How to brush your teeth. How to take care of your toothbrush. Electric brush care
Compliance with hygiene rules oral cavity is a key factor in preventing gum disease and cavities. To keep your mouth always healthy, you need to maintain personal hygiene. Often people (even adults) brush their teeth incorrectly and then wonder why they have to visit the dentist so often. To avoid such problems, you need to know how to brush your teeth thoroughly.
What is this procedure for?
Teeth cleaning is necessary for the prevention of various diseases. The main task of the procedure is to remove plaque mechanically, that is, with gentle movements of the toothbrush. Among the components of soft plaque, it is worth noting organic acids, waste products of bacteria, as well as food debris - all these are the enemies of your teeth.
Aggressive environment can destroy the enamel in as soon as possible, even though this tissue is the hardest in the human body. With damaged tooth enamel, a carious cavity is formed, which leads to the destruction of the bone tooth substance (or dentin). As a result, the soft tissues of the tooth become inflamed. With improper treatment or its complete absence, inflammation spreads to the gums and periodontal tissue, called periodontium in dentistry.
Teeth serve several important purposes. The main one is the processing of food before swallowing. If food enters the stomach without being chewed enough, the digestion process will take much longer, and the digestive system will be heavily stressed at this time. Another task of the teeth, in addition to nutrition, is the formation of speech.
On a note! Therefore, brushing your teeth needs to be given a lot of attention, and one minute of incorrect movements will not be enough. You need to approach this correctly: choose a brush, paste and follow the recommendations of doctors.
This is the main tool for fighting caries and plaque, so the choice should be approached with all responsibility. In stores, the buyer is provided with a large assortment of brushes, which allows him to choose the most suitable for himself. best option. Dentists do not recommend buying toothbrushes made from natural materials. This is due to the fact that on the surface of such materials, as a rule, various bacteria accumulate and multiply.
On a note! Synthetic materials are used to make modern brushes. They are safe for human health, and also do not damage tooth enamel during cleaning. Once every 90-120 days, this accessory must be changed.
When choosing, you may encounter toothbrushes that have different hardness. If your gums are prone to bleeding, then choose soft bristles. This is the best option for caring for teeth and sensitive gums. The use of hard bristles, of course, helps to get rid of plaque better, but this option is considered more traumatic due to the strong mechanical effect on the tooth surface. If you are not satisfied with a brush that is too soft or hard, then the best option there will be an accessory of medium softness.
A properly selected toothbrush should certainly have a streamlined small head and a non-slip handle. The presence of a ribbed surface made of soft materials (such as rubber) will allow you to clean the surface of the tongue.
Pasta selection
When choosing a toothpaste, you should focus on the condition of your gums and, accordingly, your teeth. In rare cases you need special means for treatment or prevention, so visit the dentist's office for advice. If you choose a paste for your child, then you need to purchase a children's paste that is suitable for the age of the baby.
Try to change your toothpaste from time to time, using gel or cream options. Also, try not to “lean” on toothpastes with a whitening effect, because its main task is to remove plaque.
Getting started brushing your teeth
The combination of the right toothpaste, brush, and compliance with all requirements will ensure healthy and clean teeth. Depending on the tooth being cleaned, the thoroughness of cleaning may vary, so this procedure must be performed correctly. Roughness on the surface of the teeth indicates poor-quality brushing of the teeth, which you can determine by running the tip of your tongue over your teeth. Step-by-step instruction, presented below, will allow you to protect your oral cavity from unpleasant phenomena, such as plaque, bad breath or caries.
Table. Teeth cleaning technique.
Steps, photo | Description of actions |
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Apply some paste on toothbrush. For one procedure, you need a little paste, about the size of a pea. Otherwise, there will be too much foam, resulting in accidental swallowing of the fluoride, which is harmful. |
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Gently brush your teeth with a rotating or vertical motion, while maintaining the correct position of the brush. The angle between the gum line and the toothbrush should be 45 degrees. |
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Go from one area to another, gradually brushing all your teeth. It is advisable to start this circle from the lower left side of the jaw. Allow at least 12 seconds for each individual tooth. Often, when brushing their teeth, people conditionally divide their mouth into 4 sectors, devoting 30 seconds to each of them. Thus, the whole procedure will take you 2 minutes. |
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Place your toothbrush perpendicular to your upper or lower lip and start brushing your molars. Move the brush back and forth to thoroughly clean the lower teeth, and then, turning the brush over, do this procedure with the upper molars. To clean the outer part of the upper teeth, you need to slightly move the lower jaw. |
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Clean thoroughly inner part teeth by pointing the toothbrush parallel to the gum line. It is not uncommon for people to skip this step even though there is a lot of plaque buildup on the inside of the front teeth. This procedure requires a wide open mouth, so you can help yourself with the fingers of your free hand to ensure the correct angle. |
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After that, clean the surface of the tongue, because it is there that more than 80% of bacteria accumulate. It is not necessary to press very hard, otherwise you will simply damage the tissues of the oral cavity. Performing this procedure will freshen your breath and remove bacteria. |
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Rinse your mouth warm water from the hands or a glass. Then spit the water into the sink. Some use not water for rinsing, but special means. |
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After rinsing, be sure to rinse the toothbrush under the tap. This will remove the remaining paste from the surface of the brush. If you don't clean your brush, you'll be bringing "old" bacteria into your mouth the next time you brush your teeth. To store the accessory, you need to use a place where the brush has time to dry in the shortest possible time. If the brush is constantly wet, then the bacteria on the bristles will multiply. |
Brushing with an electric toothbrush
With the usual dental acquaintances finished, but lately everything more people switching to electric. How to brush your teeth with an electric accessory, read the instructions below.
