Which is better, soft or coarse toothbrush? And how long should the toothbrush be changed? What are the consequences of delaying this? Is there a correct way to brush your teeth? And when do we start brushing a child's teeth? The answers we give you in this comprehensive report.
Dentist Dr. Farouk Omar Al-Hawwarat says that the presence of food residues is the main cause of tooth decay, as bacteria convert sugars into acid which in turn dissolves the outer layer of the tooth, the "enamel layer", which allows the bacteria to enter the ivory layer and make the same effect on this layer to reach after it To the larger target which is the pulp of the tooth, "the nerve of the tooth."
Dr. Al-Hawwarat said - in an exclusive interview with Al-Jazeera Net - that many doctors and dental societies around the world, including the American Dental Association, advise to change toothbrushes every three or four months, because most recent studies have shown that during this period, wear of brush bristles occurs, Which reduces its efficiency in cleaning.
The dialogues, who also holds a master’s degree in biotechnology, explained that there are signs that appear for a person to change the toothbrush, the most important of which is the presence of wear in the capillaries, and the wear is caused by the great force used in brushing the teeth.
Leftovers
It is also advised to change the toothbrush in the absence of good preservation in the presence of high humidity or high exposure to heat. It is also preferable to change the brush in case the person does not remember when he changed the brush last time.
The general dental practitioner said that some companies put a color on some brush bristles to be an indication of the brush change, as the brush is changed when this color disappears or when it becomes faded.
In response to our question: Is there a difference in the time of change between the regular and electric brush? Dr. Al-Hawarat responded that there is no difference in the period in which it is preferable to change the toothbrush, whether manual or electric.
He added that, according to the American Dental Association, manual and electric brushes are effective in cleaning teeth, but some may prefer to use electric brushes due to the ease of use in some cases for the elderly, people with special needs and people who have orthodontics.
Soft or rough?
The doctor advised dialogues to use a soft toothbrush to reduce the possibility of damage to the gums or teeth, and it is preferable that the bristles are slightly oblique and several levels.
As for the method of cleaning the teeth, they are tilted the brush at an angle of 45 degrees at the line between the gums and teeth until the existing plaque layer is removed, and the stirring is done in a circular way and forward and back gently. The front surface is cleaned, then on the tongue side, and finally the masticatory surface. Then the tongue is also brushed at the end.
The doctor said that you should also use the medical thread in areas that are difficult to reach with a brush, such as the distances between the back molars.
The toothpaste must contain fluoride that protects against tooth decay, with cleaning the teeth for two minutes twice daily, and cleaning between the teeth with medical floss once a day.
The consequences of not changing
In her report, published in the American magazine "The Healthy", the writer Amanda Gardner said that many people postpone the replacement of the worn toothbrush in order to use it for a longer period.
But in reality, not constantly changing it can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay and periodontitis, which can be prevented with good care at home and regular checks, according to Dr. Sally Karam, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and a specialist In periodontology.
Dr. Karam explained that when the bristles of the toothbrush are bent and bent, it will become ineffective in cleaning the gums and teeth, which may lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Contagion
Also, infection with a disease may be contagious, requiring a change of toothbrush, even if it has not been four months for it. "If you don't use a new toothbrush after you have such a disease, you will be at risk of it again," said Jana Burnett, an associate professor of holistic dentistry at I&M University of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.
Burnett added that the toothbrush should be changed if it falls on the toilet brush cleaner or any other inappropriate place.
How do you take care of brushing your teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends taking good care of your toothbrush for the short period of use, and be sure to rinse it with tap water after each use. In general, the CDC stated that there is no need to deepen it, and the effectiveness of this process has not been proven in any case.
It recommends that you put the brush - after each use - in an upright position away from other toothbrushes in the air (that is, do not cover it). In addition, placing a cap on the brush head or placing it in a bowl can cause bacteria to grow.
On the other hand, the American Dental Association cautions against sharing your toothbrush with other people because it is possible that the germs will pass to you easily.
What about your child's teeth?
German professor Dietmar Ostraich stressed the need to start cleaning the child's teeth as soon as the denture teeth erupt with a soft-bristled brush, in order to protect against decay.
The Vice President of the Federal Chamber of Dentists added that the child should brush his teeth as soon as he is able to hold the brush well in his hand, taking into account that the parents review the quality of cleaning and repeat the process if necessary, and that until the age of enrollment in the school.
It is important to use a toothpaste containing fluoride intended for children, as the fluoride level should not exceed 500 parts per million (ppm).
It is also possible to use the electric toothbrush at the beginning for ease of use compared to the regular brush, which encourages the child to brush his teeth without problems and difficulties.