arthritis or for anyone who has some other problem that limits the use of their hands.

In addition electric toothbrushes can include a number of quite useful features, one of which is a built-in timer. You need to brush your teeth for approximately 2 minutes each day, but it’s all too easy to overestimate how long you’ve actually been brushing for. An electric toothbrush takes the guesswork out of this, but on the other hand it’s just as easy to put a small clock or timer in the bathroom.

The heads of electric toothbrushes also tend to be quite a bit smaller than conventional brushes, and this can make it a lot easier to reach right to the back of your mouth. If you prefer using a manual toothbrush, to make sure its head is small enough to reach all the areas in your mouth, or you may even want to think about buying a child sized toothbrush. Whichever approach you prefer to use, it’s important to make sure your technique is the very best they can be, and this is where Leeds City Dentalcare can really help. Just ask Dr David Brown, your friendly dentist in Leeds, or any of our dental team for advice and perhaps a practical demonstration on how to brush and floss as this is something we’ll be more than happy to discuss with you. Another thing to bear in mind is that it’s important to replace your toothbrush regularly, regardless of whether it’s manual or electric.

Caring For Your Toothbrush

Most people will need to replace their toothbrushes once every two or three months, but some people might need to do this more frequently so if you notice the bristles splayed or worn then it’s time to get a new one. Caring for your toothbrush will make sure it remains hygienic throughout its lifetime, so make sure you rinse it thoroughly under clean running water once you finished brushing to remove any excess toothpaste and food particles. It’s best to place it in an upright position to dry, and make sure that air can circulate freely around it and that it isn’t touching anyone else’s toothbrush. It goes without saying that it’s best to keep your brush for your own use only, as otherwise you will be sharing bacteria with other people.

Lastly, the habit of using a toothbrush is nothing new as it dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time the cost of the brush was so expensive that whole families would share the same toothbrush. Luckily nowadays a decent toothbrush can be purchased extremely cheaply.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

Got a question about dental implants in Leeds? Ask us!

The short answer to this is only positive ones! If you have been trying to decide whether or not to bother to fill the gap left by missing teeth, or are looking at which option is preferable, then dental implants are quite possibly your best option. Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to replace lost teeth even if it seems as if they’re right back at the mouth and you’re pretty sure you can do without them. The reason for this is that replacement teeth will prevent your existing teeth from moving out of position, as this can create numerous problems with your bite, and can lead to unsightly spaces developing between your remaining teeth.

Dentist Leeds Your choices for replacing missing teeth are like to include a partial denture, a bridge, or dental implants. Dental implants might seem like the most expensive option, and it’s true they can take several months to complete, but they’re still the best and most natural way of replacing missing teeth. The main reason for choosing dental implants over other options is that it will help preserve your jawbone. If you have a tooth removed then the bone will soon start to reabsorb as it no longer receives any sort of stimulation from the tooth root. Another problem is that tooth removal can affect the gum tissue.

If you look at your natural teeth you’ll see there are small triangular pieces of gum tissue that fit snugly in between each tooth, and these are called papilla. When a tooth is removed these begin to flatten down as there’s no longer any support for them. Having a dental implant will allow an implant crown to be placed that will help support the papilla, as a well-placed implant will gently shape the gum tissue so that it grows naturally around the implant crown, helping to eliminate the risk of any unsightly gaps or black triangles developing in between your teeth due to this missing tissue. This is quite a skilful task on the part of your implant dentist, as it does rely on the implant crown being properly shaped to provide the correct amount of pressure. However the results can be beautiful.

If you choose to have a bridge or denture then none of this will happen and these sections of tissue will be lost. This has the potential to create problems with your remaining teeth, as there is the possibility that the gum tissue may recede around your adjacent teeth. Another problem with these remaining options is that they will impact your existing teeth, and not in a good way. A dental bridge is supported by one or two crowns on the adjacent teeth and these are attached to the replacement tooth or teeth to bridge the gap. For dental implants in Leeds, Dr David Brown or another dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare will have to grind down these teeth to make room for the dental crowns, and while this may not seem like much of a problem, it’s worth remembering that these teeth will always need to be crowned, even if you decide to go for implants sometime in the future. Partial bridges are not ideal and are often only used as a temporary solution as they have a tendency to move around, and certainly do not do anything to help your remaining teeth.

