The reason for this is that we need our teeth to be healthy and strong in order to enjoy the things we want to, like eating, throughout our lifetime. In the past, it was an assumption that as we age we would lose our natural teeth. That is not the case for today’s older adults who are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. More and more people are even keeping their teeth throughout their lifetime.
What many people do not know, is that the risk of cavities increases with age. One of the reasons is dry mouth, a common side effect of many prescription medications. About 40 per cent of people take at least one type of medicine that could cause tooth damage. Another reason is that nerves inside the teeth become smaller and less sensitive. By the time you feel pain from a cavity, it may be too late.
So how can we best take care of our teeth, so that they last our lifetime? The answer lies in daily care and regular visits to the dentist or hygienist. Follow the dentist’s recommendation and brush twice a day, and use, at least once a day, an interdental product of choice to clean where a toothbrush cannot reach. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of decay, so it is important that the toothpaste contains the recommended amount of fluoride. Dentists also recommend a soft toothbrush that has good reach in order to clean back molars and difficult areas in the mouth properly. Diet and lifestyle also effect teeth and gums, so to stop smoking and minimizing the intake of alcohol and other acid or sugar drinks and food are important steps to make. By daily removing plaque on and around teeth, as well as along the gum line, teeth and gums have the best chance of keeping healthy.
There are several factors that affect our brushing results. How we brush and how long we brush are two of the most central. Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes to get the best results, but few people actually do this. 50% of health care recommendations are not practiced.
People also have a bad conscience when it comes to brushing their teeth. They know they should brush better and put in more effort to keep their teeth heathy for life. Another study shows that men are notably less scrupulous when it comes to oral hygiene than women.
73% of women brush their teeth the recommended twice a day versus 62% of men. Women are also flossing more frequently than men.
Here are a few suggestions for taking care of the teeth:
- Use a toothbrush that feels comfortable to hold. There are different shapes and sizes. In a study it was found that the design of the toothbrush effected the way people brushed and that people had a preference for how they brushed. If you hold the toothbrush in a light grip (not clasp fingers around the toothbrush in a power grip), and turn the handle a few times when you brush, you most likely prefer a slimmer, precision-style handle. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker handle you probably have a more static power grip.
- The size of the head comes in different sizes and the preference is also very personal. The important thing is that you can navigate the head easily around your mouth in order to reach and properly clean all areas, especially the back molars.
- How the bristles are shaped can affect performance. Dentists recommend soft bristles that are gentle to teeth enamel and to your gums. It’s important that the toothbrush leaves you feeling clean and does not irritate the softer gum tissue.
- It’s important that you do not share your toothbrush and keep it hygienic between brushing sessions. Keep the toothbrush standing upright and leave the bristles to air dry for best results. If travelling, keep bristles protected from the other items in the toiletry bag. A travel cap or case is recommended. Make sure there are hygienic breathing holes in them.
Keeping our teeth strong and healthy is important and it’s our daily efforts that help us achieve this.
References
1. Qualitative research, TNS Gallup, Norway and Sweden 2015
2. Qualitative research, TNS Gallup, Norway and Sweden 2015
3.www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-and-drug-use
4. ADA
5. Gallagher A, Sowinski J. Bowman J et al. The effect of brushing time and dentifrice on dental plaque removal in vitro. JDent Hva 2009:83:111-6
6. DiMatteo MR, Giordani PJ, Lepper HS, Croghan TW. Med Care, 2002;40: 794-811
7. Qualitative research, TNS Gallup, Norway and Sweden 2015
8. Mintel rapport “encouraging better oral care results”, 2015
9. Ergonomidesign study, Sweden, 2004
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