16. Oral Hygeine Practices: Toothbrushing

Question 1

Overall methods of tooth brushing

Answer 1

Question 2

Toothbrushing advan/disadvan

Answer 2

ADVAN
- Most important method of plaque control

DISADVAN
- however not effective in fissures or normal interdental areas, need other techniques

EXTRA INFO

• 74% of adults report brushing 2x per day
• 20% don’t recall receiving any oral hygiene advice from dental team

Question 3

What is a toothbrush?

What to consider when picking?

Frequency? Why important?

Answer 3

Question 4

What consider when picking brush bristle type?

Answer 4

• some patients prefer softer brushes (sensitive, irritated gums) but bristles fray early
• modern brushes= round ended to make brushing less traumatic, reduce abrasion risk
• most patients can use medium brushes

Question 5

Duration & technique?

Answer 5

DURATION
- for at least 2 minutes

TECHNIQUE

Question 6

When to change brushing technique

Answer 6

• if you remove all plaque effectively without destroying gingiva, the method is probably okay,
• if necessary, modify existing method emphasising a systematic approach cleaning all surfaces
• patients often see plaque stagnation on palatal and lingual surfaces as they prioritise buccal and labial surfaces

Question 7

Electric tooth brush

↳ random
↳ more effective than manual?

Answer 7

Question 8

Electric toothbrush advantages

Answer 8

Question 9

Common brushing errors

Answer 9

• Not enough time spent
• Too infrequent
• Leaving areas untouched
• Afraid of making bleeding worse
• Inadequate pressure
• Excessive pressure – can lead to abrasion and recession
• New brushes every 3 months – or sooner if bristles have splayed

Question 10

Video on oral hygiene

Answer 10

Dr Djemal (King’s College Hospital) video
• 3 minute section on oral hygiene
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPcs4O_gi2g
• Skip to start at 43:50