Tooth brushing is the single most important tool which can maintain your teeth
healthy and save your money. The main objective in carrying out oral hygiene
(this term is used for mouth cleaning ) procedures is to remove bacterial plaque
(thin film of bacteria) from the teeth. The most important reason for
establishing good plaque control is to prevent and treat gum disease and dental
cavities.
Most people brush their teeth for social reasons - they want 'fresh breath' and
white teeth. We can use these reasons to help motivate people, but at the same
time, we must educate them so that they understand what they are doing and why
they are doing it.
Tooth brushing
This is still the most important method of cleaning the teeth available but it
will not clean the areas in between the teeth so efficiently.
Brushes
Natural hog bristles were used in earlier times but now nylon is used almost
universally for making of the toothbrushes
Shape
Head should be trimmed flat and level, i.e. all tufts same length. Serrated trim
does not appear to be more effective. Diamond shaped head have better reach to
the backside teeth.
Length of head. Most people find a short head more convenient but in studies
conducted it has been not found to be superior to long head. But short head
brushes are more effective for people having difficulty in cleaning back teeth.
Brushing methods
You need not alter your brushing method unless there is evidence of inefficiency
or of damage to the teeth or gums. If you have problems your dentist can observe
and advice changes in your brushing technique.
Frequency
Thorough cleaning once a day should normally be adequate it is better and more
efficient to brush at least twice. Timings are after breakfast and after dinner
which keeps your teeth clean from all food particles.
Duration:
No rule can be laid down. There is a great individual variation in speed and
efficiency. The criterion is to brush until all surfaces are cleaned. Average
timing could be 3-5 minutes.
Systemic coverage
Many people miss large sections of tooth surface and gums, which can lead to
disease. It is better to follow an order from one to other side of the mouth so
that all areas will be always covered.
Methods of Brushing
Basically there are two movements - sweeping and penetrating. A reversal of
direction of motion of the brush whilst under pressure results in a penetrating
movement. Some penetration into the areas between two teeth is always essential;
penetration into the gum crevice is also necessary occasionally.
Horizontal (Mixed sweeping and penetrating)
This is a natural technique for children to use, However, of short strokes and a
soft brush are used, so that the effect is principally penetrating rather than
sweeping, it is acceptable and effective, especially on the inside surfaces.
Adults
Standard method advised is to keep the bristles at 45 degrees and move in back
and forth direction or rotate is from gums to teeth side. These methods need
demonstration by a dentist and people who find it difficult to practice, can use
circular motion also. In any case horizontal strokes as commonly used are
harmful.
Common Errors in Brushing
•Not pressing hard enough so that insufficient penetration occurs between the
teeth.
•Not holding the brush flat against the surface of the teeth and gums, resulting
in inefficiency and in increasing wear on the 'heel' or 'toe' of the brush head.
•Leaving areas untouched.
Dangers of Incorrect Brushing
Recession of gum margin. Hard or extra brushes should not be used. Hard brushes
lead to wear of teeth and lead to sensation to cold liquids. Also you should not
brush immediately after consuming acidic drinks (lemon juice), it wears the
tooth faster.
There are other methods to assist cleaning of teeth, (particularly in gum
disease) we shall discuss them in our future article.
Courtesy of healthmantra.com
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