Dental implants aren’t for everyone, but our dentist in Leeds can assess your situation and can let you know whether or not this is something worth considering.

Dr. David S Brown

Tooth Coloured Fillings at your cosmetic dentist in Leeds

In the past amalgam fillings used to be placed as standard, and at the time they were an extremely good choice. However things have moved on since then and nowadays most people would choose to have cosmetic tooth coloured fillings that are made from composite resin. Obviously the huge advantage of choosing these composite resin fillings over amalgam fillings is that they are virtually undetectable. One of the major problems with amalgam fillings that they can make it appear as if your teeth are stained or discoloured, and they do create dark areas in the mouth that can look quite unsightly.

Dentist Leeds In contrast tooth coloured fillings blend in beautifully with your natural teeth, and modern materials mean they are able to be used to replace quite large areas of decay. In the past this wasn’t really the case and composite resin tend to be kept for fillings right in the front of the mouth. This is because the materials simply weren’t strong enough to withstand the pressure created through biting and chewing. Nowadays it’s a much healthier alternative to having amalgam fillings, and another huge benefit is the way the material reacts with your natural teeth as it will not flex or expand and contract at a different rate. This was another problem with amalgam fillings, as whenever you ate or drank something hot or cold this caused the amalgam to expand or contract, and as a result it could end up causing tiny fractures in your teeth, weakening the remaining tooth structure.

If you still have older style amalgam fillings in your mouth, then it’s probably nothing to be worried about as long as they are still functional. This material has been in use for more than 150 years and consists of several different metals which include tin, copper and silver, but around half the weight of an amalgam filling is made up of mercury. The whole reason for using mercury is that it’s a very good material for binding all the metals together, and it’s part of the reason why amalgam is such a hard wearing and durable material. But the mercury content is something that does concern many people even though it’s considered safe for use. Leeds City Dentalcare, your friendly cosmetic dentist in Leeds, doesn’t necessarily recommend removing old amalgam fillings that are still viable, but we do find that many people are choosing more aesthetically pleasing cosmetic resin fillings as their replacements.

Composite resin is a very versatile material, and it’s perfect for restoring small to medium-size areas of decay. It may not always be suitable for large areas of decay, as the tooth is likely to need more support. This is something that could be provided in the form of a crown, or we may recommend having an inlay or onlay. This is something that we can do for you in just one visit if you choose to opt for a CEREC restoration. The process uses computerised technology to produce beautiful restorations that are milled from a single block of material, and all without the need for any dental impressions. Dr David Brown or another of our dentists at our Leeds surgery will be able to discuss all the options with you, if or when you need a filling, or an older filling replaced.

Dr. David S Brown

Advantages of visiting a preventive dentist in Leeds

We realise it’s tempting to put off regular check-ups with Dr David Brown, your dentist in Leeds, especially if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your teeth. However there are lots of advantages in having regular check-ups and hygiene appointments at Leeds City Dental care, and in the longer term it could save you money and time.

Common Dental Diseases are Preventable
Common diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are easily preventable through proper dental care, and whenever you visit our Leeds surgery you’ll be provided with a full assessment of your current dental health, including recommendations on how to improve it.

Part of your regular check-up will include an examination for mouth cancer, a preventative dental care measure that could potentially save your life. We will also want to take dental x-rays at regular intervals, as these enable early detection of any lesions or cavities that are not visible to the naked eye. Most people will only require x-rays every couple of years or so, and modern x-rays only emit a tiny amount of

Radiation, so they are extremely safe.
Early detection of dental diseases ensures that treatment is quicker and much more effective, as for example undetected gum disease can eventually progress into a chronic condition that requires regular treatment; in comparison the early signs of gum disease are easily cured, and preventative dental care will help ensure they do not return.

