Proper Tooth Brushing to Prevent Dental Problems

Everyone thinks there really is no rhyme or reason to brushing teeth. After all, how hard is it? The steps are pretty self explanatory: take tooth brush, put toothpaste on said toothbrush, insert into mouth, and

brush teeth. Rinse, repeat if desired and move on with the day. There is a bit more to brushing teeth than this. A tooth brushing is the first essential step in maintaining a healthy oral hygiene regiment.

As far back as 3000 B.C., Ancient Egyptian constructed toothbrushes from an assortment of twigs and leaves. Greeks, Romans and Indians are among several other cultures that have been documented as using twigs for teeth cleaning purposes. Often times, these cultures would take it one step further. The ends of the twigs would be frayed in an attempt for more tooth penetration. These are just a few examples demonstrating how tooth brushing is an essential part of good dental hygiene.

The main reason brushing teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene regiments is due to the prevention of several forms of dental problems. Cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease can all be prevented through the simple practice of tooth brushing. Periodontal disease is the cause of approximately one-third of adult tooth loss. In addition to these problems, if left untreated, calcification of the saliva found in the mouth can result in unwanted tarter build up. For these reasons, daily cleaning of teeth and gums should be conducted.

To start, a soft nylon tooth brush with rounded edges should be selected. Placing the tooth brush at a 45 degree angle, the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth should be cleaned. This is carried out in tooth

wide strokes back and forth across the tooth surfaces. Following this, the “toe” section of the toothbrush should be used to clean the inner surfaces of teeth. This can be done with short, up and down strokes with the tooth brush. Finally, the tongue should be cleaned using the backside of the tooth brush tip. This will loosen any bacteria resting on the tongue and aids in freshening breathe.

Ideally, brushing teeth should be started in children as young as two years old. Keep in mind that younger children will need supervision brushing teeth until the age of seven or eight. When dispensing toothpaste, small amounts should be used. Most children will end up swallowing more toothpaste than spitting it out. There is never an age that is too early to start the tooth care process. In infants that have no visible signs of teeth, a damp washcloth can be run over the gums.

Regular tooth brushing maintenance is the essential component for the removal of plaque build up. It is also essential in keeping teeth and gums in a healthy condition. Daily tooth brushings will aid in gum stimulation therefore providing firm gums. In addition to this, the teeth will keep clean and be more resistant to leftover food particles infecting its enamel. Brushing after every meal is an effective way to remove food particles. After every brushing, the mouth should be rinsed with water.

Dentists recommend using a circular motion when brushing teeth, covering small sections at a time. This will allow for the proper brushing of the entire mouth. Short, gentle strokes should be used with careful attention given to the gum line, hard to reach back teeth and areas around fillings. The outer teeth surfaces should be cleaned followed by the inner surfaces. Start with the upper teeth and work towards the lower teeth in each surface area. The chewing surface should be covered next and concluding with the tongue area. Each surface area should be brushed a minimum of ten times.

Dental professionals advise the use of small, soft bristled toothbrushes as the most effective type. This type of toothbrush is ideal for reaching areas of back teeth, removing plaque from the teeth, and other debris left by food particles. The handle should be suitable for grasping onto while brushing. Soft, nylon type bristles will allow for cleaning in between the surfaces of the teeth. Steer clear of tooth brushes that contain hard, course bristles. These can be too abrasive on the tooth surface, thus damaging the enamel.

Modern day tooth pastes were created to aid in the removal of foreign particles and food substances often found in the mouth. The original packaging for toothpaste came in jars, unlike the tubes commonly used today. Most toothpaste contain common ingredients of abrasives, additive flavoring, sweeteners, fluoride, tooth whitening properties, a preservative and some amount of water. Herbal, all natural toothpaste would be a more ideal choice. Taking herbs such as neem and mint, a toothpaste mixture can be created that provides results similar to chemical toothpastes. The only exception is the herbal brand being better for whole body health. This is due to the lack of chemical ingredients.

Brushing teeth is an integral part of a whole body dental hygiene maintenance regiment. Improper utilization of tooth brushing techniques can result in permanent damage to teeth and gums. Not only will this affect the mouth, but overall whole body health. Keeping the basic principle of holistic dentistry in mind, dental care problems always carry over and become whole body problems. Therefore, a happy clean mouth will make way for a happy, clean body.