Step 1. First, charge your toothbrush. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of charge of the electric brush or change the batteries if necessary.
Step 2 Monitor the condition of the brush so that you use only serviceable and clean tools. Regular use of the brush for 2-3 months will wear out the bristles, so you need to periodically change the brush head if there is damage or signs of wear.
Step 3 Apply a little toothpaste to the brush, after wetting the latter with water. Try not to overdo it with the amount of paste, because its excess will lead to increased foaming. As a result, the cleaning procedure will end ahead of schedule.
Step 4 Conditionally dividing the oral cavity into 4 parts, start brushing your teeth by placing a toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the gum line. Gently make circular motions, allowing the bristles to perform their main task.
Step 5 Give each of the four parts about 25-30 seconds - this is enough for optimal cleaning of the surface of the teeth. Do not forget about the inside, as well as all the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The whole process will take no more than 2 minutes. Do not put too much pressure on the brush, as this will damage the tooth enamel. It is not recommended to start brushing your teeth immediately after eating, especially after lemonade or orange juice. Wait at least 1 minute, and then you can start the process of brushing your teeth.
Step 6 After cleaning, you can proceed to the cleaning procedure of the surface of the tongue. This will eliminate the accumulated bacteria that cause bad breath. To prevent damage to the tongue, try to avoid aggressive movements.
Step 7 Rinse your mouth at the end of the procedure. This can be done with the help of special rinses or plain tap water. Simply take a small amount of water into a glass and rinse your mouth thoroughly before spitting it out.
The use of irrigators for 100% cleansing of the oral cavity
You may be surprised to know that even the most expensive electric toothbrush is not able to completely clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as:
- gum pockets;
- interdental space;
- surface of the tongue, etc.
Provided that these areas are not freed from pollution, sooner or later you will have to face the following negative consequences:
- the formation of tartar;
- inflammation of the gums;
- the development of soft tissue diseases;
- caries, etc.
In order to avoid all of the above, you can purchase a special functional device suitable for home use- an irrigator that can maintain oral health even in people who are naturally predisposed to various diseases of the oral cavity.
So that the money for the purchase is not spent in vain, preference should be given to trusted manufacturers. One of them is the eminent German company ACleon, which supplies several top models of the device we are interested in to the domestic market.
So, for especially thorough care of the oral cavity, we advise you to purchase a stationary irrigator ACleon TF600. This device is included in an extremely small category (less than 1%) of truly functional irrigators.
Home dental equipment boasts the following features:
- 17 modes for cleansing the oral cavity;
- solid power, embodied in 900 kPa of jet pressure and 1700 pulses emitted by the device per minute;
- smooth adjustment of work, allowing you to choose the individual intensity of cleansing.
As for the configuration of the device, it wins all comparisons with competitors. So, along with the irrigator, you get the following.
- First of all, you get 7 nozzles that can remove dirt and plaque from:
- language;
- gums and gum pockets;
- braces, etc.
- To clean the brushes, you can use the built-in high power UV lamp.
- From the constant need to replenish the supply of water in the device, you will be relieved by a capacious reservoir with a volume of 600 milliliters.
Unfortunately, a stationary irrigator cannot be taken on a trip or a business trip. However, in this case, ACleon has prepared for you the TF200, which is uncharacteristically high power for a portable device. So, it is:
- 750 kPa jet pressure;
- 1400 pulses of the device in 60 seconds.
Using the device, you can switch between three pulsation modes.
This small irrigator weighs only 250 grams, while containing:
- 200 ml water container;
- capacious batteries;
- 2 diffusers.
Included with the device is a convenient case that reliably protects it from damage during transportation.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter which model you choose, because with each of them you can bring your oral care to perfection.
When using an electric toothbrush, you need to follow some rules. First of all, make sure that each tooth is processed, and the process itself is performed at least twice a day or every time after eating. And remember that even with a new and expensive one that makes more than 3000 vibrations / revolutions per minute, you can take care of your teeth much worse than when using a regular one.
How to use dental floss
Flossing helps you remove food particles from places in your mouth that a regular toothbrush can't reach. First of all, we are talking about the interdental space and the cervical part of the gum. It is recommended to brush your teeth with a floss every day, because an excess of plaque provokes the development of gum disease and the occurrence of caries.
The correct technique for using float is something like this:
- tear off about 30-40 cm of thread, and then wrap its ends around your fingers so that no more than 5 cm is left for cleaning;
- gently move the floss from bottom to top, placing it between your teeth;
- smoothly repeating the movements, avoid sudden movements of the thread, because this will certainly lead to damage to the gums. Treat the base of the teeth separately;
- slowly go through the entire oral cavity, highlighting a separate section of the thread for each tooth;
- to pull out the floss, you also need to perform a gentle movement from the bottom up. When removing the floss, be careful not to damage the soft gum tissue.
Despite being safe, flossing can be harmful to your health. Improper technique is fraught with various complications, so be extremely careful when brushing your teeth. This is especially true of the electric flosser. Before using it, be sure to read the instructions. You must understand how this device works and how it should be handled.
