I heard that using a hard toothbrush could ruin your gums? I can't afford a electric toothbrush, so what kind of toothbrush should I use? I'm 13. My teeth aren't very sensitive... I've heard of Oral-B, is that good?

Use an Oral B soft brush.

I agree.

You should get an electric toothbrush as soon as you can. It's cheap insurance and they work really well. You'll have your teeth for many years if you take care of them.

Suggested: SmallAppliance.com - Braun Oral-B PC8850 Professional Care Plaque Remover (http://www.smallappliance.com/product.asp?pid=813&cur=USD&sid=18956&mid=5&gid=27139&prdCls=G&ptab=PF&PartsPaNu=1&shopBy=Brand)

This one isn't too bad because the head rotates and it's small. It works for small mouths. It's made a big difference in my peridontal checkups. I now have to consider an oral irrigator (water jet) because my wisdom teeth are so hard to clean.

I periodically use Plax (A plaque loosening liquid) and ACT (a Floride rinse).

Hi, survivorboi!

Just for me personally, if I use a toothbrush that's too soft, I find that it doesn't really do the job that I would like. If the bristles are too hard, then it can be irritating to my gums. So, I tend to look for those that I think are listed as being medium to medium hard as far as the stiffness of the bristles. I also like to get those where the bristles aren't perfectly flat, but contoured in such a way that will allow me to get between my teeth and the back of my molars.

Just some thoughts for you...

Thanks!

Oral B makes one of the best toothbrushes around. You should get one that is the right size for your mouth. Ideally, someone your age should use a P30 soft toothbrush made by Oral B. If you are able to do an adequate job brushing with a manual toothbrush there is absolutely no need to purchase a power brush.

Be sure when you brush (with ANY kind of brush) that you are not using a scrubbing motion. Place your brush pointing towards the gumline and gently wiggle the bristles and sweep down from the top and up from the bottom. Absolutely NO scrubbing! Brush for 2 minutes twice a day and floss once every 24 hours.

Thank you very much guys. I will take care of my teeth!

Very good advices...