Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Regular Cleaning Of Teeth

1.The Ideal Toothbrush:There are a multitude of different shapes and sizes of toothbrushes available.It is however, best to use a simply designed or slightly angulated tooth brush.A brush with a head approx 2.5com in length is ideal for use in an average adult.Nylon bristles are superior to natural bristles because they are more hygienic and are easier to maintain.Medium textured brushes are the best because they cause very little injury to the gums.
How Often Should You Replace Your Brush?
Generally, the bristles of the medium toothbrush splay in about4-6 weeks.This is when the brush needs to be replaced.
How Frequently Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Ideally teeth should be brushed immediately after each meal.The brushing before going to bed is important because during sleep the flow of saliva is reduced and any food that is retained in the mouth during the night causes the most damage.
2.The Toothpaste:Toothpastes are supplementary to the brush-they aid in the cleaning and polishing of accessible surfaces of the teeth.The main constituents of toothpastes are mild abrasives, soaps, detergents, colouring agents and flavouring agents.Additional substances such as ammonium salts, chlorophyll, flourides, and clove have been used with varying degrees of success.The value of flouridated toothpastes in preventing caries is now definite.If a commercial paste is not available, salt and bicarb of soda are very cheap and effective substitutes.It is, however a bad practice to rub lime juice on the teeth as it can damage the teeth.
3.Dental Floss:The toothbrush cannot adequately clean in between the teeth.Dental floss is the most efficient method to clean this area.Waxed and unwaxed floss is available.The floss is wrapped around two fingers and gently pulled backwards and forwards between the teeth, taking care to avoid damage to the gums.It is best to learn this technique from your dentist.
4.Dentist And Oral Hygiene:For good teeth regular visit to the dentist is necessary.His role is to ensure the complete elimination of decay and stagnation.This is done by scaling, polishing and filling the teeth, and carrying out corrective techniques as and when necessary.This ensures that there is no region in the mouth where food can lodge and cause problems.Further he would advise you on the techniques of oral hygiene.A visit once in 6 months is usually adequate.

Credit : www.101lifestyle.com

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