Visiting the toothpaste aisle of any department store can be overwhelming, with so many brands claiming to do so many beneficial things for an individual’s teeth – and in so many different flavors and textures. But it’s an area everyone should visit and visit frequently to maintain healthy, attractive teeth in a few easy steps that take only minutes daily.
Everyone’s goal when caring for their teeth should be to thoroughly remove plaque from the teeth at least once a day, according to registered dental hygienist Doni L. Bird and certified dental assistant Debbie S. Robinson, the writers of Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting. That’s because once a person thoroughly removes plaque – the soft, sticky, white deposit on the teeth – it takes about 24 hours to form again.
Plaque can eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). If a person doesn’t remove all of the plaque, it then turns into calculus, or tartar – a hard, stone-like substance that only a dental professional can remove with special instruments. Here are a few tips about what products to choose and how to make better use of those many products at home.
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Brush at Least Twice Daily: It’s wise to brush before bedtime so that plaque doesn’t have a chance to form over several hours. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums and move it back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget to brush the tongue.
- Choose Either Manual or Automatic: Either a manual or automatic toothbrush is effective at removing plaque. Automatic brushes can be easier to grasp because they have larger handles that include a rechargeable battery. Automatic brushes can move back and forth, up and down or in a circular motion and can include timers to remind the person to change to another quadrant in the mouth every 30 seconds.
- Use Soft Bristles: It’s recommended that people use soft-bristled toothbrushes because they are more gentle for the soft oral tissues and adapt to the contours of the teeth better than hard bristles do. Nylon bristles also make a toothbrush safer to use.
- Replace a Toothbrush Every 2 to 3 Months: Toothbrushes should be replaced usually after about 8 to 12 weeks, or as soon as the bristles begin to show wear and tear or start to spread outward.
- Use a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride can help combat cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Tartar control toothpaste also can help people who accumulate a lot of calculus between regular dental cleaning appointments. Plus, some whitening toothpastes can help remove stains.
Dental Floss (or Dental Tape)
- Floss at Least Once a Day: Make sure the floss gets to the gumline, but don’t force or snap the floss into the space. When it's between two teeth, wiggle the floss and curve the floss into a C shape. Slide the floss gently between the gum and the tooth on one side and move it up and down, and then do the same to the other side and on each side of every tooth.
- Waxed or Unwaxed Doesn’t Matter: Both waxed and unwaxed floss are effective for removing food trapped between the teeth and bacteria before it turns into plaque. Flossing either before or after brushing is recommended.
- Automatic Flossers are Available: For patients who have trouble using regular floss, a battery-operated flosser can be used. The device has a one-time, replacable, thin rubber filament tip that is inserted between the teeth. At the push of a button, the rubber tip vibrates to remove plaque.
- Make Sure the Floss is Long Enough: It’s recommended that a person cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap the excess around the middle or index fingers of both hands. Use the thumb and forefinger of each hand to control the floss between the teeth.
Mouth Rinses and Gum
- Antiseptic Mouthwash is Best: It’s nice to have a rinse that reduces bad breath and leaves the mouth with a fresh taste, but choose a mouthwash that is antiseptic, as this type of rinse kills the bacteria that causes the bad breath. It’s also beneficial to choose a rinse that contains fluoride. Whitening mouthwash also is available on the market.
- Rinse With Water After Meals: If it’s not possible to use a mouthwash after lunch or snacks, rinsing the mouth with water is an effective way to remove plaque.
- Choose Gum Without Sugar: Yes, gum with sugar substitutes are out there and taste just as good as those sugary ones. Look for those that contain substitutes such as saccharine, aspartame, sorbitol or xylitol. While none of these sweeteners causes cavities as sugar does, it’s wise to note that xylitol is the only one of the sweeteners that actually prevents cavities. Whitening gums also are available.
Sources:
American Dental Association. (Retrieved 17 September 2009). “ADA Seal”
Bird, Doni L. and Robinson, Debbie S. “Plaque Control Program.” Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting, Ninth Edition, Elsevier Inc. 2009, pp: 182; 192; 197-209
Related Reading:
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis, care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
YaShekia King - From the ripe age of 7, YaShekia King knew she wanted to be a writer and author. She has since obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from ...