Important! The process of brushing your teeth should be approached with responsibility, since the state of a number of internal organs may depend on the health of the teeth. By devoting enough time to the procedure, you will forever forget about problems with your teeth, and you will need to visit the dentist's office only for prevention purposes. read on our website.
Video - How to brush your teeth
It's important to know! Scientists at the University of Manchester have calculated that a toothbrush can contain about one hundred million pathogens, including staphylococcus aureus.
How to disinfect your toothbrush at home
There are many more or less effective ways Let's talk about the most common ones.
- Boiling. Boil for fifteen minutes, then dry thoroughly. This method has a significant drawback: it spoils the bristles, and they wear out quickly. In addition, this method is not suitable for electric brushes.
- Disinfection in rinse aid. Any mouthwash contains antibacterial ingredients, so this way quite justified.
- Chlorhexidine. The brush remains overnight in a solution of chlorhexidine (0.2%), which prevents the development and reproduction of microorganisms.
- Special tablets. They contain citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate. Tablets are quite convenient to use and have an affordable price.
- Vinegar. We fill a clean glass with vinegar and lower the toothbrush head down into it. We leave for a few hours. After that, rinse it with clean running water. This method is not the best, because in such an aggressive environment, the bristles can deteriorate and wear out faster. In addition, the smell and taste of vinegar is not so easy to get rid of.
Toothbrush sterilizer
Dentists believe that only a special sterilizer can provide the best disinfection. For proper care, you need to rinse the bristles well under water after use, regularly buy new brushes, and use a sterilizer once a week.
Ultraviolet sterilizers are the most effective. As a rule, the lid of such devices is transparent, so radiation breaks through it, by which you can understand whether the device is working or not. The sterilization process takes only ten minutes, after which the device will automatically turn off.
It has been proven that ultraviolet radiation fights bacteria and microorganisms much more effectively than devices that disinfect using steam or sound waves.
Toothbrush sterilizers from the Russian brand Timson performed very well. For disinfection, it is enough to place the brush in the device for only 6-7 minutes. This device is convenient to use, you can take it with you on trips, as it has the form of a case. The case is adapted to any size of brushes, including the nozzles of electric brushes. The sterilizer runs on two AAA batteries.
By adhering to these simple rules, you will keep your teeth healthy for a long time, you will recover faster from a cold, and you will forget about bad breath.
- Each person in the family should have their own toothbrush. Under no circumstances should it be used by third parties.
- Buy new brushes regularly (every two to three months). You also need to replace them after dental treatment at the dentist. It is easy to understand that the brush should be thrown away: this should be done if the villi are arched. Also today there are brushes with color wear indicators.
- If the brush is not changed regularly, micro cracks form on the bristles over time, in which bacteria also settle.
- It is undesirable to store all the brushes in one cup, because bacteria spread easily. In addition, the cups should be washed regularly. Put the brushes in the glass with the head up - so the bristles will retain their shape longer, and the number of pathogens on the bristles will decrease. The storage cup should be neither too high nor too low. The head of the brush should be well above the rim, but not so much that the brush falls out of the cup.
- After brushing your teeth, do not be lazy to rinse the villi well from toothpaste and food particles.
- It is forbidden to store the brush on open air because dirt and dust will settle on it. This rule is mostly vacationers.
- At the same time, you should also not leave wet brushes in closed cases, because moisture is an excellent habitat for pathogens. Cases can only be used for transportation when you are traveling somewhere.
- Rules for washing the brush after use: rinse it thoroughly under a hot stream, then shake it off and place it head up in a clean glass. So excess moisture under the influence of gravity will quickly drain and evaporate.
- A new brush does not need to be disinfected before use. This stereotype has been entrenched since Soviet times, when brushes were made from natural materials and sold open, without packaging. Modern brushes are made from synthetic materials, if they are boiled, it will damage the bristles, microcracks will appear on it, where microorganisms will accumulate. A modern toothbrush, after being removed from the packaging, is simply washed with warm water and soap.
- Cups for storing brushes are very different, but whatever you choose - a special rack or a regular cup - you need to put a disposable paper towel under it. This way you will get rid of liquids with bacteria, and they will not come into contact with other surfaces in the bathroom.
- Containers with brushes should be located away from other surfaces in the bathroom so that the bristles do not come into contact with various sources of pollution (wall, cabinet, toilet, etc.) The distance between the container with brushes and the toilet must be at least one or two meters, so that when draining particles no water gets on the brush.
- Highly convenient way store brushes - a special holder that is attached to the wall above the sink.
Another handy device is brush covers with an antibacterial effect. But even when you get to a hotel on a trip, you need to rinse the brush thoroughly before using it.
An electric toothbrush has long ceased to be a luxury. The many advantages of this oral care appliance have made it indispensable assistant modern man. However, in its application, the measure and understanding of the basic principles of action are important. Then the use of this technological device will be beneficial, not harmful. In this review, we will analyze how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush in order to keep them healthy and whole for many years to come.
The mechanism of action of electric toothbrushes
Unlike a conventional classic toothbrush, an electric device is powered by a power source - a battery or accumulator. A compact motor or generator (in ultrasonic devices) directs energy to the head of the device and causes the bristles to move in a certain direction. The nozzles of these devices are capable of producing about 8 thousand reciprocating rotational manipulations and about 20 thousand pulsations per minute. Thanks to this intensity, you can easily clean the surface of your teeth from plaque and food debris.
