The single best way to remove harmful plaque
-- a thin, sticky film of bacteria -- from teeth and gums is to brush
teeth regularly and properly.
What is the proper technique for teeth brushing?
Because every mouth is different, there is more than one technique of
brushing that has proven to be effective. Deciding which technique is
most appropriate for you depends largely on your teeth position and gum
condition. Consult your physician and/or dentist to determine which
brushing technique is most appropriate for your mouth.
Generally, most dentists recommend a circular
technique for brushing. This includes brushing only a small group of
teeth at a time -- gradually covering the entire mouth. The importance
of maintaining a circular or elliptical motion is emphasized as using a
back and forth motion may cause the following:
- a receded gum surface
- an exposed and tender root surface
- a wearing down of the gum line
Instead, dentists recommend the following method:
Step 1: Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle.
Step 2: Gently brush teeth
only a small group of teeth at a time (in a circular or elliptical
motion) until the entire mouth is covered.
Step 3: Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces, and in between each tooth.
Step 4: Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.
What type of toothbrush should be used?
A toothbrush head should be small -- about 1 inch by 1/2 inch -- and
should have a handle suitable for firm grasping. The bristles of the
brush should be soft, nylon, and rounded at the ends. This helps ensure
that the brush bristles are reaching the spaces between the teeth as
well as the surface. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down
the enamel on teeth. Thus, in most cases, medium and hard bristles are
not recommended.
How often is brushing necessary?
Generally, brushing is recommended twice a day for at least three to
four minutes each time. Patients generally think they are brushing long
enough, when, in fact, most people spend less than one minute brushing.
In addition, it is generally better to brush 3 to 4 minutes twice a day
instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day.
Dentists advise brushing your teeth during
the day while at work, school, or play. Keeping a toothbrush handy --
in your desk or backpack -- increases the chances that you will brush
during the day.
What is toothpaste?
Also called dentifrice, toothpaste is comprised of the following
cleaning ingredients (stated in approximate percentages):
1. humectant and water - 75 percent
2. abrasive - 20 percent
3. foaming and flavoring agents - 2 percent
4. pH buffers - 2 percent
5. coloring agents, binders, and opacifiers - 1.5 percent
6. fluoride - .24 percent
Facts about toothpaste:
Brushing with toothpaste (particularly toothpaste with fluoride) helps to accomplish the following:
- remove plaque
- resist decay
- promote remineralization
- clean and polish teeth
- remove teeth stains
- freshen breath
Fluoride is the most crucial ingredient in
toothpaste. As long as the toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand, and
type (paste, gel, or powder) generally does not matter. All fluoride
toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities, and clean
and polish tooth enamel. The brand you choose should bear the ADA
(American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which
means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been
demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.
Some toothpastes offer tartar control
pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up of soft calculus deposits on
teeth, while others offer whitening formulas to safely remove stains
making teeth brighter and shinier. But, contrary to clever advertising
and popular belief, fluoride is the true active ingredient that works
the hardest to protect your teeth