finger brushing

Finger Brushing: Alternative Method for Teeth Cleaning

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Time to read 5 min

In the fast-paced modern life, we find ourselves in situations where we forget to pack our toothbrushes or we unexpectedly spend the night away from home without access to one. This can occur during travel, camping trips, or even in emergency situations. These circumstances highlight the need for alternative  oral hygiene practices to ensure our dental health  remains uncompromised.

WHAT IS FINGER BRUSHING?


Finger brushing is a simple yet effective method for maintaining oral hygiene when a toothbrush is not available. By using your finger as a makeshift brush, you can still remove plaque and food debris, minimize bacteria growth, and freshen your breath.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TEETH WITH YOUR FINGERS


Here are the steps on how to clean your teeth with your fingers:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Apply a small amount of  toothpaste  to your fingertip.
  3. Gently brush your teeth in a circular motion, paying special attention to the gum line.
  4. Brush for at least two minutes.
  5. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Here are some additional tips for finger brushing:

  • Use a soft touch. You don't want to damage your gums.
  • Be thorough. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the backs and the chewing surfaces.
  • Don't forget your tongue. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
dentist cleaning patients teeth
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IS FINGER BRUSHING EFFECTIVE?


It is more effective than using no brush at all. But finger brushing should be done only when necessary.


Finger brushing your teeth with toothpaste can help in freshening breath and reducing some of the bacteria and plaque present on teeth. However, it isn't able to penetrate beneath the gum line or between the crevices between teeth.


Researchers found that brushing reduced 79 percent of plaque, and finger brushing removed 62 percent of plaque.


Discover More: What's The Connection Oral Hygiene And Overall Health?

rinsing mouth
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Woman rinsing mouth
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FINGER TOOTHBRUSHES?


Available all time- Your finger is always with you, making it an easily accessible option whenever you don’t find a toothbrush.


Improves Oral Health- While finger brushing may not be as effective as using a toothbrush, it still helps remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of dental issues and maintaining oral health until you can use a toothbrush again.


Freshens Breath- Finger brushing aids in removing odour-causing bacteria from the teeth and tongue, resulting in fresher breath.


Emergency Preparedness- In emergency situations or during natural disasters, when access to basic necessities is limited, finger brushing can be a vital technique to maintain oral hygiene until normalcy is restored.

DOES BRUSHING YOUR TEETH WITH YOUR FINGER WORK?


Brushing your teeth with your finger can help remove some plaque and debris, but it is not as effective as using a toothbrush. A toothbrush with bristles can reach into hard-to-reach areas and provide better coverage for cleaning. While finger brushing can be a temporary solution in certain situations, it is recommended to use a toothbrush for thorough  oral hygiene  .


WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF A TOOTHBRUSH?


Imagine that you went on a trip but did not bring your toothbrush. Do not worry, and you can still maintain healthy teeth using a twig or mouthwash, baking soda or even your finger.

  • Use twigs to brush your teeth
  • Rinse mouth with mouthwash
  • Chew gum
  • Make use of your fingers as an instrument to brush your teeth

Keep in mind that these strategies are the only best to follow when you don’t have a toothbrush.

Discover More: When Did People Start Brushing Their Teeth?


WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT METHOD OF BRUSHING?

 

The most important rule for good brushing is something you've probably heard many times in your life. Brush twice per day. But what is the most efficient method of brushing your teeth?


For an efficient cleaning experience, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle and focus on the gum line. Use circular motions to clean your every tooth. Don't forget to scrape or brush your tongue after you've finished! Similar to regular flossing, tongue-scraping is another important step in getting rid of dangerous bacteria (and it can help maintain your fresh breath!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Effective bad breath remedies include:

Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue

Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing

Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal

The ongoing use of oral probiotics.

How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath

One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”

Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.

How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?

  • First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
  • Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
  • Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
  • Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
  • Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.

How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?

  • First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
  • Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
  • Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
  • Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss

Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. 

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