In addition, high-quality devices enhance the effectiveness of toothpaste. They form a foam that penetrates into all gaps and hard-to-reach places, washes away food particles and harmful microorganisms. Such a device for dental care provides an order of magnitude better oral hygiene than its mechanical counterparts.
Benefits of brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush
Benefit #1: Twice as effective at removing soft plaque on enamel as a classic toothbrush
Clinical studies show that an electric toothbrush cleans twice as well as a regular toothbrush. When you carry out the procedure manually, the pressure force, the nature of the movements and the brushing time may vary. The hand gets tired, you are in a hurry, the quality suffers from all this. With an electric device, all you need to do is move the instrument head correctly from one tooth to another. The nozzle rotates to reach the most remote areas and remove soft deposits.
Independent researchers in their work repeatedly pay attention to the fact that people who first used ordinary mechanical brushes, and during the experiment electric ones, were able to improve the condition of the oral cavity, reduce the amount of hard plaque, and improve the condition of the gums. At the same time, these facts were confirmed by dentists.
Plus number 2: effectively cleans the entire surface
The nozzle of such a brush is made in such a way as to completely cover one or two teeth, depending on the shape of the head. This means that the bristles remove dirt both from the fissures of the molars, and at their junction with the gums, as well as in the interdental spaces.
Pro #3: Makes oral care more fun
Over time, cleaning becomes a routine, tedious process that we strive to finish faster. Modern gadget can open this procedure from a new side. Spectacular appearance, useful functions (for example, a timer), and most importantly, an impressive result will make the daily procedure a pleasant ritual that you will remember with pleasure.
This is especially true for children who are usually too lazy to brush their teeth. Toddler appliances are often made in bright colors, have ultra-soft bristles and stickers with your favorite cartoon characters, and other extras (like syncing with interactive learning apps) that keep your child entertained and distracted. Thanks to this, brushing your teeth does not cause rejection and is associated with positive emotions. In addition, such advanced devices, due to the sounds emitted, according to some independent researchers, can reduce the fear of children to the drill.
Pro #4: Controls your time
Dentists advise to spend at least 2-3 minutes cleaning the mouth. If you do this less than the allotted time, then the positive properties of the paste will not have time to act, and part of the dirt and plaque will remain on the teeth. Despite this fact, many people do not keep track of how much time they spend cleaning. The electric brush helps to control this too. important point. Many models are equipped with a built-in timer that will tell you when to move on to the next section. So you avoid excessive stress on the enamel and achieve a good result.
Contraindications to the use of electrical appliances
Professional dentists recommend that owners of electric brushes alternate their use with mechanical ones. Otherwise, people with weak, unmineralized enamel may have problems. Alternating different brushes will help prevent damage to the enamel-dentin layers, cracking and increased sensitivity of the enamel.
There are also several contraindications for the use of electrical devices. And if you want your teeth and gums to be healthy, then they should not be neglected either:
- inflammation of the gums: for example, gingivitis, periodontal disease and periodontitis. The use of the gadget can lead to an exacerbation of inflammatory processes,
- low density of tooth enamel: this condition is associated with increased enamel abrasion, and the action of an electric brush will only aggravate the situation,
- the presence of untreated caries,
- non-carious lesions of the teeth: wedge-shaped defect, enamel hypoplasia, fluorosis, hyperesthesia. The thing is that the affected areas are low in minerals. They are subject to abrasion and destruction, which means that intense pressure is fatal for them. The use of an electric brush is possible only after a remineralization or fluoridation procedure by a doctor.
Many are also concerned about the answer to the question of whether it is possible to clean dentures, implants, crowns, veneers and fillings with an electric brush. The presence of orthopedic structures in the mouth may be a contraindication for the use of certain types of devices, such as ultrasound. They significantly reduce the service life of orthodontic structures, and the vibrations they produce can lead to damage to artificial materials.
Important! Electric dentifrice should be used with caution by pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disease.
Is it possible to use an electric toothbrush, in each case it is better to decide after consulting a dentist. Only a qualified doctor can assess the condition of your oral cavity and make recommendations for further care.
How to brush your teeth: instructions for using an electrical appliance
Now that we have examined the principles and features of the operation of electric toothbrushing devices, we can talk about how to properly use such devices. In order for the procedure to be carried out effectively and safely, close attention should be paid to several points.
Preparation for the procedure
Before cleaning, we moisten the bristles of the tool well with water and squeeze a small ball of paste from above. You don’t need much, otherwise too much foam will form, which will prevent you from performing the necessary manipulations normally. A pea-sized serving will suffice. Dentists recommend using the device with pastes that have an abrasive value in the region of 40-50 units. Such indicators are safe for enamel, taking into account the intensity of your device.
Brush position
There are two types of device position relative to the teeth: horizontal and vertical. We hold the device horizontally during the treatment of the external and internal areas, as well as the chewing surface. The vertical position will be convenient when cleaning the front incisors. The bristles themselves, as a rule, are located at such an angle as to remove dirt from the entire surface of the tooth, while not scratching the enamel and gums.
