Toothbrushes

The toothbrush is an instrument used to clean teeth, consisting of a small brush on a handle. Toothpaste, often containing fluoride, is commonly added to a toothbrush to aid in cleaning. Toothbrushes are offered with varying textures of bristles, and come in many different sizes and forms. more...

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Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush labelled "Soft", since firmer bristled toothbrushes can damage enamel and irritate gums. Toothbrushes are often made from synthetic materials, although natural toothbrushes are also known in many parts of the world.

Brushing the teeth

When brushing the teeth, one first applies toothpaste to the bristles of the toothbrush. Then, while holding the handle, rubs the bristles across all the surfaces of each tooth.

The American Dental Association recommends the following:

Brush twice daily and floss or use an interdental cleaner once per day.; Use a pea sized dollop of toothpaste.; Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the teeth.; Brush back and forth with tooth wide strokes along the gum line with gentle pressure.; Use the end bristles to clean the inside of the front teeth with gentle up and down strokes.;

Vigorous motion, side-to-side brushing across all the teeth, and rubbing the teeth or gums with the shaft of the toothbrush are not recommended, as these motions are not effective in cleaning and can damage the gums.

When brushing, the toothpaste forms a foam, which should be rinsed out with water.

The brush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, because the bristles get worn in usage. To prevent the spread of pathogens, it is advised to not share your toothbrush with anyone else.

Most dentists recommend that teeth be brushed at least twice a day, preferably after eating. Also, an electric toothbrush can be used instead of a manual brush, which tends to accomplish more massaging and scrubbing, and can also be softer on the teeth and gums. A dentist or dental hygienist can teach and demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

Brushing the teeth is the most important part of oral hygiene, but there are others, such as flossing the gaps a toothbrush cannot clean, and regular visits to the dentist.

History

A variety of oral hygiene measures have been used since before recorded history. This has been verified by various excavations done all over the world, in which toothpicks, chewsticks, tree twigs, linen strips, birds' feathers, animal bones and porcupine quills were recovered. The first toothbrush is believed to have been invented in China. In the Muslim world, the miswak or siwak made from a twig or root with antiseptic properties is widely used. Rubbing baking soda or chalk against the teeth was also common.

William Addis, England, is credited with creating the first mass-produced toothbrush in 1780. In 1770 he had been placed in jail for causing a riot. While in prison, he decided that the method for teeth brushing of the time - rubbing a rag on one's teeth - could be improved. So he took a small animal bone, drilled small holes in it, obtained some bristles from a guard, tied them in tufts, then passed the bristles through the holes on the bone and glued them.

Read more at Wikipedia.org