Tooth Brushing

Tooth brushing is one of the most important aspects of good oral hygiene. Others include flossing, proper diet, visiting the dentist regularly, etc. Many people question their dentist as to which brand or type of brush is the best to use. Many have personal preferences, however, what is agreed on most, is that a soft bristle brush is best. Medium or hard ones can cause damage and wear to the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, as well as unnecessary wear to the tooth's outer enamel and or root surfaces. Soft tooth brushes also tend to conform and adapt better to the irregular dimensions of the teeth and surrounding tissues... theoretically allowing it to reach further than stiffer bristles. Brushes should be replaced often, usually after three to four months or after a bad cold or flu. Tooth brushes can harbor these viruses for some time. Ideally, you should brush after each meal (and snack) to remove food debris. The minimum recommendation for brushing is mornings and before bedtime. Other common questions are what types of bristles should a toothbrush have. The answer again depends on personal preference, however, studies have found that synthetic bristles are best due to their ability not to split as often as natural bristles. This splitting of the bristle ends can cause gum irritations and eventually recession of the gums tooth sensitivity. If you uses a synthetic, soft bristled toothbrush that is replaced often, it will not cause this type irritation.

Brushing Instructions

Each person has their own method of brushing, however, an easy technique is to divide the mouth into six sections; upper and lower left and right sides, and upper and lower front teeth. Depending if you are right or left handed, you can choose which side to start on in the upper arch. Assuming you start on the upper right, start brushing the back four teeth. Place the toothbrush slightly on the gums at a 45 degree angle and partly on the tooth. Gently brush back and forth. After brushing in this fashion, move the brush further away from the gums and onto the rest of the teeth. Remember to brush the three different sides of the teeth; the side that faces the cheek, the top of the teeth (chewing surface), and the side that faces the inside of the mouth and tongue. One you reach the top surfaces of teeth, they are brushed by a gentle back to front sweeping motion. Go further toward the front until you reach the next one third. You should now be on the front six teeth. Repeat the procedure with the same 45 degree angle for the side facing the lip. The back or inside side of the front teeth should be brushed gently with a back and forth strokes with the end of the tooth brush. Move on to the four back left teeth, continuing the back and forth motion as before. Repeat for the lower teeth. You should also brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth or you can use one of the many tongue scrapers available.

Dental Flossing

Flossing the teeth is a very important adjunct to tooth brushing for good oral hygiene. Studies have even demonstrated that those who floss regularly have a decrease in periodontal disease, bad breath, and cavity incidence. Unfortunately, many people do not floss, and so the increase in periodontal disease is seen. Cavities can develop in between teeth and can go visually undetected for some time. X-rays are one measure used to detect cavities in between teeth and periodontal disease that may arise from inadequate flossing. Flossing is used to remove food particles and plaque under the gums, which is the invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Floss allows you to go in between the teeth, and sweep the surfaces clear of this plaque and bacteria. A tooth brush can never reach these vulnerable surfaces.

Flossing Instructions

Tear off a 12 to 18 inch piece of floss and wind a few inches around the middle fingers on both hands. Then using the thumbs and forefinger for control, places the floss in between teeth and gently rock the floss until it slides past the contact point of the two teeth. Once you are under the contact point, the space can be defined as a triangle with the base being the gum and the two side being the two teeth. Pressure should then be placed on each side of the triangle (tooth) to sweep repeatedly up and down, to and below the gum line before going back up through the contact point. You need to get under the gum line to loosen the debris, plaque, and bacteria that always get trapped between teeth, but rarely ever seen. Be careful with the base of the triangle where the gum sits. Aggressive flossing incorrectly can lead to unnecessary gum lacerations. Some people do not like to floss because they feel it can loosen there fillings or crowns in tight places. In such cases, flossing can still be done using the same technique, except at the end of each cycle, simply let go of one side of the floss and pull the floss through the two teeth rather than snapping it back up through the contact point. Remember to floss underneath fixed bridges as well. Special floss threaders are used to thread the floss from the cheek side to the tongue side (or vise versa... your preference) of the bridge. Then sweep the floss from front to back and left to right, paying particular attention to hug the teeth under the bridges.

You should floss at least once a day. There are many types of dental floss to choose from on the market. Personal preference is up to you. Waxed, unwaxed, flavored, non-flavored... they all work well. Waxed floss has a tendency to glide between teeth smoother while flavored floss tends to hold the attention of children better. Dental tape is thinner and maintains strength by being more ribbon shape... ideal for tighter contacts. Different floss aids are available for those that may have dexterity issues. The floss holder or fork is a Y-shaped instrument that holds the floss for you to reach the back teeth. The main thing to remember is to floss on a regular basis to maintain good oral health.

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