10 Toothbrushing Mistakes

 

Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

No. 1: Not Using the Right Toothbrush

Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush,   If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big,.

The handle has to be comfortable ,It should feel as comfortable as holding a fork when you eat.

The more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly,.

Which is the better toothbrush: Electric or manual?

It's an individual preference, A person who brushes well with a manual will do as well as a person who brushes well with an electric.

Price agrees. It's not the toothbrush, it's the brusher.

No. 2: Not Picking the Right Bristles

Some toothbrushes have angled bristles, others straight. So is one type better? Dentists say no.

It's more related to technique than the way the bristles come out.

What is important when buying a toothbrush? Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate the gums. The ADA recommends a soft-bristled brush.

Bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard enough to damage [the teeth] when used properly,.

 

No. 3: Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough

Softly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended. ''Three times a day is best," 

With too much time between brushings, bacterial plaque will build up, boosting the risk of gum inflammation and other problems.

Brushing should last at least two minutes,

Most people fall short of both time lines, it’s an arbitrary number, but it's just so people take the time to clean all the surfaces.  Often recommends people divide the mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds a quadrant. Some electric toothbrushes include built-in timers.  

No. 4: Brushing Too Often or Too Hard

While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, more may not be, "More than four toothbrushings a day would begin to seem compulsive.

Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.

 

No. 5: Not Brushing Correctly

Long horizontal strokes along the gumline can lead to abrasions, Aim your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle and do short strokes or vibrations. Softly brush up and down your teeth, not across your teeth. The strokes should be vertical or circular, not horizontal.

Be sure to brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and your tongue.

No. 6: Starting in the Same Place Each Time

Many people start brushing the same part of their mouth over and over, dentists find.

Start in a different place so that you don't get lazy in the same area of your mouth, that by the time you get to the last quadrant of your mouth, you're bored with brushing.

No. 7: Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces

Most people forget to brush the inner surfaces of teeth -- the surface that your tongue presses against.

 

The plaque you can't see is just as important to remove as the plaque you can see.  

The most commonly skipped area, dentists say, is the inner surface of the lower front teeth.

 

No. 8: Not Following Up With a Rinse

Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you may actually put old bacteria back in your mouth.

Rinsing the toothbrush after you brush will help remove any leftover toothpaste, too.

No. 9: Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry

If you have a toothbrush that's perpetually moist, it will cultivate more bacteria.

If the bristles stay soggy, you can misshape them as you use the brush, Or it might be a breeding ground for bacteria."

It's a good idea to shake out the moisture, then recap it with a cap that allows air in.

 

No. 10: Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough

The American Dental Association recommends getting a new brush every three or four months, or even sooner if the bristles look frayed.

But rather than go by a strict timeline. . Once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush..

Look more at the state of the bristles than the time period.

Some brushes have colored indicators that alert you when they need replacing.

Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes

Mouthwash, Are You Using it Correctly?

A question like this may sound stupid but realistically most people do not use mouthwash correctly. I mean it sounds simple, put the mouthwash in your mouth, swish it around, spit it out and then walk away from the sink with a hint of minty freshness on your breath.. right? As you know, very few things in life is that simple. There are some unanswered questions that comes with using mouthwash. How much do I use? What kind do I use? How long to I swish? Well take a look at these DO and DON'TS for using mouthwash.

DON'TS:
1. Don't use mouthwash in lieu of brushing and flossing: Mouthwash will not clean your teeth the way that brushing and flossing will.

2. Don't swallow the mouthwash: Mouthwash can make you sick if you swallow it. Most of them contain about 30% of alcohol and although fluoride is great for your teeth, it is not good for your stomach. Swallowing too much mouthwash could poison you.

3. Don't rinse with after immediately after using mouthwash: The cleansing properties of mouthwash will work long after you spit it out. If you rinse with water right after, you will dilute the mouthwash and minimize the effectiveness.

4. Don't use mouthwash with extreme mint flavor on a regular: The extreme mint flavor can dry your mouth and dehydrate you. Plus it may be too strong for some people. You should limit your use of it.

5. Don't let children use mouthwash without adult supervision: As harmless as it may seem, mouthwash can be dangerous for children. As I stated before, it contains 30% alcohol. It can cause alcohol poisoning in children. Check with your child's dentist before you allow them to use mouthwash of any kind.

DO's:
1.  Use about 20ml of mouthwash:  This is the amount that is recommended by most dentists. Just as using too much can harm you, using too little will not do you any good either.

2. Gargle and Swish for about 45 seconds: This will help you break apart any debris left over from brushing and flossing and will give your mouth a good solid fluoride rinse.

3. Use mouthwash that contains fluoride: The fluoride is really good for your teeth and will help you maintain the beautiful smile.

4. Talk to you dentist about your mouthwash use: Your dentist will know best. As them about how much and what kind of mouthwash you should use.

So.. are you using mouthwash correctly? Whether you are or are not, I hope you find these tips useful. When all else fails, ask you dentist. Most dental centers will give you "oral hygiene instructions". This may sound stupid, but they do contain some great tips to help you keep your teeth and maintain a beautiful and health smile.

Happy Brushing!

History of Dentures

 

       

In today’s society around 1 in every 5 adults are wearing some sort of dentures and thanks to the magic of modern dentistry no one would ever know…

 

Wolves Teeth

However this wasn’t always the case.
 
