BUSH TELEGRAPH

Removal of the biofilm is the cornerstone of
good oral hygiene. Sonic toothbrushes are
very effective at breaking down the biofilm
due to inertia from the ultrasonic waves. It is
essential to brush the cheeks, gums, palate
and tongue with a manual ultra soft brush
to remove the dead cells after using a sonic
brush
Chemically
A lot of research has been done to improve
toothpastes. Additives in toothpaste are
greatly assisting in oral hygiene protection.
The acid in plaque can be neutralized by
Arginine, whereas Flurinol remineralises
decalcified areas of enamel and can stay in
the mouth for up to 6 hours. Sodium fluoride
also helps in strengthening remineralizing
enamel and provides Fluoride in the diet.
Chlorhexidine and Stannous chloride kill
bacteria, whilst Sodium hexamethaphosphate
prevents calculus(tartar) formation. Strontium
and Potassium nitrate desensitizes sensitive
teeth.
Selecting an appropriate toothpaste can
assist in special applications to address a
specific dental problem. A good allrounder
would contain Arginine and Fluorinol or
Stannous fluoride. Smokers or those prone
to tartar build-up may select a Sodium
hexamethaphosphate containing paste
whereas those suffering from sensitive teeth
would select a Strontium or Potassium nitrate
containing toothpaste. After oral surgery or in
patients suffering from periodontal disease
toothpastes or mouthwashes containing
Chlorhexidine or Stannous Chloride would be
prescribed.
sticks to the tooth at the junction of crown
and root forming a 3 mm crevice of gum
around each healthy tooth. This is where
bacteria tend to accumulate. The bacteria
can be removed from there by brushing at a
45 degree angle into the crevice. Brush into
the gums. The gums will not recede. Leaving
bacteria in the sulcus causes recession, decay
and gum(periodontal) disease!
Flossing
Each tooth has 5 surfaces to clean.
Buccal(outside), lingual(inside), occlusal(top)
and 2 interproximal(in between) surfaces.
By not flossing, 2 surfaces are not cleaned.
Flossing tape works more effectively as there
is a broader surface to contact the tooth.
Recently more sophisticated types of floss
have been developed to improve cleaning
potential. Flossing will prevent gum disease
and interproximal decay.
Be sure to get your copy of the
Bush Telegraph next month for
Part 2!
Brushing technique
Think of the gum as a poloneck around the
tooth where the head is the tooth. The gum
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