Why is proper toothbrushing crucial for good oral health?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Types of manual toothbrushes may vary in size, design, length, hardness, and arrangement of bristles. Depending on the hardness of the bristles, it is of four types.

1. Hard bristles - A dentist usually does not recommend it as it may cause enamel damage.
2. Medium bristles - It is recommended by dentists who do not have sensitive enamel and gums. It provides reasonable plaque control and gum massage.
3. Soft and very soft bristles - It is used for patients with sensitive teeth and gum region
4. Orthodontic toothbrush - It is used for patients with dental braces to clean both teeth and brackets properly.

Recommend toothbrush and toothpaste depending on age:

1. Kids - Small brush with pea-sized toothpaste.

2. More than 10 years - Adult toothbrush with pea-sized toothpaste.

Modified bass technique indications:

1. As a routine oral hygiene measure.
2. Intrasulcular cleansing.
3. For good gingival stimulation.

Technique for adults:

1. It combines the bass technique's vibratory and circular movements with the Roll technique's sweeping motion.
2. The bristles are held at 45° to the gingiva.
3. Bristles are then gently vibrated by moving the brush handle in a back-and-forth motion.
4. Then, they are swept over the sides of the teeth toward their occlusal surfaces in a single motion.

Modified Stillman's technique indications:

1. It is used to clean areas with progressing gingival recession.
2. Areas with root exposure to prevent abrasive tissue destruction.

Technique:

1. The bristles are pointed apically with an oblique angle to the long axis of the tooth.
2. The bristles are positioned partly on the cervical aspect of the teeth and partly on the adjacent gingiva.
3. Short back-and-forth motions activate bristles and simultaneously move in the coronal direction.
4. Soft toothbrushes are used for this technique.

Fones/ circular/scrub method indications:

1. Young children.
2. Physically or emotionally handicapped individuals.
3. Patients who lack dexterity.

Advantages:

1. Easy to learn.
2. A shorter time is required.

Technique:

1. The child is asked to stretch their arms so their hand is parallel to the floor.
2. Make big circles in front of the mirror and continue to do it.
3. Then, reduce the circle diameter till it fits into the mouth.
4. The child is ready to make circles on the teeth with a brush, ensuring the teeth and gums are covered.

Objectives of toothbrushing:

1. To clean teeth and interdental spaces of food remains, debris, and stains.
2. It is used to stimulate and massage the gingival tissue.
3. It prevents plaque formation.
4. It also removes the formed plaque and, thus, prevents bacterial growth.
5. It prevents cavity formation.
6. Remove stain.
7. The tongue cleans is used to clean the tongue
8. Therefore, it prevents bad breath.

The duration for brushing is two minutes, and the frequency is twice daily. Other oral hygiene aids:

1. Water flosser.
2. Tongue scraper.
3. Mouthwash kills bacteria, but it should be used along with brushing.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.