PEOPLE often wonder why they still suffer from tooth decay even after they believe they have been brushing daily and properly. The reason is simple: two important factors must be considered when brushing teeth. First, you must strictly follow a specific sequence. For example, begin with the last left molar of the upper jaw, move to the last upper right molar, then down to the last right lower molar, and finally move across to the last left lower molar.
The other important factor is thoroughness. The entire surface of each tooth, as well as the interdental area, should be sanitised for 1 minute each day. If, therefore, you have all your permanent teeth, you should spend a total of thirty-two minutes every day practising oral care. Remember, you do not need toothpaste—plain water will do.
The effective control of plaque (bacteria and food particles sticking to the surface of unclean teeth) represents the basis of oral health. The method used to remove plaque is not of primary importance, provided that the required objective is achieved. So even if your toothbrush is lost, you can still take good care of your mouth. However, try to get a toothbrush —it’s the ideal tool for oral care.
Remember that there are defined specifications for toothbrush design and brushing methods, as standardised in professional recommendations. The toothbrush should be small — about 6 inches long — with soft bristles. The handle should be aligned with the head, and the brushing profile should be flat, with the bristles of equal length.
There are eight scientific methods of toothbrushing, the most widely accepted being the Modified Stillman technique. This method is designed for massage and stimulation as well as for cleaning the neck area of the tooth. The brush ends are placed partly on the gum and partly on the neck area of the tooth and are directed towards the root of the tooth. Moderate pressure is applied, and the handle is given a slight rotary motion while the brush ends are maintained in position on the tooth surface, always in the direction in which the tooth grows.
Repeat many times before moving to the adjacent tooth, making sure to include the palatal (inner) surfaces. The biting surfaces are cleaned by vibrating the brush with light pressure while maintaining the bristle tips on the occlusal surface, allowing them to work their way into pits and fissures.
Excessive pressure curves the bristles, so the tips cannot reach the pits and fissures. The most effective time to brush is just before retiring for the night. The use of toothpaste or dentifrice is not essential, although regular brands — which contain ingredients such as abrasives, detergents, fluoride, binders, and humectants — facilitate our objective.
Because plaque located on the surfaces between two teeth is inaccessible to usual brushing, a means for proximal plaque removal is necessary for complete preventive care. Using dental floss or tape should always precede brushing. (Three strands of thread together will suffice in a crisis.) Hold a 12-inch length of floss between the thumb and index finger of each hand. Grasp firmly, with half an inch of floss between the fingertips. The ends of the floss may be tucked into the palm and held by the ring and little finger, or wrapped around the middle fingers.
For the upper teeth, the floss should be directed upward by holding it over two thumbs or a thumb and an index finger. Rest the side of a finger on the teeth of the opposite side of the upper arch to provide balance and a fulcrum. When flossing the lower or mandibular teeth, direct the floss downward by holding the index fingers on top of the strand. One index finger holds the floss on the lingual and the other on the outer (facial) side. Hold the floss in a diagonal or oblique position and ease it past each contact area with a gentle sawing motion, curving the floss around each tooth. Work from below the gum line, making up-and-down motions and shoeshine strokes.
Diet plays an integral part in oral care. In this regard, food is classified into two categories: protective and cariogenic. Cariogenic foods contribute significantly to the formation of caries, especially those that are sugary and sticky. Sugar is converted to acid faster than starch, while the sticky property facilitates longer contact with the enamel.
Protective food is generally fibrous and contains vitamins, minerals, and fluoride. Greens, vegetables, ground provisions, and corn are examples of protective foods. Although avoiding cariogenic foods is ideal, extra oral care is required after consumption. Vigorous mouth rinsing with water, when toothbrushing is not practical, should be practised.