toothbrushing
Cleaning the teeth and gums with a soft brush designed for that purpose. The toothbrush consists of tufts of soft, synthetic fibers or natural bristles mounted in a hand le that may be straight or angled for better access or brushing action. It is usually used with fluoride toothpaste (a mildly abrasive, flavored dentifrice) in a manner suggested by dentists and dental hygienists as being suitable for cleaning. The proper use of a toothbrush stimulates periodontal tissue.
SEE: oral hygiene ; periodontal disease; dental plaque .
Good oral hygiene consists of proper brushing of the teeth with a soft-bristle brush, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and using dental floss daily, and will help prevent dental plaque. If brushing or flossing causes bleeding, pain, or irritation, a dentist should be seen without delay.
Some people with conditions that limit motion of their hand s may have difficulty holding and using a toothbrush. This may be overcome by attaching the brush hand le to the hand with a wide elastic band , or the hand le may be enlarged by attaching a rubber or foam ball to it. Those with limited shoulder or elbow movement may find that lengthening the hand le by attaching it to a long piece of wood or plastic is beneficial. In addition, an electric toothbrush may be of benefit.
If the toothbrush used has hard bristles, or if any toothbrush is used too forcibly, gingival tissue may be eroded and damaged.SEE: Toothbrushing .