 The history of artificial tooth replacement goes all the way back to 2500BC. These were found in Mexico and consisted of what experts believe to be wolf teeth.
 
More modernised dentures were introduced in around 700BC. These were created by the Etruscans who were ancient ancestors of the Italians. These teeth were still often made with animal bones, normally they consisted of elephant ivory, whalebone, or hippopotamus bones. As technology had not really evolved and glue had not been invented yet, they used to use gold wire to bind the teeth together. Back then only the very wealthy could afford dentures, in the times of the ancient Egyptians, they used to put them in the mouths of the deceased pharaohs.
 
 Dentistry was so sought after at this time by the wealthy that the Egyptians also used to have special burial tombs for them.
 

Eturscan- Teeth

700 BC

 
In the 1400’s dentures seemed to take more of the modernised shape that we see today.

 These dentures were still made from carved animal bone or ivory, they were sometimes even made from human teeth. Grave robbers often used to steel the teeth of recently deceased people and sell them to dentists, and the poor used to make money by having their teeth extracted and selling them. The finished denture would not be very aesthetically pleasing or very stable in the mouth, and was often tied to the patients remaining teeth. Another problem that occurred with these dentures is that they tended not to last long and began to rot over time
 

Waterloo -Teeth

Combination of Human Teeth & Ivory

 
Another 100 years past and by the 1500’s there had been little development for those seeking dentures. At this point in time they were still widely made from bone and ivory, along with a new type made of wood. Again the same problems occurred, as they would rot over time, and couldn’t have been comfortable for the patient.
 

Wooden Teeth

Wooden Dentures

 
It was in the 18th century that a real development took place.
 
 Dietary changes were as major factor in the long awaited development of dentures. Sugar was the main culprit in tooth decay, and the demand subsequently increased.  Dentists began to experiment with the ivory, and human teeth that were already used, in order to create something better.  Technology was also moving with the times, and therefore Dentists were able to add gold springs and plates to the new dentures. However they were still notoriously uncomfortable.
 

Washington's Dentures

Ivory Dentures

 
By the late 18th century and 19th Century there were yet more developments.
 
 The dentists had experimented deeper into finding a long lasting solution. It was now that porcelain was introduced. Porcelain shaped teeth were placed onto gold plates. These were the first dentures that look similar to modern ones of today, they could also be made in different shades. They did unfortunately have their problems too. The porcelain was delicate and therefore tended too often chip or break. They were also very white in colour, which made them look false.
 

Porcelain Teeth

Porcelain Dentures

 

Vulcanite Dentures

 
By the mid 1800’s dentures developed more and more.
 
They were soon able to be comprised of vulcanite which is a hard rubber, and porcelain teeth. These were the first affordable dentures. Ivory dentures would cost around 25 guineas (a year’s wages for a household), whereas the new style vulcanite only cost 6. Another excellent fact about vulcanite is that because it’s a rubber. it could be moulded to a patients gums and palate, this meant they were the best fitting dentures invented yet.
 

Modern Dentures

 
Dentures again changed into the modern ones we see today in the 20th century. They are made of an acrylic resin.
 

The Dental Universe

 

                     

                                         

Sun (General Dentist) – The Center of the Dental Universe
General Dentists are at the center of our dental universe. As your Family Dentist, they are the trusted professionals who guide and maintain your family's dental health and when necessary will involve the help of the “Dental Specialists,” represented by the other planets in our dental solar system. Licensed to carry out all procedures in dentistry, general dentists are most familiar with preventive, family, basic restorative and cosmetic care, but may take advanced training in specialty areas of interest for example Cosmetic Dentistry. They are your first line of defense in preventing, diagnosing and treating dental and oral health problems. Typically, they repair teeth damaged by decay and treat mild to moderate gum disease. If a tooth is so heavily damaged that it can’t be repaired, some general dentists will carry out extraction and tooth replacement. As the brightest star in the dental galaxy, they direct all of your treatment needs by either providing your care or referring you for treatment to the “Dental Specialists,” recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). After obtaining a DDS or DMD dental degree, dental specialists receive 3 years or more of additional advanced training in their specialty area.


Periodontist - Periodontal (gum) Surgery

 

Planet Perio – The Gum Doctor
If your gums bleed, are inflamed or infected, you may need to see a “Periodontist” (peri-around, dont-tooth), a dentist who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists, like architects, make sure the foundations are healthy — everything that connects you to your teeth including your general health. They carry out plastic surgical reconstructive and cosmetic procedures involving the periodontal structures, including sinus surgery and dental implant placement.

Planet Ortho –
The Brace Doctor


Orthodontist - Braces

 Poorly aligned teeth may require an “Orthodontist,” who treats malocclusions (improper bites) using “braces” or clear aligners to straighten them (ortho-straight). Orthodontists know how to move teeth into the right position based on understanding of growth and development, alignment and occlusion (bite) — how teeth come together and function in harmony with the jaw joints. This dental specialist is familiar to most people, since braces are common among adolescents and now, even adults.

Planet Endo –
The Root Canal Doctor


Endodontist- Root Canal Treatment

If you have a tooth that is badly damaged, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment, which may require the skills of an “Endodontist” (endo-inside), a specialist in diagnosing and treating infections of the pulp tissues containing the nerves of the teeth. Despite a popular misconception that root canal treatment is painful, an endodontist is the specialist who actually relieves the pain of a bad toothache.