Did
you know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease? Cavities are
almost 100 percent preventable when children have access to prevention,
education and treatment services, yet one-third of children ages 6 to 8 have
untreated cavities in a permanent tooth.
National
Toothbrush Day is June 26 and serves as a reminder of how important a little
brush is to a person’s health.
Brushing
your teeth twice daily is a necessity, not an option. If you brush the
recommended amount – twice daily for at least two minutes per session – then
you’ve spent a lot of quality time with your toothbrushes over the years. This
small brush is a really important tool and there are ways to maintain it and
create some good habits for oral health.
DentaQuest
offers five important tips for using your toothbrush and maintaining good
brushing habits:
1. If you were still wearing a heavy coat
the last time you replaced your toothbrush, you’re definitely overdue for a new
one. Toothbrushes need to be replaced when they get frayed and worn, which is
typically every three months. Vigorous brushers will probably need to replace
their toothbrush more frequently.
2. Select soft bristles over hard ones
unless otherwise instructed by your dentist. Soft bristles are more pliable and
can get between teeth easier. Hard bristles can make brushing painful and may
also wear away gums and tooth enamel.
3. It may be tempting for teething tots,
but don’t let young children chew on the toothbrush head. It drastically
shortens the life of the bristles.
4. To maximize the effectiveness of
brushing, pick up your toothbrush right after a meal. It helps remove the food
debris that bacteria feed on. Use a small dot of fluoridated toothpaste and
you’re giving your teeth a dose of fluoride right when they need it most.
5. Bedtime brushing equals better sleep.
Repeating a relaxing bedtime routine (including brushing your teeth, of course)
eventually gets your body programmed to start winding down for sleep.
Always
rinse off your toothbrush after you've used it and let it dry before using it
again. And, don't share your toothbrush with others; you don't want to
exchange mouth bacteria.
Remember,
a regular check up with your dentist is as important as an annual physical. If
you are afraid of the dentist and only make an appointment when you are in
pain, think of this – regular preventive care is not painful and it will help
prevent painful visits in the future. Good oral health is very important to
your overall good health.