Soft, Medium, Or Buzz Lightyear?

Affordable Dentistry in Centreville At Centreville Dental Wellness Center, doctor Rena Vakay is often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as challenging as choosing a paint color, and there seem to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store or drugstore lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you select the best one?

One essential factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also serve you with more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work or oral surgery, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure that you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When selecting a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized toothbrush. Some kids can manage an adult-size brush better than a short, narrow child-size brush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist.

What about the electric types and water shooters? Some people like the feeling of pulsing bristles or a mini-squirt gun squirting away at the plaque. People with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off their hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Centreville Dental Wellness Center in VA.

At Centreville Dental Wellness Center in VA, our comfortable dental hygienists instruct our patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced dental deep cleaning at Centreville Dental Wellness Center, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Contact Centreville Dental Wellness Center:

703-815-0775

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

14245F Centreville Sq
Centreville, Virginia
20121

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What Our Patients Say

My experience with Dr Vakay and her team has been extraordinary. Very professional, very competent, and very caring. The culture exudes kindness and caring. Dr. Vakay's follow up with her patients is unusual in my experience . She called me in the evening to ask how I was doing. I have never had a doctor do that for me.

Tim S.

A colleague recommended Dr. Abel and my first time there was the best dental experience I have had in 43 years. I had my 2nd appt earlier this week. Another great experience. Everything from reception, cleaning, to leaving was great. The hygienist was so gentle, yet did an extremely thorough job. Excellent dental practice!!

Robin S.

The best dentist in the DMV! I have loved coming here and the office is incredible - you will not be dissatisfied and they take great care of thier patients. I would highly recommend this office.

Kelley M.

I've been coming into this office for years and every time they've been so warm and accommodating. Dr. Vakay and the whole staff really puts in every effort to make sure her patients are taken care of with the most high quality work. She fixed my Maryland Bridge so now my teeth look amazing and my smile gives me so much more confidence! I could not recommend this office enough!

Sydney C.

I have been using this practice for many years. The staff continues to be professional and thorough. The front desk staff is well versed in insurance practices and billing. They help me understand my benefits better than my insurance provider. Holly is a very professional dental hygienist who addressed several teeth and gum health issues by giving very practical tips for me to implement for better personal dental hygiene. Dr. Abel's practice is well run! They use the latest imaging technology that support accurate diagnostics. You will not be dissatisfied.

Charles I.

Professional, personable and all around AWESOME! I've been a fan since day 1 and can't say enough about this team! From the front office to the back, these folks take the edge off of "going to the dentist". Dr. Vacay leads the way with her expertise, gentle hands, and personal touches (she texted me on the evening of what I thought was a pretty minor procedure that day just to see if I was comfortable-WOW! Her assistant Christina really knows her stuff and moves with precision and a gentle touch. From the moment I walk in to the warm greetings of Sogand, Tonia, and Jessica, to the moment I walk out, I hardly remember I was "just at the dentist". Thank you, Centreville Dental Wellness Center! You make going to the dentist a pleasurable experience!!

Anastasia P.

I'm a current patient, doing a search of dentists that treat TMJ, and found Dr Vakay. Words cannot express her concern, a concrete pathway of treatment to make my mouth, my bite, all normal again. She is a wonderful find, has taken care of other issues on my teeth I'm so happy I found her! Thank you Dr Vakay for giving me my bite back!!! Also all staff from front desk to dental hygienist Could not be more satisfied!!

Marianne H.

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