Regular Toothbrush

Regular Toothbrush

Toothbrushing plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene. Brushing helps remove food and plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate the gums. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar. Brushing is more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. As a result, the irritated gum tissue may swell or bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.

In recent years, scientists have studied whether toothbrushes may harbor microorganisms that could cause oral and/or systemic infection. We know that the oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms; therefore, it is not surprising that some of these microorganisms are transferred to a toothbrush during use. It may also be possible for microorganisms that are present in the environment where the toothbrush is stored to establish themselves on the brush. Toothbrushes may even have bacteria on them right out of the box4 since they are not required to be sold in a sterile package.

The human body is constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes. However, the body is normally able to defend itself against infections through a combination of passive and active mechanisms. Intact skin and mucous membranes function as a passive barrier to bacteria and other organisms. When these barriers are challenged or breached, active mechanisms such as enzymes, digestive acids, tears, white blood cells and antibodies come into play to protect the body from disease.

Choose the Best Toothbrush
Proper oral hygiene is important for reducing the build-up of plaque and to avoid painful cavities, tooth decay, gum disease that may cause serious health problems, and costly dental bills. When choosing the best toothbrush, softer bristles are usually recommended over firm ones. Consider whether you prefer manual brushing or an electric, vibrating cleaning tool, as there are many options available. Selecting the appropriate size for your mouth is also important to be sure you can reach all of your teeth easily.

When it comes to your toothbrush, its size and shape make a difference. For instance, if the head of the brush it too big, it may be difficult for you to reach your back teeth. Also, certain varieties, usually made for travel, may have shorter handles, and that can sometimes make them difficult or uncomfortable to use. Many times, a toothbrush with a rubber grip can make it easier to hold than the ones without it

The head of the toothbrush has multiple bristles. The firmness of these filaments is usually indicated on the package. Dentists generally recommend that you choose a soft to medium variety, as opposed to firm bristles, because you can actually compromise the enamel of your teeth if you brush using too much pressure. Using vigorous motions may also damage your teeth.

An electric toothbrush is an alternative to a traditional manual type. Some varieties may keep your teeth cleaner. They are believed to be more effective at removing plaque than manual versions, especially those with oscillating bristles that move in circular motions as well as back and forth. The removable heads on these models usually require replacement every three months. The cost of these toothbrushes may be considerably more than others.

As another option, you can choose a disposable, battery-operated, vibrating toothbrush. This type usually lasts about three months and is much more affordable than high-tech brushes. In fact, there are some brands priced comparable to the manual toothbrush.

For kids, there are many versions, both manual and electric, that are designed to make brushing fun. Some toothbrushes are made with themed handles that incorporate popular cartoon characters printed on them. Others play a melody or light up when in use. When choosing a toothbrush for a child, you want to make sure that the handle is easy for little hands to hold, and the brush head is small enough to reach all surfaces of the teeth.

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

The proper brushing technique is to:
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete oral care routine. You should also make sure to:
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

General Recommendations for Toothbrush Care
1. Do not share toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush could result in an exchange of body fluids and/or microorganisms between the users of the toothbrush, placing the individuals involved at an increased risk for infections. This practice could be a particular concern for persons with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases.

2. Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again. If more than one brush is stored in the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air.

4. Replace toothbrushes at least every 3 - 4 months. The bristles become frayed and worn with use and cleaning effectiveness will decrease.11  Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. Check brushes often for this type of wear and replace them more frequently if needed. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adult brushes.

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