Tooth Brushes: The Basics

Your teeth are not just for your beautiful smile. They vary in shape and size depending on where they are in your mouth. These differences allow them to do many different jobs.

It is important to keep your mouth clean and healthy.Although most people brush regularly, many don't clean between their teeth and some people don't have regular dental check-ups.Few small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in the long term oral health. But daily dental care is a must and your responsibility, and the your main weapons are the toothbrush and toothpaste.

Tips on the type of toothbrush to use?

Your dentist will be able to recommend a toothbrush suitable for you. However, adults should choose a small- to medium-sized brush head. This should have soft to medium,multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles. A quick guide to buy a good size toothbrush is that the head should be small enough to reach into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where it can be difficult to reach.

Specialised tooth brushes are also available. For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer-bristled brushes. There are also smaller-headed toothbrushes for people with braces/ orthodontic appliance . Also electric tooth brushes are available.

Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

Why should I brush?

Brushing mainly removes plaque and bits of food from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth. This reduces the available food sources for the bacteria in your mouth there by protecting your oral cavity.

How to brush?

Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth. To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically. Don’t forget to brush the biting surfaces of your teeth and finally brush your tongue using the back of your brush or a tongue cleaner to help freshen your breath and clean your mouth.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the filaments become worn. When bristles become splayed, it is time to change your toothbrush.

What are ‘oral irrigators’/ 'water piks' ? Are they useful?

Oral irrigators are simple devices which use a stream or jet of water to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth. They can be particularly helpful if you wear an orthodontic appliance (‘brace') or a fixed bridge that is difficult to clean, or if you have deep seated gum infections or find it difficult to use interdental brushes or floss.

How do I clean between my teeth?

• Interdental brushing: Interdental brushes come in various sizes. It may be helpful to ask your dentist to show you the correct size based upon your oral cavity.Hold the interdental brush between your thumb and forefinger. Gently place the brush through the gap between your teeth. Do not force the brush head through the gap as this can damage your gums. If the brush splays or bends then it is time to change the interdental brush.

• Flossing: Break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind some around fore finger of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them,leaving no slack. Use a gentle ‘rocking' motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not jerk the floss or snap the floss into the gums. Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently rub on the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth.

Do electric toothbrushes clean better?

Tests have shown that power toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. Those with heads that rotate in both directions ('oscillating' heads) are the most effective. Everyone can use a power brush.They are especially useful for people with limited movement such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly. Power brushes can also be better for children as they too do not easily access certain parts of their mouth and also may be more likely to brush regularly because of the novelty of using a power brush.

This blog was originally published here