Cleaning the outside
First, we process the teeth from the outside. Which jaw to start with - upper or lower - is not so important. We turn on the device, bring the head to the teeth until they come into contact with the bristles. Hold the tool slightly at an angle so that the angle between the surface to be cleaned and the bristles is about 45 degrees. We work without much pressure. We linger on one tooth for a couple of seconds and move on to another. We make sure that the villi cover each tooth from top to bottom. There is no need to perform any more manipulations - all movements are included in the program of your device.
Pay special attention to the molars, because it is between them that the remains of food most often get stuck, the oxidation of which contributes to the occurrence of caries.
Cleaning the inside
When you're done with the outside, move on to the inside. Nothing new here: gradually move along the dentition, paying attention to each area. To clean the front incisors, turn the device vertically and walk on both sides.
Completion of the procedure
The total brushing time should be two minutes. The built-in timer or an application on your smartphone will help you keep track of time. This feature is available in expensive models that communicate with your mobile phone via Bluetooth and compose a personal program for the user. Having done necessary actions, rinse your mouth clean water or rinse aid. Rinse the instrument with running water and dry with a towel. Wet bristles will become an environment for the active reproduction of microbes, so do not neglect this rule.
For more information on how to use an electric toothbrush, see also the video.
The main rule of brushing your teeth, like any health or hygiene procedure - do no harm. We will give a few useful tips, which will help to carry out daily oral hygiene procedures with an electric toothbrush as efficiently and safely as possible:
- use the brush only in combination with toothpaste and other hygiene products. The fact is that after eating, soft food remains remain in the spaces between the teeth, which the brush villi cannot remove on their own. These particles are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that destroy enamel. To remove them, you will need an irrigator and dental floss,
- choose the right nozzle and toothpaste. These hygiene products are individual and must correspond to the condition of the oral cavity. For example, it would be a mistake to use nozzles with hard bristles and highly abrasive toothpastes for sensitive teeth. It is worth being careful with bleach nozzles. The doctor will help you choose the right hygiene products,
- Do not exceed the brushing time provided by the program and do not shorten it yourself. You should not expect a noticeable effect if you process your teeth too quickly or irregularly. And too frequent (more than 2 times a day) and prolonged brushing (more than 2-3 minutes) will not help to clean your teeth more efficiently, but will only harm the enamel, damaging it and making it more sensitive. Therefore, strictly adhere to the rules for using an electric brush,
- change nozzles in a timely manner. Manufacturers of almost all devices recommend changing heads at least once every three months. It is important to follow this recommendation, because with prolonged use, pathogenic bacteria accumulate on the bristles. The use of such a device is not only ineffective, but also harmful. The bristles themselves can be deformed during operation. In this case, effective and safe care is out of the question,
- keep the device clean. Do not be lazy to thoroughly rinse the head of the device after each use. Agree, it will be unpleasant for you to pick up a device on which particles of plaque or food remain. Under such conditions, the cleaning nozzle turns into a "bridgehead" for the reproduction of microbes. Washed and dried nozzles are best stored in special cases.
So, an electric toothbrush can be your best assistant in the fight for beautiful, well-groomed and healthy teeth. It is important to approach the choice of a gadget with all seriousness and learn how to use it correctly. Without this, even the most advanced device can do more harm than good. No matter how expensive and high-quality tool you use, the quality of teeth cleaning always depends on awareness and awareness.
1 Nikolaev Alexander Ivanovich, Shashmurina V.R., Ginali N.V., Tsepov L.M. Studying the opinion of dentists about electric toothbrushes with the technology of reciprocating rotational and pulsating movements. Russian Dental Journal, 2016.
And again I welcome you, dear subscribers, to the "healthy blog"! Today we will continue to talk about dental care. In this article, I will tell you how to properly brush your teeth. I will reveal all the most important aspects of this lesson, I will tell you a few secrets and, as usual, I will give good recommendations.
This topic is very relevant, since it is often the wrong brushing of the teeth that leads to diseases not only of the teeth themselves, but also of the internal organs. You have already learned about the connection of teeth with internal organs and systems of the body from this . Therefore, the need of each of you for this information is simply enormous.
How to brush your teeth properly: an introduction
After all, many people simply underestimate the importance of brushing their teeth and caring for their oral cavity. And then, holding their gums together, they begin to scold themselves. And well if yourself. And then after all, it is not uncommon to meet people who blame everyone and everything around for their troubles, but not themselves. Bad ecology, bad genes, undernourished in childhood... All these are excuses for sloths.
So, let's figure out how to properly brush your teeth. Firstly, a thorough brushing of the teeth is carried out with a toothbrush and a special paste twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
In the course of my regular health research, I have often come across people who only brush their teeth in the morning or vice versa only in the evening. These were convinced people. Convinced that brushing your teeth once a day is okay.
However, as a result of examining their oral cavity in their own dental office, it was not necessary to talk about the norm. Accumulating bacteria affected areas of the teeth, many of them had caries, inflammation of the gums, and there was also a sharp smell from the mouth. This leads to the conclusion that brushing your teeth once a day is not enough. Brushing your teeth with a special toothpaste twice a day is a must.
A number of the people studied complained of thin, weak enamel, which they were afraid to damage by brushing their teeth. Indeed, with frequent brushing, tooth enamel is erased. However, twice a day does not fall under the concept of "often". Twice a day is the norm.
