L6 Dental Brush.pdf

Dental Brush Dr Noor AlMortadi Why proper brushing and flossing are essential: 1. Prevention of tooth decay – Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This can easily be prevented by...

Dental Brush Dr Noor AlMortadi Why proper brushing and flossing are essential: 1. Prevention of tooth decay – Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods. 2. Prevention of periodontal disease – Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which causes tooth loss and gum recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to avoid periodontal problems. 3. Prevention of bad breath – Bad breath is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing; leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher. 4. Prevention of staining – Staining or the yellowing of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, coffee, wine and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent. What is the proper way to Brush  The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day; ideally in the morning and before bed. spend at least two minutes using a recommended brushing technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left)  The perfect toothbrush is small in size with soft, rounded-end bristles and no more than three months old.  The bristles should be soft enough so as not to cause damage to the gum tissues.  A proper brushing technique is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss.  The American Dental Association (ADA) has given electric toothbrushes their seal of approval stating that those with rotating or oscillating heads are more effective than other toothbrushes. A basic guide to proper brushing:  Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.  Use small circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.  Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.  Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the posterior teeth.  Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.  Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris. How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth you're brushing.  Step 1: Start with outer and inner surfaces, and brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes against the gum line. Make sure you reach your back teeth.  Step 2: Move on to chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces.  Step 3: Once you get to the inside surfaces of your anterior teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of brush.  Step 4: Be sure to brush gently along the gum line.  Step 5: Brush your tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and help remove odor-causing bacteria to freshen your breath. What is the proper way to floss  Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from the regions between the teeth.  Flossing is an important tool for preventing periodontal disease and limiting the depth of the gum pockets.  The regions between the teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleaned with dental floss on a daily basis.  The flavors and types of floss are unimportant. Choose one that will be easy and pleasant to use. A basic guide to proper flossing:  Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long.  Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.  Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.  Curve the floss in a U-shape around each individual tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line.  Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris. Avoid the cut of the gums.  Proper brushing and flossing technique as part of your daily oral care routine are the most important components in the fight to keep your teeth plaque free – and protecting your teeth and gums for a lifetime.  Keeping people safe when you clean their mouth is important. Experts in providing dental care for people with developmental disabilities recommend the following positions for caregivers. Like everyone else, people with developmental disabilities can have a healthy mouth if these three steps are followed: Brush every day. Floss every day. Visit a dentist regularly.  If the person you're helping is in a wheelchair, sit behind it. Lock the wheels  wash your hands and put on disposable gloves. Sit or stand where you can see all of the surfaces of the teeth  Be sure to use a regular or power toothbrush with soft bristles  Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste with fluoride, or none at all. Toothpaste bothers people who have swallowing problems. If this is the case for the person you care for, brush with water instead  Help the person rinse with plain water. Give people who can't rinse a drink of water or consider sweeping the mouth with a finger wrapped in gauze.