Tooth paste selection

 Ingredients of tooth paste

• Abrasive agents: Silica compounds responsible for the abrasive action on particles and food stains on teeth besides polishing the tooth surface

• Antiseptic agent: Like Xylitol or Triclosan which inhibits the plaque formation in oral cavity

• Humectants- Prevents the drying up of tooth paste

• Fluoride: Prevent cavities, makes the teeth stronger, and also remove the yellow plaques over the teeth

• Sweetening agent: Saccharine sodium

• Binding agent

 Important things to remember while using tooth paste

• Not to swallow tooth paste, as this can cause fluoride toxicity, especially in kids.

• Don’t use tooth paste for pimples or zits excessively.

• Should brush for 2-3 minutes’, brushing vigorously for long duration does more harm than good.

• Amount of tooth paste: Should be about size of pea.

 Tooth brush selection

 People generally take their decision making on the attractiveness of the color and design.

 The basic function of a toothbrush is to reach and efficiently clean most areas of the teeth properly.

Tooth brush that I use should be

• A soft bristled tooth brush is good compared hard bristles, as hard bristles causes’ gingival recession.

• Soft bristles are more flexible, clean beneath the gingival margin and do not damage the gums also.

• Handle should be comfortable (gripping).

• The shape of the neck or handle does not play any significant role in improving the effectiveness of a tooth brush.

• Powered tooth brushes (electric tooth brushes) have no special advantages over the manual ones.

• Powered tooth brushes should be used for handicapped or bedridden patients, children and patients lacking fine motor skills.

 When should I replace my tooth brush?

• Replaced every 3 months or when the bristles start to wear

• Need to replace the toothbrush after flu, sore throat or mouth infection. The microbes can accumulate on the brush leading to reinfection.