Ask Our Experienced Staff for Help and Advice
If you have any dental issues, then we do urge you to discuss these with our staff as you’ll find they are more than willing to help you. We can also give you practical help in improving your oral hygiene by demonstrating the correct way to brush and floss, as we are aware many people find this tricky.

Nervous? Don’t Let That Put You off visiting our Surgery
We know many people feel apprehensive over dental visits, and that some actively avoid dentists in Leeds until they are in pain. Don’t let this happen to you, as Leeds City Dentalcare has lots of experience in treating nervous patients, and we can help you conquer your fears so you can receive essential dental treatment. Just ask our kind and friendly staff for advice and help. You’ll find there are lots of things we can do to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Just remember that your first visit to our dental surgery is only for an examination, and there’s nothing to fear as we won’t provide any treatment at this stage. Once we’ve assessed your dental health then we’ll discuss with you how to proceed and will work out something that you feel comfortable with.

Preventative dental care is hugely important, and is definitely something that we place a great deal of emphasis on. Our dentist in Leeds and dental team are already well aware of how oral health affects general health, and of the connection between dental health and many debilitating or even life-threatening diseases. Preventative dental care checks only take an hour or so every six months which is a very small amount of time out of anyone’s schedule. We open at 8 AM four days out of five each week, and we stay open till 6 PM on Thursdays, making it easy for most people to fit in a dental appointment before or after work.

Dr. David S Brown

Imagine Beautiful Crowns and Veneers in Just One Easy Visit

Leeds City Dentalcare, a cosmetic dentist in Leeds, does provide patients with beautiful custom-made crowns and veneers that are fabricated by experienced technicians in a dental laboratory. These are absolutely perfect for anyone looking for a comprehensive smile makeover, but one of the problems is that completion can take several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the case and the materials used. In the meantime patients are left with temporary restorations that while perfectly functional are obviously not ideal. In addition some people simply don’t have the time to book several visits to our Leeds surgery so that work can be completed. One solution is to have CEREC restorations. This advanced technology can save a great deal of time and can provide some patients with high-quality crowns and veneers that can be permanently bonded in position in just one single visit.

No Need for Dental Impressions
Another advantage of using this system is that there is no need to have impressions taken, as we know this is something that some of our patients find it quite difficult to cope with, especially people who have a particularly strong gag reflex. Instead CEREC uses a small high-tech camera that scans the prepared tooth before transmitting the information to the computer. This allows Dr David Brown, our dentist in Leeds, to design the crowns or veneers, and it also means you get a chance to see how your newly finished restoration will look even before fabrication begins. We can even work on several restorations at the same time, meaning you will just need to be numbed the once for the teeth to be prepared and the final restorations to be made.

CEREC Doesn’t Compromise on Quality
CEREC uses high-quality compressed blocks of porcelain, and we always keep a large stock of different shades and translucencies in our dental surgery so we can select the shade that most closely matches your natural teeth. It’s quite an exciting prospect to think you can have your teeth made in just one visit to our Leeds surgery, and it’s ideal if you have a dental emergency and require a new crown in a hurry. These types of restorations don’t compromise on quality and are highly suitable for most cases. Their CAD/CAM design means each restoration is precision made to fit exactly in your mouth. CEREC can also be used to fabricate inlays and onlays in cases where conventional composite resin filling material is simply not strong enough to replace larger areas of decay. However there are occasions when it might be better to have a more traditional restoration, even if it takes a little longer to complete.

Using CEREC for Smile Makeovers
Next time you visit Leeds City Dentalcare then why not ask us if CEREC would be suitable for you? If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry then it could be that CEREC is suitable for producing some of your dental restorations, such as veneers. Veneers can be used as part of a smile makeover to repair worn down teeth, or to mask teeth that have become discoloured. Even a relatively minor treatment such as having older style amalgam fillings replaced with CEREC inlays can make a terrific difference to your smile.

Dr. David S Brown

What are Chalky Teeth? Advice from your dentist in Leeds

If you’re a parent who cares about your child’s dental health, then you’re probably patting yourself on the back for looking after their teeth through making sure they have a balanced diet, and that they brush thoroughly every day. But even if you do all this, there’s still a chance that your children’s teeth may not turn out quite right, as events during a child’s early development can affect the way teeth are formed, leading to them developing something that is called chalky teeth.