With increased sensitivity of the teeth, it is worth using a brush of low stiffness (with soft bristles). We'll talk more about this below. In any case, it is necessary to brush your teeth with a brush and a special paste twice a day! Not worth more either. Tooth enamel (the top protective layer of teeth) can be damaged.
For a better and more gentle cleaning, I, as the owner of a dental office, recommend using. Later in this article I will talk in more detail about this invention. You can follow the link provided and familiarize yourself with the functions and purpose of the product.
In the morning, brushing your teeth must be done before breakfast, otherwise the plaque accumulated during the night will enter the stomach with food. In this case, the occurrence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract). Plaque is a huge amount of accumulated bacteria.
In the evening, brushing your teeth should take place before going to bed. After brushing your teeth, you should stop eating any food. Try to have dinner before hygiene procedures. Read also articles:,.
How to brush your teeth correctly: let's move on to practice
So what is the right way to brush your teeth? Proper brushing of teeth does not mean a quick “use” of the brush in the oral cavity, but a thorough study of each tooth. Movements should not be too hard, so as not to damage the gums.
How to brush your teeth properly? Conditionally divide the lower and upper jaws into four parts. Left and right side upper jaw. Left and right sides of the lower jaw. And give each of these parts a good cleaning. Thoroughly clean tooth by tooth of plaque accumulated during the day or overnight. You should move from the base of the tooth to the upper edge. That is, from the gum to the surface of the tooth. Otherwise, you will "sweep" bacteria to the gums, which will cause them to become inflamed.
When cleaning, pay special attention to distant teeth (chewing and wisdom teeth). They contain the most microbes and bacteria. In addition, the far corners of the mouth are difficult to reach for cleaning.
I suggest you watch this video to make it more clear how to brush your teeth properly:
Remember that it is worth brushing not only your teeth, but also. The time should be given to oral care for about five minutes. Brushing your teeth lasts about three to four minutes, then the tongue and the inner sides of the cheeks are cleaned.
Then you should rinse your mouth well with warm water (not hot and not very cold) and use a special mouthwash to remove bacteria remaining under the tongue and on the gums.
After the main brushing of your teeth, you can also use it, which will remove food debris and bacteria on the gums, cheeks and between the teeth (especially if you have previously used meat dishes). By the way, this device is very convenient and effective for those who wear braces or removable dentures. With the help of a jet of water, the irrigator removes bacterial plaque and food debris.
How to brush your teeth: Choosing the right toothbrush
The brush eliminates bacterial plaque. Therefore, it is important to choose the right toothbrush according to the sensitivity of your teeth. It comes in soft, medium hard and hard. Generally, a medium-hard brush is fine for most people.
But for a more accurate determination of the stiffness you need, you need to consult a dentist. After examining the oral cavity, the doctor will tell you which brush to choose. Yes, and going to the dentist in any case will not hurt you, since you should be checked at least once a year, and preferably once every six months.
Information about the stiffness of the brush is on the back of the package in the description. Before buying, be sure to familiarize yourself with the product or consult the seller if you buy a brush in a pharmacy.
Please note that if you choose the wrong brush, you risk exposing your mouth to disease, no matter how hard you try to clean it.
Also make sure that the bristles are of different heights. This will provide more effective cleaning. It is best if the brush head is not wide. This will allow for a more thorough cleaning, especially of the back teeth (especially the wisdom teeth). When cleaning them with a narrow brush head, you will not have a natural gag reflex.
In addition, I recommend buying a brush with a rough surface on the back. It will come in handy when cleaning your tongue. Of course, you can try to clean the tongue and the bristles of the brush. But I assure you that the rough surface of the back of the brush will clean the tongue of bacteria more efficiently and, again, will not cause a gag reflex.
Change your brush every two to three months. Personally, I change it every two months. I buy a new one from my salary, then at the next salary I skip the purchase of a brush, and the next time I buy it again (that is, once every two months). There is a constant cycle of timely replacement of the brush. Such a cyclical habit allows you to change the outdated brush to a new one in time, which ensures high-quality brushing of your teeth.
After purchasing a new toothbrush, before use, I recommend washing it with warm water and soapy water or holding it in salt water for several hours. Do not forget that after all, a brush is plastic, on which microbes also accumulate during a long stay on the store counter, despite its sealed packaging.
The toothbrush should be washed with warm water and soap before and after use and stored in a clean, dry glass with the bristles up.
How to brush your teeth: Choosing the right toothpaste
If the function of the brush is to get rid of bacterial plaque, then toothpaste enhances this effect. In addition, toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel, relieves inflammation of the gums, and gives fresh breath.
The choice of toothpaste is as important as the choice of toothbrush. Please note that toothpaste for each person is selected individually. It also happens that members of the same family use different pastes. This product is chosen based on the level of sensitivity of the teeth, the presence of diseases of the oral cavity (for example, gum disease), as well as the goals of the person himself (for example, if he wants to whiten his teeth, then there are special pastes for this).
It is important for every person to know the state of his oral cavity. Are the gums bleeding, weak tooth enamel, are there caries or pulpitis, etc. Based on this, you should purchase toothpaste. For example, if your gums bleed, buy a special paste to strengthen your gums.
The problem with the teeth is largely due to the banal ignorance of such aspects. In most cases, when people have various oral diseases, they buy pasta from the category "for the whole family", instead of treating existing ailments.
Toothpaste is purchased individually, based on the needs of the person!
