" Don't rush when you brush"
Toothbrushing tools date back to 3500-3000 BC when the Babylonians and the Egyptians made a brush out of a twig. The bristled toothbrush appeared about the year 1600 in China, which was first patented by United States of America in 1857. The first toothbrush of modern design was made by William Addis in England around 1780- the handle being carved out of cattle bone and brush portion was made from swine bristles.
What is a TOOTHBRUSH ??
It is an oral hygiene tool used to clean the teeth, gums and tongue. However, humans have been using precursors of it long before anyone thought of it as a tool of oral hygiene.
Everyone in their childhood must have heard their mothers saying to brush twice a day, not to stop brushing before 2 mins. Well these are the facts and sayings that are very much relevant in the current scenario as well.
Now let us understand what a toothbrush and the technique of brushing is all about.
TOOTHBRUSH DESIGN
According to American Dental Association (ADA) a toothbrush must have :-
Length: 1-1.25 inch
Width: 5/16- 3/8 inch
Rows: 2-4 rows
Tufts: 5-12 tufts/row
2 types of bristle material are used :-
1. Natural bristles - Made up of Hog, Twigs etc.
2. Artificial bristles - Made up of Nylon ( mostly preferred )
TYPES OF TOOTHBRUSH
STANDARD MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH
This is the regular go to inexpensive manual instrument with bristles at one end and handle at another.
It used in every household and their prices are rock bottom.
INTERDENTAL BRUSH
The proxy brush is a highly essential part of the regular oral hygiene regime and is used for cleaning interproximal areas / between the teeth.
SULCABRUSH
It is specifically designed to clean the sulcular area or the area along the gumline adjacent to the teeth. Its bristles are like an arrow tip which makes it ideal for cleaning areas such as between the crowns, bridges or even crowded teeth.
POWERED TOOTHBRUSHES
They have an oscillating, rotating motions and use low frequency acoustic energy to enhance cleaning ability. It generates a dynamic fluid movement slightly away from the bristle tip.
It is beneficial for-
- Children with physical or mental disability
- Hospitalised patients
- Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances
- People suffering from dexterity problems
COMPUTERISED TOOTHBRUSHES
Also known aa a smart toothbrush, it not only cleans the teeth effectively in a method similar to the powered toothbrushes, but also, actively engages the patient.
These brushes can also keep a record of your brushing history, time for which the activity is being performed and the effectiveness with which it done.
A smart toothbrush is equipped with a sensor in the brush head which sends data about the user's routine to an interactive app or a smartphone.
TOOTHBRUSHING METHODS
BASS or SULCULAR METHOD-
In this technique aim the bristle tip towards the gingival margin at 45 degree angle and use the brush in a vibratory motion.
It is a routine technique in patients with or without periodontal disease.
MODIFIED STILLMAN METHOD-
The toothbrush is held against both the gingival and dental surfaces and an occlusal stroke is also added after every vibratory motion.
Used in patients with gingival recession and root exposure.
CHARTER'S METHOD-
Place the bristles on the gingival line at 45 degree angle pointing towards the tooth's chewing / occlusal surface.
Gently vibrate the brush using short circular strokes or back and forth motion.
Used in patients with healing wounds after surgery and in orthodontic treatment.
FONES METHOD / CIRCULAR METHOD-
It involves placing the brush over a set of teeth at any particular angle and then brushing each set 4-5 times with gentle circular motions.
It is recommended in children.
LEONARD'S / VERTICAL METHOD-
A method of cleaning teeth that advocates a vigorous drawing of the brush up and down across the teeth; vertical strokes are used.
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