What are the Risk Factors for Chalky Teeth?
This might be something that happens if your child was born prematurely or if they suffered with infections or high fevers as a toddler, and which required antibiotics. One of the possible side effects from these events is that the teeth could end up looking chalky. These teeth are more likely to be weak, are more vulnerable to developing cavities, and your child may notice they are more sensitive to hot and cold foods. In addition the teeth that are affected by this condition may become discoloured. The proper medical term for this condition is hypomineralisation or enamel hyperplasia. This means the hard outer coating of the tooth, the enamel, is lacking in minerals required to strengthen it, protecting it against decay. It’s something that can affect your child’s baby teeth, or their permanent teeth. Those most at risk include children who were born approximately 3 months prematurely, or who had a low birth weight. At this time the tooth enamel is still forming while the baby is still in the womb, and if it is delivered to soon then the enamel formation can be disrupted.

Another problem with enamel hyperplasia is that it can increase the risk of baby bottle tooth decay, something that can lead to early tooth loss. Even though baby teeth do eventually fall out, it’s worth remembering that their molars need to remain in place until the age of 10 to 12 which is when the permanent teeth will be ready to erupt.

If you think your child might fall into this category, then it’s well worth mentioning this when you bring them in for a check-up with Dr David Brown, your dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare. If we think your child is affected then there are various things that we can do to help, as for instance we can provide fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel and which will help to make the teeth less sensitive to temperature changes. If the teeth are discoloured then it might be possible to use various measures to remove some of the discoloration, or we might suggest covering the tooth in a protective filling material. The important thing is to try to protect the tooth so it is not completely lost to decay.

It’s something that might sound alarming, but with proper dental care it can be managed. It’s also important to make sure your child’s oral hygiene is always the very best it can be, and to keep an eye on their diet to make sure they don’t have too much sugar. Most incidences of tooth decay in children are preventable, but if your child is at risk of having this condition then you may want to take extra measures early on in their life.

Dr. David S Brown

Orthodontics in Leeds Aren’t Just for Teens

We are all used to seeing teenagers with braces, as it is something that you expect at that age. But what about adults with braces? In fact this is something that is becoming far more common these days, and more adults are wearing braces, and anyway, many of today’s orthodontic systems are virtually invisible.

Orthodontics Leeds Leeds City Dentalcare, provider of orthodontics in Leeds, is able to offer several different types of braces that will be able to meet most patients’ needs, but one of the most popular and best known is Invisalign. Dr David Brown is an accredited Invisalign provider, so if you are interested in finding out more as to how orthodontics might help you, it’s well worth booking a consultation with him.

Invisalign

Invisalign is very versatile, and can be used to correct quite a large number of common orthodontic problems. These include issues with the way the teeth occlude, or bite together, problems with overcrowding or crooked teeth, and problems with spaces in between teeth. The technology used for this system is very advanced, and is thoroughly tested, so results are very predictable, provided you wear the aligners for the recommended twenty two hours each day.

Part of the planning process involves using software that will predict how the teeth will move, so you can see images of your teeth as they are before treatment, and how they will look once it is complete. This is a great way for you, and your dentist in Leeds to evaluate the worthiness of treatment before you decide to go ahead. Most people need to wear the aligners for about a year, but this time can vary quite a bit depending on the complexity of your orthodontic problems.

One of the things that makes this system so popular is the fact that the aligners are very discreet, and most people won’t spot you have them. They are also easy to keep clean which is something that often not the case with traditional fixed braces. They are very good, but they might not be right for everyone. Sometimes it might be better to opt for fixed braces, but even these can work quite differently to the way they did in the past.

Fastbraces®

Another of the orthodontic systems offered by dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare is a system called Fastbraces®. These consist of brackets that may be ceramic or metal, and which are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment. From then on treatment is quite different, as these braces move both the tooth and the tooth root at the same time, whereas traditional braces will first move the tooth, then the tooth root. This means treatment can be quick and very effective, and some patients will see real results within a few short months. You will need to spend a little more time making sure they are kept clean, but as treatment can be relatively short-lived this should not be too much of a chore.

