Massage techniques have been utilized for thousands of years to help humans function more smoothly, relive pain, improve healing and relieve stress. The ancient art is still viable and in those seeking dental care, the manipulation of muscle and connective tissue is a major benefit of spa dentistry as it can be utilized as a natural way to lower dental anxiety levels. New research has found that individuals can take the technique one step further to help prevent dental problems including cavities.

0900Dentist.com reports that “Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay and dental caries, are a disease of the teeth that results in the destruction of tooth enamel. A tooth cavity develops when foods containing ‘bad’ carbohydrates such as soda, cake and candy are left on your teeth.” Scientific evidence has shown that practicing oral hygiene of daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to lower the levels of dental plaque know for being the main culprit behind the issue. A study from Sweden has indicated that process can be even more effective by adding the process of massaging teeth with a high-fluoride toothpaste after eating lunch (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102607.htm).

About the Study

The benefits of massaging fluoride toothpaste directly onto teeth and gums using nothing more than clean fingers was conducted at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. There researches conducted the first scientific analysis of the effectiveness of a high-fluoride toothpaste (featuring three times the average fluoride) was introduced in the country around eighth years ago and specifically geared to individuals categorized as being high risk for developing cavities.

The research focused on a total of sixteen volunteers. Group participants tested a variety of brushing techniques; some used high-fluoride, other relied on standard toothpaste and either brushed their teeth two or three times a day. According to researcher Anna Nordström from the Institute of Odontology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, “The study revealed that those who used a high-fluoride toothpaste three times a day had four times better fluoride protection in the mouth than those who used standard toothpaste twice a day,” (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102607.htm).

Additionally, a massage method involving rubbing toothpaste directly onto teeth with a finger was tested in in collaboration with professor Dowen Birkhed. Nordström has found that when the massage technique was used as the third brushing session and after lunch increased the effectiveness of the fluoride protection by 400 percent.

Importance of Two and Two!

Before the study results, the most common advice for oral hygiene was to ensure brushing teeth twice a day for a full two minutes a session. Many people seem to struggle with the time associated with the process, however it is essential especially for those who want to incorporate a once daily tooth massage session to get the full benefits provided by oral hygiene.

An electric toothbrush is one such tool that can help prevent fatigue and ensure the proper amount of attention is spent. If an electric tooth brush is not in your budget, then brushing your teeth to a two minute song can help the time fly by. Some songs that work in that time frame include “Whip It,” by Devo, “Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai, “YMCA” by the The Village People – and “Fun, Fun, Fun” by the Beach Boys.

Dentist Visit Provides Icing on Dental Care Cake

The best levels of dental health require the combined oral care efforts of a patient backed by the skills and insight provided by a professional dental care team comprised of dentist, dental hygienists and any other dental office staff that may be on duty.

Dental care professionals will be able to provide professional cleanings to remove any dental plaque that has hardened to become tooth eroding dental tartar. Additionally they can see if there are dental problems developing by providing a visual examination of the mouth backed by an inside peek courtesy of X-rays. Based on those findings they can provide patients with preventative dentistry or restorative care when needed. They can also deliver tips on how to incorporate oral massage into any oral hygiene regime

If you are an individuals looking for a great dentist to learn about the benefits of massage or to learn other dental health tips, 0900-DENTIST is here to help.