Toothbrush and its care

                                                                                                                       By-Dr.  ANKIT YADAV

Which came first toothpaste or toothbrush? Perhaps, both were ideated together to lend oral care the most basic and important tools it requires. Still, if it is about my blog, the one about toothpaste came first. Toothbrushes have undergone varied changes and the designs and bristles we get on them presently cover nearly all the functional concerns they are meant to address. Basically, there is a different shape and size for every age group. But yet again, the more the choices, the more difficult it gets to make one; however, a read of this would surely make it easier about things like the correct size and shape, regular care a brush needs, and the right time to replace.

Toothbrush overview: -

         The toothbrush is used to remove the plaque deposition on the teeth surface. The modifications in shapes and sizes of various toothbrushes are done according to the user's dentition variation.

Functions of toothbrush: -

•     To disturb and remove plaque formation
•     To clean teeth and interdental space of food remanent and stains
•    To stimulate and massage gums
•     To clean the tongue

Toothbrush consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles mounted on it followed by a shank and a handle. 

Head: - The head of the toothbrush varies in size from child to adult, the standard sizes as per the age groups are:

•      Age 0-2: - approximately 15mm in diameter
•     Age 2-6: - nearly 19mm in diameter
•     Age 6-12: -about 22mm in diameter
•     Age 12+: - around 25mm in diameter

Bristles: - They must be soft on gums and be of proper shape as per the teeth set. Bristles do come in different patterns:

•     Block pattern
•     Wavy or v shape pattern
•     Multilevel trim pattern
•     Criss-cross pattern
•    Polishing cup pattern

Shank: - It is present between the head and body. The varieties are:

•     Straight
•     Contra-angle
•     Flexible

Handle: - This part is used to grip and handle the brush according to the force and movement while brushing.

Types of toothbrush

•        Manual toothbrush
•        Sulcabrush
•        Interdental toothbrush
•        Ecological toothbrush
•        Disposable toothbrush
•        End tuft toothbrush
•        Electric toothbrush

Maintenance of toothbrush

 

•              Rinse your toothbrush after every use to remove the debris as well as remnant paste
•              Do not exchange your toothbrush because the body fluids and microorganism between  people can cause infection
•              Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry after use
•              Before enclosing it in its cap make sure it is properly dry because a wet environment is favorable for the growth of       microorganisms.
•               Avoid the toothbrush storage nearby the toilet because there are fecal coliform bacteria that can be released in the        air after flushing or direct contact with the user.
•               Replace your toothbrush after every 3-4 months or bristles become matted or frayed. The effectiveness of toothbrushes is decreased after the bristles are worn out.

Professional advice: -

•              Pick your toothbrush according to your age group and the size of your oral cavity.
•              When 1 tooth erupts in the oral cavity You can wipe it with cotton soaked in water and massage the gums of the child.

•              If toothbrush bristles are hard then put them in warm water for a min so that they become  soft.
•             Toothbrush can be sanitized by keeping in 3% hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash, it can reduce up to 85% bacterial load according to a study.
•             Toothbrushing for 2-3 minutes is enough two times a day with proper toothbrush technique to maintain a healthy oral cavity.

·       Change your toothbrush after any surgery or operation because the brush is contaminated with microorganisms and it can infect you again .

For more information and specification visit your dentist. Regular brushing 2 times a day is necessary for good oral health and you can use other dental aids like (dental floss, mouthwash, tongue cleaner, scaling) for best results. Visit your nearby dental clinic for a regular check-up every 6 months and protect your smile.