These are just two ways of straightening your teeth, and your dentist in Leeds will be able to discuss which treatment might work best for you after your consultation. Orthodontics is often through of as being a cosmetic dentistry treatment, but in fact a straighter mouth is a healthier mouth; you’ll find it a lot easier to brush and floss your teeth, improving your oral health, and prolonging the life of your teeth.

Dr. David S Brown

Brighten up the Shorter Days with a Whiter Smile, ask your dentist in Leeds

The nights are drawing in and summer is definitely over. However hopefully there’s still plenty to smile about, and you can ensure your teeth always look their best through having teeth whitening. This is something that we frequently carry out for patients of Leeds City Dentalcare, and it can be incredibly successful at helping to transform a smile. Treatment is quick and easy, and it’s very affordable.

Much Safer Than Using Over-The-Counter Whitening Kits
If you have never tried teeth whitening before then you will be amazed at the difference a professional treatment can make. If you have tried over-the-counter whitening kits, then you’ll find whitening at our Leeds dental surgery is far more successful as Dr David Brown, a dentist in Leeds, and the dentists in our practice are able to use bleaching gels that are stronger than anything you can purchase yourself. Above all, our teeth whitening is completely safe, as we will ensure your teeth and gums are not harmed during the procedure.

We use a system of home whitening trays that are specifically made to fit over your teeth. The bleaching gels help to lift stains in a way that is gentle but effective, restoring your teeth to their natural colour. All you need to do is make sure you wear the trays each day for a specified period of time, depending on the colour you’re hoping to achieve, and how well you’re able to tolerate the whitening trays. They are very comfortable to use and most people will be able to keep them in overnight without any problems.

If you’ve ever used the whitening trays sold in the home whitening kits at your local chemists or online, then you’ll find these trays are quite a revelation as they are much easier to wear. The particular system offered by Leeds City Dentalcare has been safely used for well over a decade, and contains active ingredients that help to harden your tooth enamel, as well as ingredients designed to reduce tooth sensitivity. You’ll see results in just a few days, although you’ll probably need to use the trays for up to two weeks.

It’s worth noting that teeth whitening in Leeds will not work on existing restorations, and it could be that you have some stained fillings that could do with renewing. This is another quick and easy fix, and will help maintain your oral health as all fillings need replacing every few years. White fillings are made from a composite resin, and it can be closely matched to the shade of your newly bleached pearly whites. This can make quite a difference to your smile, especially if you have fillings in the front of your mouth, or if you have older amalgam fillings that create dark patches, or almost look as if they have stained your teeth.

Neither of these options will cost a fortune, so it is a bit like having a mini smile makeover, just in time to brighten up for winter. Of course if you are looking for something a little more extensive then you’ll find our dentists in Leeds are happy to help, as we can offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to transform your smile.

Dr. David S Brown

Can Anything Go Wrong with Dental Implants?

Dental implants are great, but they are a surgical procedure and there’s always the risk that something could go wrong. Dr David Brown can answer all your questions about dental implant in Leeds, and will make sure these risks are kept to an absolute minimum so you’re most likely to experience any complications. Dental implants have average success rate of 95%, and this can increase if they are properly cared for. Most problems will be relatively minor and can easily be resolved, but if you’ve recently had an implant and feel that something may be wrong then it’s worth contacting your dentist, or getting in touch with Leeds City Dentalcare for advice. A quick response will increase the chances of the implant being saved. Possible things that can go wrong include:

The Dental Implant Fails to Integrate with Your Jawbone
Once your implant is placed, a process called osseointegration has to occur, and this is where the body begins to produce new bone cells that attach themselves to the surface of the implant post. This allows the post to fuse with the jawbone. Very occasionally an implant may fail to fuse properly with the jawbone and it could become mobile. This is something that can occur if there is insufficient bone volume or density, or if the implant is overloaded. It can also occur if the implant is suddenly damaged in some way. Our dentist in Leeds will ensure you have sufficient bone before the implant is placed, and if there’s insufficient bone and then we may recommend you have a bone graft prior to surgery.

