Oral hygiene devices

In general, oral and dental hygiene devices are divided into 4 groups:

1. toothbrush
2. Floss
3. Mouthwash
4. Toothpaste

1_ TOOTHBRUSH:

The most important tool in oral and dental hygiene is the toothbrush, with the growth of milk teeth at around 6 months of age, teeth brushing should begin. Other brushes vary according to age, from infancy to adulthood and from small to large. For adults, there are medium and large sizes, depending on the size of the mouth. In terms of brushes, we have 2 types of soft and medium toothbrushes

• HARD toothbrushes are not produced by other reputable factories. The soft type is recommended for sensitive teeth and bleeding gums or after dental surgery. The medium type is also suitable for people’s daily use
• With the advancement of knowledge and technology, the brush of toothbrushes has improved from being smooth and simple to a form that can have the most cleaning for different surfaces of teeth and gums. Which type of toothbrush is suitable for you depends on various factors such as age, mouth size, tooth type, gum condition, the distance between the teeth, etc. It is better to choose the type of toothbrush in consultation with the dentist.
• Some toothbrushes are made for special treatment, such as orthodontic toothbrushes, implants, interdental toothbrushes, post-surgery toothbrushes, gingival toothbrushes, etc., which are used with the dentist’s prescription.
• Electric toothbrushes clean better than manual toothbrushes and are especially suitable for children and the elderly who are not capable of complex hand movements.

2_ Dental floss

Floss should be used to clean between the teeth. A toothbrush alone is not enough to clean the interdental areas. Most tooth decay occurs in the contact area and between the teeth, which is the reason why most people do not use dental floss. It is usually recommended to floss three times a day after main meals, but at least every night before brushing. Is to hit Thin and fluoridated floss is better than thick and stringy types

• A special type of dental floss is made for cleaning under fixed prostheses of the (BRIDGE) type and between teeth that are undergoing orthodontic treatment, which is different from ordinary floss. That is, instead of entering the space between the teeth from the top of the tooth, it enters from the bottom of the tooth and near the gum between the teeth. The complete method of using these types of threads must be explained in person at the clinic
• For children or those who find it difficult to floss. Handled and disposable dental floss is also made. In this way, about 2 cm of dental floss is connected to a bow or two small branches with a handle, and they use the handle to use the floss. People whose teeth are far apart and there is a space between the teeth can use toothpicks instead of floss

3_ MOUTH WASH:

The effectiveness of mouthwashes in oral hygiene is increasing every day. The main types of mouthwashes are:

• Children’s mouthwash
• Fluoride mouthwash
• Daily mouthwashes (Anti-tartar and anti-caries and containing fluoride)
• Antibacterial mouthwashes (chlorhexidine and disinfectants) that should not be used for more than 1 month
• Mouthwash for sensitive teeth
• Orthodontic mouthwash

Due to the wide variety in properties and brands of mouthwashes, it is better to prescribe them by a dentist in Toronto.

• The time to use mouthwash depends on its type. But in general, it can be said that in the morning and at night, after brushing, one should rinse the mouth for 30 seconds with the amount of about 10cc, and after that, one should not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
• Indiscriminate use of a bottle of antibacterial mouthwash is not recommended because it disturbs the microbial balance of the oral cavity. Also, over time, chlorhexidine can cause a brown color on the teeth, which of course can be removed by scaling and brushing.

4_ TOOTHPASTE:

The role of toothpaste in oral hygiene is less than the way of brushing and its frequency. That is, if you brush your teeth properly and at least once a day (preferably at night before going to bed) and floss your teeth, it doesn’t matter what type of toothpaste you use. However, in standard and reliable toothpaste, some ingredients have a greater impact on the health of the mouth and teeth in a short time of brushing (1-2 minutes). Whitening and anti-tartar toothpaste should be used for a limited time and with the advice of a dentist because it causes wear and tooth sensitivity. For children, it is better to brush without toothpaste until they cannot hold the foam in their mouth while brushing and then take it out, and there is a possibility of eating the toothpaste.

• Anti-allergic toothpastes are very effective for teeth that, despite being healthy, are sensitive to cold and heat stimuli and different tastes. Of course, it should be used for at least 3 months so that its effect lasts
• The amount of toothpaste needed for brushing is usually half the length of the toothbrush bristles. After putting the paste on the toothbrush, press it with your tongue along the bristles of the toothbrush to spread it better between the teeth.
• After brushing, it is enough to rinse the mouth once, and washing too much removes the positive effects of the toothpaste from the teeth (such as fluoride, and anti-allergic substances).