Few Questions to ponder before we dwell into the topic..
- Is toothpaste really necessary to keep your teeth clean?
- Is brushing without toothpaste an option too?
I was taking note of a study that was released by the American Dental Association, which said that
dry brushinge could be an important part of your oral hygiene routine.
What is dry brushing?
It is the act of brushing the teeth without toothpaste.
I know what you might be thinking - “Ewww, how can someone do it without any lather and sweetness of toothpaste?”
Why dry brushing?
Dry Brushing has been found to be more effective for removing plaque than brushing with toothpaste, according to a six-month trial published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
The trial was conducted on 160 patients who first brushed their teeth with a toothbrush that didn’t contain toothpaste (and then with toothpaste afterwards) saw a 63% reduction in plaque build-up, and a 55% drop in bleeding.
Why do we use toothpaste then?
- Toothpaste tastes nice: Dry brushing your teeth isn’t all that enjoyable.
- Gets rid of bad breath: Toothpaste can make your mouth smell good.
- It contains whitening agents: Some toothpaste contains chemicals that help whiten your teeth.
- Toothpaste balances the pH of your mouth.
- It fights tooth sensitivity.
How to begin dry brushing?
Here’s the 5 step procedure to get you started..
1.Start with a dry toothbrush: A toothbrush that is soft and dry brush will scour away sticky bacterial plaque more effectively than a wet one. It’s okay to ‘relax’ stiff bristles by running your thumb across them before you begin brushing.
2.Brush the inside first: Start brushing on the inside surfaces of the bottom teeth first, and then move to the inside surfaces of the top teeth. These are the most commonly overlooked areas of the mouth. Lastly, brush the outer surfaces to complete the job.
Massage the gums and teeth: Think of dry brushing as a mini massage for the gums and teeth.
3. Move the brush in a GENTLE , circular motion, rather than a hard scrubbing motion.
4.Slow down: Dry brushing should be slow and thorough. Use as much time as you need to brush all of the teeth. Expect to spend at least two minutes on the routine, but the process can take up to five minutes if necessary.
5.Make it smooth: Brush until every surface of every tooth feels smooth. When all of the plaque has been properly removed, your teeth should feel as smooth as they were after your last professional dental cleaning.
Message to Readers
Although you can easily go without toothpaste in your daily dental routine, the one thing you should never skip out on is a visit to your dentist.
A professional dental cleaning can effectively rid your teeth of plaque , calculus and prevent any kind of tooth decay or gum disease.
Always remember,
‘A HEALTHY MOUTH LEADS TO HEALTHY BODY’
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