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Tooth Brushing

Tooth brushing had its early roots in the “chewing sticks” used by the ancient Babylonians around 3500 B.C. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures wrote about primitive toothpicks that were chewed on, so individuals could keep their teeth and mouth clean. As time moved forward these toothpicks transformed into the chew stick and was about the size of a modern day pencil. People chewed one end of this tooth brushing stick to soften it, while the other end remained pointed and was used like a pick to clean food, bacteria, along with other types of debris that acculumulated between the teeth. These tooth-brushing twigs were carefully selected from aromatic trees, which left the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

The ancient Chinese invented some of the first natural bristle toothbrushes, when they took the bristles off the necks of cold climate pigs. Tooth brushing advanced even further in the 17th and 18th centuries, when French dentists promoted the use of toothbrushes. William Addis of Clerkenwald, England, created the first mass-produced toothbrush around 1780. Tooth brushing in America was almost non-existent until after World War II, when army soldiers brought their newfound cleaning habits back to the states. Since this time, Americans have used many innovative oral hygiene devices ranging from the electrical toothbrush (developed in Switzerland in 1939) to a rechargeable cordless toothbrush engineered in 1961 by General Electric.

Today, tooth brushing is a necessary habit that many American families teach their children to engage in at an early age. Used in conjunction with flossing, tooth brushing is an effective way to combat the bacteria that build up in the gums and on the teeth. Parents should always teach their children to maintain proper oral hygiene and have regular checkups with their family dentist.  When it comes to oral hygiene, the professionals at Medical Center Dental Group can give your family the caring attention they deserve. On your first dental hygiene visit you can expect more than just a cleaning. Our experts will perform a detailed gum and periodontal evaluation, while screening for tooth decay through the use of x-rays, along with our special diagnodent (cavity detecting laser). We will also clean your teeth with handheld or microsonic scaling instruments. In addition, our professionals will polish superficial stains, floss, and then apply an effective fluoride treatment to protect your tooth enamel. Our devoted professionals will also discuss tooth-brushing methods you can use outside of the office in the comforts of your home.

In order to maintain a healthy smile, tooth brushing should be done at least twice a day. Patients should always clean their mouth before turning in for the evening. This is extremely important, since harmful bacteria can accumulate on the teeth overnight, if proper oral hygiene is not enforced. Our salivary glands tend to go dormant when we go to sleep, because we are not talking, eating, or chewing, which are behaviors that keep these glands active. When this occurs, our teeth and gums are more prone to decay and infection, especially if we indulge in a late night snack before going to bed.

Tooth brushing should be thought of as “gum brushing”. Patients should try to brush around the gum line, since this area tends to build up bacteria and plaque. Brushing around the gum line can remove this debris and enhance blood flow, as well as circulation to the tissues. Patients should brush in a massaging and vibratory motion or even try using an electric toothbrush to obtain this effect at a higher level. Quality oral hygiene instruments should have a soft, small head or use an electric toothbrush, which is even better.

The Medical Center Dental Group wants your tooth brushing experience to be a healthy one. We know how important that beautiful smile is to you and your family. Our experts know their trade and incorporate the science of modern day dentistry into your oral hygiene. So let our professionals care for your smile now and in the years to come.

For any other dentistry related questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.