India's contribution in raising the health standards is remarkable and noteworthy. But when oral dental health is considered, there is a lack of awareness. As the majority of the Indian population resides in rural areas, basic oral health education is the most neglected chapter. Lack of proper guidance and professional help are also the contributory factors in the undermining of oral health. One of the prime misconceptions in brushing techniques is the regular aggressive use of horizontal brushing motion and the usage of a hard brush.
In India, we call brushing "Daant Ghisna"' though essentially brushing should not be "Rubbing teeth vigorously". Excessive rubbing causes erosion of enamel, which leads to tooth sensitivity. As per a survey conducted in 2017, one out of every three Indians suffers from tooth sensitivity. Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. The enamel is a shield that protects the tooth from damage and prevents decay.
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be reversed. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Certain kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes can contribute to this remineralization process.
How do you know if you are brushing too hard?
1. If in less than three months your toothbrush has splayed bristles (or bristles that fan out)
2. Receding and Bleeding Gums: If you brush too hard, you can damage the gum tissue and make it begin to recede, which exposes more of your tooth. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of aggressive brushing.
3. Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity is when hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks make teeth or a tooth painful or sensitive. Hard brushing causes erosion of enamel, which leads to sensitivity
Three generations ago, we did not have toothbrushes in India, and even today's generation learned to brush by observation from their family members. What we need is to learn the proper techniques of brushing from professionals. Here are some measures we can implement in our daily life to avoid hard
brushing:
1. Brush twice daily for maximum two to three minutes: Brushing more than two times a day and more than two to three minutes each time is inadvisable as it causes enamel erosion.
2. Wait for half an hour after meals before brushing: After meals, your teeth's outer layers or enamel are temporarily softened. Brushing the teeth immediately after the meal, rubs acids from the food into the enamel, breaking them down and intensifying the sensitivity. Waiting half an hour before brushing lets your saliva naturally neutralize the acids.
3. Use the bass technique for brushing: This technique involves holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, brushing gently in a circular motion, and holding the toothbrush in your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. First, the outer surface of the tooth is cleaned, followed by the inner surface present around the tongue. Lastly, brush the chewing surface of the teeth to end up with the brushing session.
4. Brush gently: Plaque is a very soft and sticky film containing millions of bacteria and it builds on your teeth. Vigorously brushing or rubbing too hard isn't necessary to remove plaque, Thorough brushing is the key.
5. Change your toothbrush every three months: Consult an experienced dentist regularly to find out the best toothbrush as per your dental health. Replace toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months, even sooner if the bristles are splayed, or you have been sick. Children tend to brush more rigorously than adults; they may need their toothbrushes replaced more often.
6. Visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups: Regular check-ups also help understand the required measures that must be implemented in the daily oral hygiene routine, preventing any damage. As they say, "Prevention is better than cure".
If one starts following the above measures, sensitivity can be prevented from worsening to a large extent. The key to good health is invariably strengthened pearly whites because oral conditions if untreated can ravage and weaken the body. The above simple measures if taken, can prolong the life of the teeth, gums & eventually the overall well-being of a person. Be true to your teeth, and they won't disappoint you.
Sources:
Andrew G et. al.; The J Dent Hyg 83/3 2009
Rupasree G et. al.; Clin Dent. 2010
Satyawan D et. al.; J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2014
Suresh B S, et. al.; J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent 2010