Of course, if you have everything in order with your teeth, you are not worried about any of these factors, in this case it is best to buy a paste that provides a complex effect. That is, a paste that simultaneously protects teeth from caries and prevents inflammation of the gums.
Oh, and don't buy the same toothpaste all the time. After it is over, get a new paste with a different composition of herbs.
How to brush your teeth: what is an irrigator and how to choose the right product
Understanding the causes of oral diseases, it becomes obvious that our main task is to prevent the formation of tartar, as well as regular cleaning of the oral cavity from bacteria and their products. Above, we have found out which dental care products can solve these problems. These are toothbrushes, dental floss, rinses and balms, as well as irrigators for complete cleaning of plaque and food particles.
Of course, ideally, use all of these named dental care products and devices. This will help until old age.
So, what is an irrigator, in a nutshell. The irrigator is a device for carrying out oral hygiene procedures at home. Due to the many pulsations of water, food debris between the teeth, as well as bacterial plaque, are removed. In addition, gums are massaged under running water, which improves their condition. This increased blood flow strengthens the teeth in general, providing them with the necessary micronutrients.
What irrigator do I recommend to my readers. Of all the tested, the German brand "Acleon" has proven itself well. And you can’t argue, because the Germans have always monitored the quality of their products. I recommend purchasing irrigators through the specified company in Russia, so as not to run into a fake.
The Acleon range includes two types of irrigators - stationary Acleon TF600 and portable Acleon TF200. Below I bring to your attention a brief video review of these devices.
At the end of the topic, I will give you some practical advice that will help. In general, if you want to acquire, become self-sufficient and, I recommend that you thoroughly study. In them you will find a lot of useful and practical information. As I have already noted in my articles, the blog you are on is an instruction with a clearly built algorithm of actions. My mission is to improve society and improve its well-being.
- Observe sanitary standards! Often, the toothbrushes of all family members lie in one glass, and even filled with water! This is completely contrary to basic sanitary rules. Disease-causing bacteria can easily jump from brush to brush. In a humid environment, it is much easier for them to spread. Getting infected from a person next to whom a toothbrush is located is easier than it seems at first glance.
- Never, under any circumstances, use toothpicks (neither plastic nor wooden). The toothpick ruins your teeth!
- If pieces of food are stuck between your teeth after eating, use dental floss. It will clean the gaps of the teeth well and prevent the appearance of inflammation in the oral cavity.
- Some vegetables and fruits are good for cleaning teeth from pieces of food. These include raw apples, carrots, beets and cabbage, wheat bran. Therefore, it is important to leave not pies (), but a raw vegetable or fruit () for dessert. Fruits and vegetables contribute to the self-cleaning processes of the teeth, as they cause profuse salivation. In addition, fresh fruits contain volatile substances that are harmful to bacteria.
- Here's more for you useful advice in case you went to nature with an overnight stay, and you forgot your toothbrush and paste at home. Branches of fruit trees and shrubs (shoots of pear, viburnum, mountain ash, currant, sea buckthorn), vegetable stalks (carrots, celery) can be used as a full-fledged toothbrush. To do this, a twig at one end must be chewed and then used as a regular brush. After 2-3 times of use, the branch should be replaced with a fresh one.
- As a last resort, if all these items of natural origin are missing, you can use an ordinary finger. Wash your hands well before doing this. Rinse your mouth with water. And start running your finger over your teeth, erasing plaque, as if you were doing it with a brush. At the end of the procedure, rinse your mouth again. This to some extent will warn you against the occurrence of diseases of the oral cavity. Of course, I do not recommend using this method for a long time. But if you're away from home for a couple of days, leaving your soapy-ryo accessories, then this method will come in handy.
- And of course, the irrigator will help you.
That's all, dear subscribers! These were all the most important recommendations for brushing your teeth. In this article, we have found out how to properly brush your teeth. Don't forget to do this regularly. And teach your kids to do this from an early age. Then they will thank you!
Dentists all over the world insist that it is necessary not only to carry out regular oral hygiene, but also to clean your toothbrush properly. Along with plaque, many microbes settle on it. The most dangerous of them are staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. If the tool is infected, it becomes unsafe to use it. This can lead to the development of diseases. Helps avoid many problems proper care behind the brush, its disinfection and timely replacement.
How to properly wash your brush?
Perhaps you should start with the first use of a new brush. You can often hear advice before the first use, pour boiling water over the bristle head. However, a freshly unpacked brush is sterile and does not contain any bacteria. Rather, this method helps to soften the synthetic hairs a little so that they do not scratch the gums.
But with each further use, a number of simple rules should be observed:
- Remember to wash your hands with soap before taking the brush.
- Rinse your toothbrush with warm water before brushing your teeth.
- After cleaning, the bristles are washed more thoroughly. You need to rub it with your finger under a stream of warm water to free it from toothpaste and plaque.
- Optionally, the brush can be washed with soap if it still seems dirty. But in general, there is no such need.
- After rinsing, shake off the remaining water and allow the brush to dry in an upright position.
Disinfection
Every 2 weeks, the toothbrush must be disinfected in an antibacterial solution. This will reduce the number of germs. Also, the procedure should definitely be resorted to after a cold, professional teeth cleaning. Although the opinions of dentists in this case differ. Some believe that disinfection is enough, others advise purchasing a new hygiene item and throwing out the old one.
How can you disinfect a toothbrush?
