It
is good to inculcate good oral hygiene in our routines to keep dental issues
such as gingivitis and dental caries (cavities) at bay. Among the foremost
dental habits to follow is brushing our teeth twice a day – in the morning and
before going to bed. Brushing not only prevents tooth decay and the resultant
loss of the teeth but may even reduce/prevent other systemic conditions linked
to poor oral health. Brushing helps to remove bacterial plaque, the sticky
substance formed on the teeth and created from food remnants, saliva and
bacteria. The plaque can combine with the sugar and starch present in our food
to produce acid, which attacks the tooth enamel causing tooth decay. The tooth
decay, if ignored, can cause searing pain at unexpected hours necessitating the
visit to an emergency dental clinic.
The
plaque can cause gum disease wherein the gums become swollen, red, tender, and
even bleed. Thus, if the plaque is not removed from our teeth through regular
brushing, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth causing tooth loss.
Brushing should be followed by flossing or use of interdental brushes to remove
any remnants of food particles stuck between the nook and crannies of our
teeth. Thus, to maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth twice a day,
floss, eat a balanced diet, and visit a dentist for periodic checkups.
If
brushing is such an important activity then using a proper toothbrush is the
key to maintaining its effectiveness. A toothbrush is the key oral hygiene
tool, which we must use to prevent tooth and gum diseases. It is advisable to
use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent any damage to our tooth and
gums. The toothbrush should fit into our hand and mouth to ensure better
control during brushing. It is better to have a smaller head for our toothbrush
so that it can easily move inside the mouth. Besides, it has been observed that
toothbrushes with tapered bristles can clean gently and effectively. And as
soon as the bristles splay or curl, it is advisable to replace the toothbrush.
Powered versus manual toothbrushes
There
is confusion regarding the effectiveness of powered or manual toothbrushes in
terms of removing oral plaque and calculus. However, studies have shown that
the vibrating and oscillating bristles in an electric toothbrush can remove the
plaque build-up better. The tiny oscillations cause micro-movements across the
teeth as the powered toothbrush moves inside the mouth. In fact, the powered
toothbrushes seem to be better than the manual ones in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Further, powered toothbrushes may be helpful for people with limited mobility
such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc., and those using orthodontic
appliances like braces.
How to properly use our toothbrush
while brushing
It
is advisable to use proper technique while brushing to maintain the
effectiveness of oral care.
●
Use a right sized toothbrush that fits into our mouth.
●
Use soft bristles, especially multi-level and angled.
●
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth at gum level.
●
Brush all tooth surfaces (front, sides, and back) gently for at
least 2 minutes (30 secs each quadrant).
●
Rinse the toothbrush and keep it upright for drying.
In
case you notice bleeding, feel pain, or sensitivity while brushing (or
otherwise), it is time to consult a dentist. If the above symptoms are intense,
then don’t think twice before consulting your dentist.
Conclusion
The
quality of our toothbrush plays an important role in maintaining our oral
hygiene. So, instead of going for fancy looking toothbrushes, it is better to
use one (powered or manual) with the right fit, contour, and soft bristles. To
know more about dental care and the way to address sudden dental issues, visit
an emergency dental clinic like
Northcote Family Dental at https://www.northcotefamilydental.com.au/ or call (03) 9481 5747.
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