Implant Infection
If you fail to look after your implant properly then it can become infected with a condition called peri-implantitis. This is where the gum and the bone surrounding the implant to become inflamed, and it’s actually a form of periodontal disease. It’s something that can sometimes be treated, but it can result in bone loss and ultimately the failure of the implant. It can occur quite soon after surgery, or it may be years after the implant was originally placed. People who have poor oral hygiene, those with diabetes, or people who smoke, are more at risk of developing this infection. Our surgery will give you full instructions on how to care for your implant, and regular check-ups will enable us to ensure your implant is clean and free from disease.

Damage to Nerves and Tissues Surrounding the Implant
This is something that only occurs very rarely, but can happen if the implant is placed too close to a nerve. If this happens then it can cause pain or a tingling sensation, or the area surrounding the implant may feel numb. The condition may be temporary or permanent, and it might be that the implant needs to be removed. This is something that is more likely to happen if you choose an inexperienced implant surgeon who doesn’t plan the procedure properly. This is not likely to happen at Leeds City Dentalcare, as Dr David Brown has taken a 12 month course in dental implantology. Look no further for dental implants in Leeds.

These are all things that happen only very rarely, and it’s important to stress that they’re unlikely to affect you. After you’ve had your implant placed you may feel a little bit of discomfort during the first couple of days, but this feeling should quickly subside. If you do experience extreme pain that seems to be getting worse, or if the implant begins to bleed excessively then you should contact your dentist immediately.

Dr. David S Brown

Which Factors are Important for Implant Success? Ask your dentist in Leeds

Dental implants can be highly successful at replacing missing teeth, but this success does rely on several factors. Implant surgery needs to be properly planned so the implant post is placed in exactly the right position. Afterwards it is down to you to look after your dental implant in Leeds as it must be kept impeccably clean to avoid infection. Dr David Brown, a well-known dentist in Leeds, has completed 12 months training in the placement of dental implants and will ensure your implant surgery is meticulously planned. But before it gets to the stage he will need to give you a full assessment to make sure you’re actually suitable for this treatment. It’s imperative that you’re in good dental health, and that you don’t have any signs of gum disease or any other conditions that could affect the healing of your implant.

Your General Health Does Affect Dental Implants
You also need to be in good general health, as certain conditions that affect your immune system could impede the healing process. This can be a particular problem for smokers and people with diabetes. While smokers have the choice of giving up before surgery, diabetics have a slightly more complex problem. To be considered for surgery they’ll need to make sure they have their diabetes perfectly under control as otherwise it may be better to opt for an alternative method of replacing teeth.

Looking After Your Dental Implants
If you decide to go ahead and have dental implants, then it’s important to have regular check-ups with Dr David Brown that Leeds City Dental care, and to book regular hygiene appointments. You’ll be given lots of advice on how to care for your implant, and is especially vital to make sure the area around the abutment is kept particularly clean. The abutment is attached to the implant post and is the part of the implant that sticks up above the gum line, and which is used to support the crown. The most important parts of your implant to keep it clean are just around the gum line, and just below the gum line.

Brushing and Flossing
You might need to modify your brushing technique slightly to make sure you reach these areas, and if you implants are supporting a bridge, you need to make sure you thoroughly clean the area underneath the replacement tooth which is called a pontic. You’ll need to make sure you floss right down to the gum line and to just below, and you may want to use a slightly thicker floss and normal. If you don’t like flossing, there are lots of different tools you can try to clean in between your teeth, and an interstitial brush is a tiny brush that fits in between your teeth, and which can be extremely good at cleaning around implants. This brush is also called an interdental brush or interproximal brush, and you’ll find they come in lots of different sizes. It’s important to choose one that’s not too small as this will minimise the effects of brushing, while choosing one that is too big could prove to be uncomfortable. Our dental hygienist will be able to give you advice on the technique for using these brushes, and for flossing, and can advise you on the correct size and shape of brushes and floss for your needs.