- In an antibacterial mouthwash. You need to pour the rinse aid into a small glass and place the brush head down. It is important that the bristles are completely covered with the antibacterial solution. After 10-15 minutes, the hygiene item must be removed, rinsed with water and dried. Examples of suitable rinses: Asepta, Lacalut active, President Pro, Glister from Amway.
- in chlorhexidine. This is an inexpensive remedy, costing up to 30 rubles per bottle. Included in many antibacterial mouth rinses. To disinfect the brush, chlorhexidine is poured into the cap and the bristles are dipped into it for 5–7 minutes. It is not necessary to wash off the disinfectant, but to dry the brush - yes.
- In vinegar. Undiluted 9% table vinegar perfectly kills harmful microbes and eliminates an unpleasant smell. It is necessary to pour about a third of a mug of vinegar, leave the brush in it for 30 minutes, and then rinse it with running water.
- Alcohol disinfection. Medical ethanol will help to quickly disinfect the toothbrush. It is enough to saturate the bristles with it or dip the head into it and leave for 1 minute. After that, you can immediately start brushing your teeth.
In addition to antibacterial solutions for the treatment of brushes, special devices. They are called ultraviolet sterilizers or toothbrush disinfectors and cost about 1,000–1,500 rubles. The basis of the work is disinfection with ultraviolet rays. The device works from a stationary network of 220 volts. It is equipped with a system of fasteners for mounting on the wall, as well as various clamps. Having a disinfectant makes it much easier to take care of your toothbrushes. It is also suitable for disinfecting razors.
Storage rules
Germs love dark, damp, cool places, such as the bathroom. Under such conditions, they remain viable for a long time and multiply. For example, on a poorly washed wet brush. Properly store it as follows:
- Use a special vertical cup with a separate hole for each toothbrush. It is important to avoid cross-contamination from other surfaces, including the brushes of other family members.
- Take care of ventilation. The washed bristles must dry completely. You can not put the brush directly into the container. By and large, it is intended only for transportation or storage on the road.
- For a shared bathroom, choose a storage location away from the toilet. When flushing, harmful particles enter the air, and then settle on nearby surfaces within a radius of 1.8 m. If it is impossible to move the brush to such a distance, you should get a protective cap with ventilation holes.
- Keep your brush storage container clean. Wash the cup or holder at least once a week with soap and water. hot water. To remove plaque, use baking soda and a sponge that has not been used to clean sinks and other surfaces.
Proper use is important
Good personal hygiene will not only keep your teeth healthy, but also minimize the risk of bacteria colonizing your toothbrush. In order for it to serve faithfully, it is necessary:
- Use only a separate, personal brush. The oral cavity of every person is teeming with billions of bacteria. At the same time, everyone has their own microflora, which is in harmonious coexistence with the body. If someone else's microflora enters the mouth of another person, the result can be unpredictable. To protect against diseases, all family members, including husband and wife, should have personal brushes.
- Brush your teeth regularly in the morning and evening for 5-6 minutes. Timely cleaning allows you to suppress the reproduction of microbes in the oral cavity. Accordingly, there are fewer of them on the brush.
- Choose the right bristle stiffness and toothpaste. The less bacteria in the mouth, the cleaner the bristles remain. The correct selection of toothpaste and brush guarantees complete cleaning of the teeth from plaque, in which pathogenic microorganisms live.
- Use dental floss and mouthwash after every meal. Brushing your teeth 3-4 times a day is almost physically impossible, and traumatic for tooth enamel. However, to prevent food debris from rotting between the teeth, they must be removed and washed off with a rinse aid.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months. Numerous studies have confirmed that pathogenic organisms from the oral cavity colonize the brush in 90 days. Even high-quality disinfection does not destroy them. In addition, during this period, with regular use, the bristles wear out, and it can no longer clean the teeth with high quality.
- Buy a new brush infectious disease, professional teeth cleaning. Antibodies fight infection in the body. But pathogens survive well on a toothbrush, so after an illness it is recommended to change it. As for professional sanitation, it destroys 99.9% of harmful microorganisms in the mouth. To keep the cleaning result as long as possible, old item hygiene with bacteria is better to throw it away or give it a second life as a device for cleaning hard-to-reach surfaces.
Electric brush care
In general, care for an electric toothbrush should be the same as for a conventional toothbrush. The processing rules are not too different. The pocket with batteries and a microcircuit is reliably protected from moisture, so the device can be washed without fear.
However, there are several important nuances things to consider when caring for an electric brush:
- The nozzle with bristles wears out in 3 months and must be replaced.
- Discharged batteries must never be left in the device. They may start to leak. Then not only the brush will be damaged, but the acid can also get into the mouth and cause poisoning.
- After use electric brush rinse with warm water and dry.
In trying to disinfect the device, it is important not to overdo it. Boiling can lead to melting of the product. According to GOST, an indicator of 1000 CFU / cm 3 of microorganisms on the bristles is the norm even in the absence of diseases immune system cannot lead to infection.
Every day, billions of bacteria enter your toothbrush from your mouth. Among them are streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, porphyromonas gingivalis, herpes viruses and hepatitis A, B, C, candida albicans, coliform and many others. Wrong care may entail frequent illnesses. It is important to thoroughly wash and dry the bristles, choose appropriate place for storing brushes, observe the rules of personal hygiene. The device must be replaced every 3 months.