Hard tooth brush can wreck your teeth

We know that many of the sugary foods and drinks we take have consequences on our oral health. But many do not know that using the wrong tooth brush can damage their teeth and gums.

One habit that wrecks the teeth, according to dentists, is the use of hard tooth brushes, especially smokers tooth brush, when it has not been recommended by an expert.

Consultant dentist, Dr. Evelyn Eshikena, notes that using hard toothbrushes can erode the tooth’s enamel, reduce its quality and cause tooth loss.

She states,“ Hard brushes are only recommended for those with stained teeth – maybe coffee drinkers and smokers because they will need something hard for soft polishing. If you don’t have this, you are supposed to be using soft or medium-textured brushes; or else you may develop teeth sensitivity and damage your enamel.”

Eshikena say for kids, only soft brushes should be used.

Another habit that the experts note may compromise ones oral hygiene is self medication. Consultant Dentist and the National President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Rotimi Olojede, warns that people with tooth problems, who patronise quacks or practise medication, are doing more harm than good to their health.

Olojede says, “Many often delay seeing a dentist when they have tooth problems because they feel it is expensive or it’s not important. So, they use ‘Touch and Go’, petrol or other products to treat tooth ache. I say you are only harming yourself, because when the pain becomes unbearable, you will eventually see a dentist and you will pay more. If you go to quacks, then you are only subjecting yourself to experiments, and they will damage your gum.”

Olojede also advises that one should visit one’s dentist twice a year for proper oral evaluation. According to him, the symptoms of some killer diseases like cancer, diabetes and hypertension manifest in the mouth and thorough dental check will ensure that they are picked and treated early.

You also may want to think again before you reach for toothpicks after your meals, as they can cause serious injuries to the gum, leading to tooth problems. Eshikena says careless use of toothpicks could cause severe and irreparable damages to the gums and the dentition.

According to her, they should be used sparingly when dental floss is not available and they should be thrown out to avoid using it unconsciously even after a meal.

Eshikena states,“ We advise that one should do without toothpicks as much as possible. They are not good at all. The sharp edges injure the gums. They poke it and dig holes into the gum and in between the teeth. When there is an injury to the gum, germs settle on it, causing infections. These infections may worsen into tooth cavities. You may lose your teeth and in severe cases, the nerves of the gum may be damaged, leading to other complications. We want people to start using dental floss.”

To maintain a good oral hygiene, here are some brushing tips.

•Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don’t rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.

•Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.

•Practise a good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle – aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue.

•Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible, and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Don’t routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria.

•Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

•Eat fruits to scrub the teeth. Nothing beats brushing twice a day and flossing and rinsing daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But you can help your pearly whites stay clean by ending meals with crunchy fruits and veggies. Not only will they give your teeth a little scrub, the healthy foods will keep the rest of your body in top form, too.

Source  Bukola Adebayo  contributions to punch