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Brush up on the basics
If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times: brush your teeth. Fact is, it's one of the best defenses against plaque, the bacteria-laden gunk that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. And who wants to sign up for overtime in the dentist's chair?
Even ancient Persians understood the virtues of frequent brushing. They used twigs -- frayed at one end into soft, scrubbing fibers. The Chinese invented the bristle toothbrush, a tuft of hog hairs on a bamboo handle. These days, with nylon bristles and plastic handles, brushing your teeth is a far more appealing routine.
So there's no excuse -- protect those pearly whites. Brush at least twice a day, two minutes at a time.
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The Ins and Outs of Brushes
- The most important factor in selecting a toothbrush is finding one that you'll use. It should feel comfortable in your hand and gentle on teeth and gums.
- Consider the size and shape of the head. If your mouth is small, you'll probably prefer a smaller head.
- A tapered shape can be easier to maneuver around those hard-to-reach back molars.
- Handle-wise, comfort is the key. Angled handles can improve your reach, and those with a flexible midsection take some of the pressure off sensitive gums.
- If dexterity isn't your strong suit, consider a wide-handled model or try securing a sponge around a slim-handled brush.
- When it comes to bristles, harder isn't better. Gums and tooth enamel are better off with less abrasion. So go for the soft side of things and look for rounded ends on the bristles.
- Look for the American Dental Association's seal of acceptance. These guys know what they're doing.
Brushing 101
- Dentists agree: brush for at least two minutes -- less just doesn't cut it.
- Use a soft touch, holding your brush at a 45? angle and gently massaging teeth and gums with small, circular motions. If you see your bristles splaying out in all directions, ease up. You're probably brushing too hard.
- Store your toothbrush upright in the open air so it dries out quickly. This puts a damper on any lingering bacteria.
- Never share your brush. But if you've just recovered from a cold, there's no need to toss it. Your immune system's faced that bug already.
- To get the most plaque-removing mileage out of those bristles, replace your brush every three months.
The Wired Controversy
- Electric brushes might make brushing a little easier, but they don't let you off the hook. You still need those two minutes -- some have built-in timers to let you know when you've brushed long enough. Some models even beep every 30 seconds so you know when to move from back to front, or right to left.
- Time is the issue, not speed. If an ultrasonic brush, operating at over one million cycles per second, will help you stick with it, by all means use one.
- When shopping, consider the cost of replacement heads -- you'll need a new one every three or four months. Prices range from virtually nothing to a considerable drain on the wallet. Batteries are another thing to think about. Most models use the rechargeable type, others need periodic re-energizing with AA batteries.
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Appropriate Uses
Electric toothbrush
Produces a high-speed brushing motion to remove plaque, food particles, and debris from teeth. It also cleans and polishes teeth surfaces. When used regularly, it helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, plaque buildup, and tartar formation.
Manual toothbrush
Cleans and polishes teeth surfaces and removes plaque, food particles, and debris from teeth. When used regularly, it helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, plaque buildup, and tartar formation.
Common Misconceptions
Electric toothbrush
Cannot claim to reduce the amount of time required for brushing due to its high-speed action. The active ingredients in toothpaste require that they be in contact with teeth for at least two minutes to be effective.
Manual toothbrush
Cannot claim to reduce the amount of time required for brushing. The active ingredients in toothpaste require that they be in contact with teeth for at least two minutes to be effective.
The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth
- Always use a soft-bristled brush.
- Put your brush next to the teeth at a 45? angle.
- Move the brush back and forth in short strokes, several times for each tooth.
- Brush the back teeth on all sides.
- Clean front teeth with up-and-down strokes, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.
- Don't forget to brush your tongue, too.
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A Toothbrush Can Be Dangerous
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes may damage gums.
- Worn-out toothbrushes may injure your gums.
- Brushing too hard can cause:
- Bleeding and sore gums
- Yellow teeth (caused by enamel breakdown)
- Tooth hypersensitivity (caused by enamel breakdown)
Beware of Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease and is fully treatable. Be on the watch for it.
- It is caused by excessive plaque buildup and bacterial growth.
- Signs of gingivitis include red, inflamed gums, bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing, slightly receding gums, and possible pocket formation between gums and teeth. Usually no pain is involved.
- See your dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms for more than a week. They could be the signs of gingivitis.
- If gingivitis goes untreated, it may lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996.
- 1. Schaaf, RV.Tip-Top Tooth Care: The No-Excuse Guide to a Regimen You Can Live With. Prevention, Vol. 46, 5/1/94.
- 2. Higbee, B.The Great Tooth-Brush-Off: Prevention Editors Put the Newest Crop of High-Tech Toothbrushes to the Test. Prevention, Vol. 46, 3/1/94.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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