The Bad Breath Blog

The toothbrush is an essential oral hygiene tool used to clean the tongue, gums and teeth.  Studies have shown that brushing one’s teeth on a regular basis, while using proper techniques will help to remove plaque from teeth.  Removing plaque prevents the build-up and calcification, which if left alone will harden into calculus or tartar (1, 4). This is why plaque removal may constitute the single most important oral health activity and prevention method to fight cavities, gingivitis and gum disease.  When used with a bead of toothpaste, the toothbrush is also an effective tool at cleaning hard-to-reach areas and removing food particles from in-between the teeth.

Toothbrush History

The history of the toothbrush goes back to ancient times.  Excavations have put the date on these instruments as far back as 3000 BC. Throughout history the toothbrush has been a variety of different materials and been used in different ways, but at the core it was there to serve one purpose which is to clean the mouth. Ancient Roman and Greek writing discussed the practice of using toothpicks to clean the teeth and mouth.  It was also been documented that ancient Babylonians used chewing sticks to clean their teeth.

Around 1600 BC, the Chinese people chewed on a twig until one end became brush-like. They would then fashion the opposite end of the stick to a point and use it to clean food particles from between teeth. Later on, in 1600 AD, China became the birthplace of the first “true bristle” toothbrush, which is an instrument made of bristle boar hairs attached to a bamboo or bone handle.

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Have you ever taken a stroll down the toothbrush aisle and noticed all of the choices one has to make? There are toothbrushes of all shapes, sizes, colors and hardness. Toothbrushes range from hard to soft, but in recent years, “hard” or “firm” tooth brushes have become scarcer.

Why is this? Well just because you are using a hard toothbrush doesn’t mean you are doing your gums and teeth any favors. In fact, you may be damaging them more than taking care of them. Dr. Katz recommends a supersoft toothbrush.  This is much less damaging on gums and allows you to brush much more thoroughly. It is important to do a thorough job when brushing your teeth, but make sure you are doing it gently and angling the toothbrush towards your gumline.

By brushing 2-3 times a day with a soft toothbrush and doing a gentle, yet thorough job, you will be taking the best care of your teeth and gums without doing any damage that a firm toothbrush might do.

So don’t be fooled by all the expensive toothbrushes with the bells and whistles. Use a simple, high quality supersoft toothbrush and put in the time (3 full minutes) to brush your teeth and gums properly.

Babies are not born with caries-forming bacteria.  They only get it directly if someone blows on food before feeding it to the baby, or if someone kisses the baby and germs get in the mouth.

One of the main sweetening agents in toothpaste, Saccharine Sodium, is actually 500 times sweeter than sugar!  This is not in TheraBreath’s toothpaste.

If you have a cold, sore throat, or some type of infection, make sure to replace your toothbrush.  Bacteria can live on them and proliferate, possibly leading to reinfection.

Try to keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet away from where you brush.  Airborne bacteria from a flush can travel up to 6 feet. 

The year the most popular carbonated drink was launched, there was a massive surge of patients with tooth decay.

Children below 5 years of age should be given non-fluoridated toothpastes, because it can be harmful to swallow too much fluoride. 

Replacing the cap on a toothpaste tube after brushing your teeth allegedly helps bacteria proliferate.

Brushing your teeth too fast or hard can contribute to the problem of enamel erosion, which causes teeth sensitivity, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.

Source: dentalhealthsite.com

February is National Pet Dental Month!  According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats allegedly have symptoms of dental disease by age three!  Beyond that, oral disease is also the most commonly diagnosed health issue for our canine and feline friends.  We may hear about bad breath in pets all the time, but that doesn’t mean that it could be caused by something serious. 

Periodontal disease has the same roots in dogs and cats as it does in people.  Bacteria from food can build up in the oral cavity, and if it’s left untreated, the bacteria cause plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gumline.  Over time, if the buildup is neglected, periodontitis can form, which is an irreversible condition involving gum inflammation and infection.  If the gums are inflamed, they become separated from the teeth, thus allowing bacteria to enter and attack the tooth’s root.  Furthermore, bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and venture on over to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs, and cause serious problems.

These are all reasons as to why it is very important to be proactive about protecting your pet’s health.  Some warning signs that you can look for in your pet are: bad breath, yellow-brown crust on the teeth, bleeding gums, changes in eating/chewing habits, pawing at the mouth, and/or depression.  These are all potential signs that the pet has an infection, and you should schedule a dental checkup as soon as you can.  If the pet is in good health, one should schedule regular veterinarian visits anyway.   A pet owner should schedule a professional cleaning to have the following done: tartar removal, cavity/growth check, diseased teeth extracted, and tooth polishing.  Tooth polishing helps prevent the formation of new plaque/tartar buildup. 

You should also practice regular brushing with your pet, and follow a home care regimen.  You can introduce toothpaste to your pets by using a small amount on your finger and rubbing it on their teeth.   Make sure to use a toothpaste that is specially made for cats and dogs.  The next step is to have the pet lick the bristles of a toothbrush with the toothpaste on it.  Then, you can begin brushing its teeth.  This should be done twice every week.  Don’t give up if your pet doesn’t seem willing to have its teeth brushed. 

Also, certain pet foods actually help plaque/tartar removal, so you can look for that in stores.  Ask your pet’s doctor for any advice.  Good luck and spread the word!

Last week it was Simon Cowell, now this week we have yet another celebrity who has a phobia of halitosis.  We found out something that Jersey Shore resident Mike, also known as ‘The Situation’, can’t function without!  It’s not a tanning bed, the gym, or a washer/dryer– it’s a toothbrush!

According to a source, “The Situation always has a toothbrush on him. Always. Bad breath is the one thing that scares him more than pale people at the beach.”

Bad breath is just not ‘cool’, is it?