Do you still find cavities or need scaling when you visit the dentist, even if you brush your teeth daily? Surprisingly, many people are unaware of how to brush their teeth or believe they do it correctly. Shouldn’t we ensure we’re brushing correctly and, if not, make the necessary corrections right away?
Mouth Bacteria That Can Cause Pancreatic Cancer
A research team from a university in the United States discovered that the risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about doubled in people with a higher-than-usual ratio of antibodies against periodontal bacteria. These germs cause gum disease and poor breath. On the other hand, if the ratio of antibodies against harmless oral bacteria is higher than that of infectious periodontal bacteria, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about 45% lower.
In the Case of Smokers, Which Toothbrush Should I Choose?
Choosing the right toothbrush for you is the first step toward cleaning your teeth properly. The head of the toothbrush should be simple, sleek, and of appropriate size. When selecting a toothbrush, you should remember that a head that is too large won’t be able to reach the inside of your molars. The toothbrush bristles are divided into hard, medium, and soft bristles. A medium-to-hard brush is appropriate for smokers, while a medium brush is suitable for the general public. You should use a soft toothbrush if your teeth are very sensitive or worn.
What is As Important As Teeth? The Tongue!
Cleaning your tongue as well as your teeth is very important. The tongue, a significant cause of bad breath and a breeding ground for bacteria, should be cleaned and finished by gently brushing it. When using a tongue cleaner, care should be taken to use it gently since using it too harshly may harm the tongue. Stainless steel tongue cleaners are cleaner and easier to manage than plastic ones.
Regularly Replace Your Toothbrush
The care of your toothbrush is as essential as brushing your teeth. Although the condition of the toothbrush can vary from person to person, it is typically a good idea to replace it every three to four months. As it is stored in the bathroom, which is often damp, bacteria can multiply, so you should take extra care. You should replace your toothbrush even if it’s not time to do so if the bristles are seriously broken or if using it hurts your gums while you brush.
Using Dental Floss
Brushing your teeth is not all. Dental flossing must be done, too. Brushing teeth has limitations in removing foreign substances between teeth. Therefore, flossing is imperative; consistent use from childhood can impact gum health and more. Flossing can be done after brushing your teeth or before brushing your teeth.
The Effective Rotation Technique for Adults with Healthy Gums
The rotation technique involves pressing the toothbrush’s bristles against the gums and brushing as if drawing a circle. It’s the most commonly used brushing method among healthy adults and one of the most effective techniques for eliminating dental bacteria. It allows you to clean the outside and inside of your teeth thoroughly. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and press it between the teeth and gums while brushing the upper teeth from top to bottom and the lower teeth from bottom to top and rotating your wrist about 5-7 times. Be careful not to rotate your wrist too quickly when using the rotation method.
A Fones Technique That Even Clumsy Toddlers Can Do
Encouraging toddlers to wash their teeth and develop excellent habits is crucial because they are clumsy and lack awareness when brushing. Have them try the Fones technique when they brush their teeth, which involves holding the brush perpendicular to your teeth and brushing them as if drawing a large circle. Even though the Fones method doesn’t remove the bacterial film altogether, it is easy for anyone to follow, and it’s a good brushing technique until permanent teeth come in.
Bass Technique of Gently Massaging
The Bass technique involves pressing the ends of the bristles into the periodontal pocket at a 45-degree angle, shaking them lightly back and forth for about 10 seconds, and then moving to the side. The periodontal pocket is a pocket-shaped gap in the boundary between the gums and teeth, and this gap deepens in people with gum disease. Think of it as massaging all areas of the teeth evenly. Not only does it remove gum bacteria, but it also has a soothing effect on the gums.
Watanabe Technique: Excellent for Preventing Periodontal Disease
Among various toothbrushing techniques, the Watanabe technique is a method of tooth brushing recommended for patients with periodontitis or acute gingivitis during puberty. It is one of the most effective methods for preventing periodontal disease. First, hold the toothbrush like a pencil and bend it at a 30-degree angle toward the teeth. Brush your teeth by moving the brush up and down to ensure the bristles of the brush reach between the teeth. When brushing the upper teeth, move the brush as if sweeping from the inside to the biting surface of the teeth. Think of it as forcing the bristles of the brush between the teeth and the gums.
The Famous “333 Rule” Can Shorten Tooth Life if Misused
Even if you brush your teeth diligently three times a day for dental health, excessive horizontal brushing can wear down the area where your teeth and gums meet, making your teeth more sensitive. In this case, the teeth grow thinner, so when you consume cold liquids or are in the cold, you could be more sensitive to particular teeth. It’s best to precisely position the toothbrush’s bristles between the teeth and gums and make clean back-and-forth movements.
By. Shin Young Jeon
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