| Angled
heads, raised bristles, oscillating tufts and handles
that change colors with use: you name it, toothbrushes
come in all shapes, colors and sizes, promising
to perform better than the rest. But no body of
scientific evidence exists yet to show that any
one type of toothbrush design is better at removing
plaque than another. The only thing that matters
is that you brush your teeth. Many just don't brush
long enough. Most people brush less than a minute,
but to effectively reach all areas and scrub off
cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush
for two to three minutes.
Which
toothbrush is best?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small
( 1" by 1/2") for easy access. It should
have a Iong, wide handle for a firm grasp. It
should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends
so you won't hurt your gums.
When
should I change my toothbrush?
Be sure to change your toothbrush, or toothbrush
head (if you're using an electric toothbrush)
before the bristles become splayed and frayed.
Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, but
they may harbor harmful bacteria that can cause
infection such as ,ingivitis and periodontitis.
Toothbrushes should be changed every three to
four months. Sick people should change their toothbrush
at the beginning, of in illness and after they
feel better.
How
do I brush?
Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree
angle and rub back-and-forth gently. Brush outside
the teeth, inside the tooth, your tongue, and
especially brush on chewing surfaces and between
teeth. Be sure to brush at least twice a day,
especially after meals.
Electric
vs. manual toothbrushes?
Electric toothbrushes don't work that much better
than manual toothbrushes, but they do motivate
some reluctant brushers to clean their teeth more
often. The whizzing sounds of an electric toothbrush
and the tingle of the rotary tufts swirling across
teeth and gums often captivates people who own
electric toothbrushes. They are advantageous because
they can cover more area faster. Electric toothbrushes
are recommended for people who have limited manual
dexterity, such as a disabled or elderly person
and those who wear braces.
Sometimes,
it takes more time and effort to use an electric
toothbrush because batteries must be recharged,
and it must be cleaned after even, use. Most electric
toothbrushes have rechargeable batteries that
take 10 to 45 minutes to recharge. The gearing
in an electric toothbrush occasionally must be
lubricated with water. Prices range from $30 to
$99.
How
do electrics work?
Electric toothbrushes generally work by using
tufts of nylon bristles to stimulate gums and
clean teeth in an oscillating or rotary motion.
Some tufts are arranged in a circular pattern,
while others have the traditional shape of several
bristles I lined up on a row.
When
first using an electric toothbrush. expect some
bleeding from your gums. The bleeding will stop
when you learn to control the brush and your gums
become healthier. Children under 10 should be
supervised when using, an electric toothbrush.
Avoid mashing the tufts against your teeth in
an effort to clean them. Use light force and slow
movements, and allow the electric bristle action
to do its job.
How
long have toothbrushes been used?
The first toothbrush was invented in China in
1000 A.D. It was an ivory-handled toothbrush with
bristles made from a horse's mane. Toothbrushes
became popular in the 19th century among the Victorian
affluent. Mass marketing and the advent of nylon
bristles in the 20th century made toothbrushes
inexpensive and available to everyone.
Don't
forget... Visit your dentist regularly because
toothbrushing and flossing is most effective with
periodic checkups and cleanings.
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