TBI: Tooth Brush Instructions

Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it.  But, as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.  There is enough written in the dental literature to point out common toothbrushing mistakes and how to correct them:  

• Not using the right brush:  Richard Price, DMD, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, says consider the size of your mouth--the brush shouldn't be too big to fit in all areas of your mouth without strain, and should have a comfortable handle.  Many brushes have padded handles that facilitate brushing at the right angle.  While electrical or manual is an individual preference, the "brusher" and technique is better than the brush.  
• Not picking the right bristle:  angled or straight bristles are just as good, but bristles that are too stiff can aggravate gums and have greater potential for creating tooth abrasion.  Soft-bristled brushes are effective in removing plaque.  "Natural" bristles (made from animal hair or boar bristle) are not recommended.  
• Not brushing often enough or long enough:  at lease twice a day is recommended, for at least two minutes.  The evidence in the literature shows tooth protection is greatly increased when that becomes three times a day, for at least three minutes.  That's why some electric toothbrushes have built in timers.  
• Brushing too often or too hard:  excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth or the gum tissues to irritation.  Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel.  

It's amazing that just a few minutes per day, well spent, can keep your mouth healthy and, in turn, treat your whole body right. 


Source:  webmd.com


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Toothbrushing Technique

While the saying in real estate is "location, location, location" the saying for toothbrushing is "technique, technique, technique".  Aim the bristles at a  45° angle at the gumline and use short vertical or circular strokes (not horizontal), like you're doing one or two teeth at a time, getting the chewing surfaces, and outer and inner tooth surfaces.  Brush your tongue, or scrape it, to lower the overall bacterial population in your mouth.  Most people start in the same place every time they brush.  The first area gets the most attention and then successive areas get less and less.  So, start in a different place each time so all areas get equal attention.  The hard to reach places are the most important, even though they may be the most difficult to access.   

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Metabolic Syndromeand Toothbrushing

We've talked before about adults being "apple" vs "pear shaped" and the health hazards that come with "pear shaped" being termed "Metabolic Syndrome."  The main hazards are higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Inflammation has been strongly related to metabolic syndrome (MetS).  Periodontal disease is the most common chronic infection in adults.  As reported in the Journal of Dental Research (Epub 2/29/12) a study of 925 people for three years, increased toothbrushing frequency was related to lower hypertriglyceridemia and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.  The study found that more frequent toothbrushing is related to lower prevalence and incidence of MetS.  The results suggest that more frequent toothbrushing may contribute to the prevention of MetS due to the inflammation/triglyceride pathway.

The syndrome can best be identified by studying blood sugar levels over a three month period.  Ask your doctor for recommendations on how you can stay healthy!


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

How To Remove Tooth Stains from Coffee and Cigarette Smoke

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association evaluated the stain removal ability of toothbleaching and simulated toothbrushing after coffee and cigarette smoke staining.  In addition, researchers determined the enamel susceptibility to restaining.  They measured tooth color with a colorimeter, before and after immersing half of the samples in coffee and exposing the other half in a smoking machine.  Then they remeasured color after toothbleaching and toothbrushing.  They found specimens stained with coffee and smoke showed a significant removal of stain after bleaching.  However, only the smoke stained specimens responded to toothbrushing.  The authors concluded that 6% hydrogen peroxide at-home bleaching removed both coffee and smoke staining.  However, restaining potential was greater for tooth surfaces stained with coffee than for those stained with cigarette smoke, regardless of the removal method used.  Finally, the authors wrote, continued frequent consumption of coffee can increase the staining susceptibility of enamel.  

Source: JADA, 143:5, May 2012 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309