NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH OF MEDICINES AND NURSING

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Way to Brush Your Teeth


Tired of dreading the drilling and nonstop scraping at the dentist? 
Your days of misery may be coming to an end.
Researchers from the University of Missouri have been working with a new device that may offer a pain-free alternative to the oh-so-popular dentist’s drill.
This device—the non-thermal argon plasma brush—kills bacteria and eliminates the decayed pulp of the tooth by blasting it out with high-energy gas and liquid particles. The appeal: It doesn’t affect the highly sensitive nerves in the teeth, so it’s less painful.
But there’s a catch: These non-thermal argon plasma brushes are still going through clinical trials, so they’re not going to be available to dentists for at least another year or so
So what’s a guy to do? Take care of your teeth, of course. But chances are, your brushing habits could use a big upgrade. So we got in contact with Kenneth Young, D.D.S., the Men’s Health dentistry advisor, to give you some tips on how to impress your dentist (and avoid a lot of unnecessary pain).
Floss Before Brushing.
Floss once a day, preferably before you go to bed (considering you’ll have more time in the evenings), says Dr. Young. It’s also best to floss prior to brushing—that way you’re freeing up the spaces in between your teeth, allowing the toothpaste to penetrate into those gaps.

Go Electric.
 These days, many dentists are pushing their clients toward buying electric toothbrushes. Using the electronic version not only makes you brush for at least 2 minutes (many of the new models have built-in timers), but also they’re less abrasive, which helps clean sensitive gums, says Dr. Young.
Improve Your Technique. 
Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes per session, says Dr. Young. Brush your teeth in a circular motion. Follow up by gently brushing your gum line—start at the gum line and then brush away from it, says Dr. Young.

End Your Night with Mouthwash.
Many people tend to rinse prior to leaving for work (which is great), but if you follow up with mouthwash in the evening, it can reach the spots freed up by flossing, says Dr. Young.
Keep Up with Cleanings.
 Guys should try to visit the dentist at least twice a year, says Dr. Young. After 6 months is when the decay begins, so if you get them cleaned every 6 months, you should be in the clear



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