Although the importance of good dental health is something
that doesn’t change around the world, the methods used to ensure teeth and gums
stay in good condition do. This blog looks at methods for taking care of teeth
that you may not have known about, and how utilising the more familiar
techniques for daily dental health is a real boost to teeth, gums and your
all-round smile.
Miswak
One slightly less familiar technique of cleaning teeth and
gums is the use of an implement known as a miswak. The miswak is often used in
the Middle East as well as within regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is a
twig taken from the arak tree that has its end frayed to create bristles,
before water or rose water is applied to these bristles. The bristled end of
this twig is rubbed against the teeth, and its wood component is rich in
fluoride along with additional antimicrobial components. The beneficial effect
of this method is that it plays a key role in protecting teeth from tooth
decay.
“Chew Sticks”
Another method is the use of twigs taken from other trees
that could be described as “chew sticks”. The usage of these twigs has been a
part of certain cultures for many centuries and the effect of them on the
teeth, according to various studies, is one that can be compared to the
everyday toothbrush.
However, these twigs are unable to make contact with those
difficult to reach places between the teeth. Plus, without the correct usage on
the teeth they can cause damage and can harm the gums as well.
Using Walnut Tree Bark
In certain countries, walnut tree bark is rubbed onto the
teeth with the use of just the fingers. The reason of this being done is due to
the belief that the bark embodies antimicrobial properties. It is also thought
that this bark introduces a whitening effect to the teeth. Thus far, there have
been no studies carried to ascertain whether the rubbing of this bark onto the
teeth creates the desired effect.
In contrast, the whitening of teeth through what could be
considered conventional methods in this day and age have been demonstrated to
be both successful and effective.
Charcoal, Other Materials
and Oil Pulling
Mud, salt, ash or brick powder have also been utilised in
other parts of the world such as India and South America to clean teeth.
Although these materials do have the ability to eliminate both staining and
plaque from the teeth, they are not imbued with fluoride. Additionally, these
materials can have an abrasive impact on the teeth, which can cause receding
gums and tooth sensitivity.
However, charcoal is different. According to some evidence,
charcoal is able to render harmful bacteria ineffective. There is also a method
known as ‘Oil pulling’ which can be good for preventing gum inflammation, when
done alongside brushing and flossing- a nice example of the different methods
working together harmoniously. An ancient practice, oil pulling makes use of
sesame and coconut with olive or sunflower oil. These ingredients are rinsed
around the mouth for 15 minutes in an effort to cleanse the mouth of toxins and
bacteria.
Conventional Methods and
Tips
Conventional methods are tailored towards targeting the
exact ways in which teeth can be put at risk from day-today. To keep your teeth
at their best, a combination of these methods, techniques and a general healthy
habit is advisable for consistently good dental health.
Toothbrushing: It’s common knowledge that the
brushing of teeth is a regular requirement for healthy teeth, but it’s sensible
to also look into getting an electric toothbrush if you do not already have
one. Electric toothbrushes have a smaller head than ordinary manual ones,
enabling them to clean hard-to-reach places, and they generally offer a more
rigorous and consistent clean than manual tooth brushes.
Flossing: A good general recommendation is that we
should be flossing at least once a day. The benefits of this doing this are
clear: flossing removes particles of food that are trapped between teeth, which
defends your teeth from plaque build-up and lowers the risk of you developing
gum disease.
Mouthwash: An easy part of your daily dental routine,
using mouthwash freshens breath and is advantageous to the teeth by eliminating
bacteria and reducing both the plaque film and early gum disease.
Drinking Water: Particularly useful when you are out
of the house and away from your toothbrush, swishing some water around your
mouth after eating can dislodge food particles stuck on and in between teeth.
This helps to protect teeth from bacteria as well as giving them a fluoride
boost.
Tongue Scrubbing/Brushing: Especially useful for
keeping breath fresh, tongue scrubbing/brushing is an additional method to
employ for further oral health improvements. By brushing or scrubbing your
tongue you will also help keep your teeth free from bacteria and toxins.
Sugar-free Gum: Another tip that can help whether
you’re at home or out and about, chewing sugar-free gum is a great thing to do
after eating. Chewing pieces of sugar-free gum can help remove food debris from
your teeth and combat bad breath. Plus, by increasing the amount of saliva in
your mouth, it can strengthen enamel, neutralise acids and offer protection
against cavities.
Dental Visits: And, of course, a sound approach to
keeping teeth at their best is not complete without regular visits to your
dentist!
MSC- Midlands Smile
Centres
By making MSC your dentist, you can make sure that a
reliable and highly-skilled standard of dentistry and care can be provided to
you on a regular basis. With affordable prices and a range of treatment types
to give you the smile you’ve always wanted, or fix those nagging issues that
have bothered you for some time, Midlands smile Centres are a dentist with you
in mind.
