Friday, July 17, 2009

Maintaining Clean Teeth



The most basic aspect of maintaining clean and healthy teeth is brushing your teeth after every meal. Just as important as how much you brush is using the right type of toothbrush. Without exception, you should always use a soft bristle toothbrush. Medium and hard bristles will damage gums. You should make sure that the head of the toothbrush is the right size for your mouth, and that you can comfortably hold the toothbrush in your hand.

There is ongoing debate about whether should use manual or power toothbrushes. This depends upon you. Newer power brushes feature ergonomic designs and bristles that rotate and oscillate to clean all exposed teeth surfaces. They can is very effective when in removing plaque. The head of a power toothbrush is also smaller than that of a manual toothbrush. You may find it easier to maneuver around their mouths and get to hard to reach places in the back.

Power brushes are intended to be very gentle on your mouth. It is not necessary to press a power toothbrush against your teeth or gums. The automatic turning of the brush provides all the cleaning action you need. Most people who have suffered from bleeding gums have reported that power tooth brushes have actually helped reduce bleeding. This is very likely the result of the lessened brushing force and the round shape of the bristles on the power toothbrush.

We do not officially endorse or discourage power toothbrushes as something everyone should use. Rather, we encourage each patient to use the brush that best helps them clean their teeth and maintain healthy gums in the process.

Daily flossing is also an essential part of maintaining clean teeth. Flossing gets between teeth to clean off plaque that the tooth brush cannot reach. Plaque is very harmful to your teeth, because it serves as a breeding ground for bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. By flossing every time you brush them, you can keep them free of plaque and minimize the chances of infection or cavities. Waiting more than 24 hours to clean your teeth with floss, though, will allow bacteria enough time to reattach to your teeth.

You should schedule a teeth cleaning appointment with the dentist every six months. If you have gum disease, you need to have your teeth cleaned every three to four months.

Tartar control toothpastes can also help you maintain clean and healthy teeth. These special toothpastes may be able to help you maintain clean teeth and avoid cavities and gum disease related to the buildup of tartar and bacteria. However, a few people have reported their teeth become more sensitive when they use tartar control toothpaste. If this happens to you, try changing brands.You can also call your dentist to see what other options might be available.

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