2656 S.L West Suite # 360
Houston,Texas 77054.
Tel: (713) 663-6019
2440 FM 2234 Suite # 215
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Tel: (281) 499-6184
Don't Rush the Brush - Brush to the Beat!
Despite the variety and
advancements in toothbrushes today, people don't brush long enough
to get the best results.
Since many people
brush during the morning or at night with the radio on, I tell
my patients to brush for one song. That's about three minutes
-- the right amount of time to get the best results from brushing.
The modern toothbrush
has changed a lot since it was invented in China in 1000 A.D.
with bristles made from horse hair. Today, they come in fashion
colors with angled heads, raised bristles that change color with
use. But the mechanical and physical improvements of toothbrushes
are not effective unless they are used correctly.
People will swear
that they've brushed three to four minutes, but the average person
brushes for less than a minute. This is not long enough to search
all areas of the mouth and scrub off cavity causing bacteria.
Generally, a toothbrush
should have a long, wide handle with soft bristles. Be sure to
brush on both sides of the teeth and the tongue. Change toothbrushes
every three to four months before their bristles become frayed.
Also toss the toothbrush after an illness to avoid harmful bacteria
harbored in the bristles.
Electric toothbrushes
are a great option for those who have limited dexterity, such
as older people or arthritis suffers, and are effective for people
with braces since the rotating heads can clean hard-to-reach areas.
Is Your Family Sharing Too Much?
You wouldn't think of sharing your toothbrush. Not even with a
family member. But it takes more than sole proprietorship to avoid
partnering infection, reports the Academy of General Dentistry,
an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.
Studies show that
toothbrushes can become heavily contaminated with oral microorganisms.
Because most families store toothbrushes in a common storage space,
airborne bacteria can move from toothbrush to toothbrush, passing
opportunistic infections such as periodontal disease and the common
cold from one person to another.
Your best defense
is to go undercover. The easiest way to protect your toothbrush
is by using a toothbrush cover.
Splattering water,
contact with skin, and toothbrushes knocking against one another
are all circumstances that contribute to the spread of bacteria.
We recommend rinsing bristles thoroughly, then shaking any extra
moisture from the brush and storing it upright before placing
a cover over the toothbrush head.
Studies also show
a link between self-contaminated toothbrushes and oral inflammatory
diseases. Bacteria from food particles and contact with the skin
are unavoidable consequences of daily brushing. People should
wash their hands both before and after brushing, and soak unused
brushes in an antiseptic mouthwash. Having more than one toothbrush
makes this process a lot more practical. The bathroom is usually
the most contaminated room in the house. Protect yourself by protecting
your toothbrush.
