What You Should Know About Brushing Your Teeth Properly
Which toothbrush is best? Angled heads, raised bristles, oscillating tufts and handles that change colours with use: you name it; toothbrushes come in all shapes, colours and sizes, promising to perform better than the rest. However, no body of scientific evidence exists yet to show that anyone type of toothbrush design is better at removing plaque than another. Generally speaking, your toothbrush head should be small (1 inch X one-half inch) for easy access. It should also have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends so you won't injure your gums while brushing and it should have a long, wide handle allowing for a firm grip.
What matters most is that you brush your teeth effectively. Many people simply don't brush long enough. In fact, most people brush for about a minute or less, but to effectively reach all areas in your mouth and scrub off cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended that you brush for at least two to three minutes.
It might be an idea to brush your teeth with a radio on because an average song runs about 3 to 4 minutes, which is about the length of time you should devote to effective brushing. Alternatively, an egg-timer can be used to measure the time needed to insure that you're doing a thorough job and not missing any critical spots. Try to remember to brush for the full 3 to 4 minutes twice a day.
Getting the debris off your teeth promptly stops sugary snacks from turning to damaging acids, and catches starchy foods like potato chips before they can turn to cavity-causing sugar. Always brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before going to bed. When you're away from home and don't have a toothbrush available, rinsing your mouth vigorously with water for 30 seconds can help.
Finally, remember to change your toothbrush, or toothbrush head (if you're using an electric toothbrush) before the bristles become splayed and/or frayed. Generally speaking, toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. Old, worn toothbrushes are not only ineffective, but they may also harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
If you are suffering from an illness, you should always change your toothbrush at the beginning of an illness and again as soon as you are feeling better.
July 19, 2010Dental News0
