Dentist reveals how to brush your teeth properly
Chances are you have been scrubbing your smiles with the wrong tools and techniques thanks to a deeply ingrained myth.
This rough-around-the-edges approach is doing more harm than good, according to Chicago-based dentist Dr. Joy Poskozim.
The idea that harder bristles work better to clean your teeth has persisted for ages, but it's not actually true.
Hard-bristled brushes can actually wear down enamel over time — a condition called toothbrush abrasion — causing teeth to appear browner, thinner and more brittle, especially around the gumline.
Even worse, overly aggressive brushing can irritate the gums to the point that they begin to pull back from the teeth, which is where the phrase 'long in the tooth' comes from, according to Poskozim.
'Starting in the 1950s, softer nylon toothbrush bristles were being created by toothbrush makers like Colgate,' she told The New York Post.
'(But) there are some people to this day that prefer a medium-hardness toothbrush to the soft-bristled brushes.'
Poskozim noted that the average American only brushes for 37 seconds, which is well below the professional recommendation of a full two minutes.
Australians fare a little better, with the average person brushing for about 45 seconds, but it still comes in way under the recommended time.
The dentist, who works extensively with older adults, says many patients grew up with dangerous dental beliefs and habits that still linger.
Those include:
— Thinking harder toothbrushes are better
— Not knowing anything about flossing
— Never seeing the dentist regularly unless in pain
— Not having to see a dentist when having baby teeth
— Having all teeth removed preventively to prevent toothaches
— Getting full dentures when you're only 16, 'sometimes still done in the Deep South'
Bristle firmness isn't the only thing that's changed since the '50s. In fact, there have been shifts in dental care since even the late '90s.
'When I graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 1999, the only thing we knew about the fluoride ion was that it bonded with the surface calcium, helping to prevent bacteria from penetrating into the teeth,' Poskozim said.
That's because tooth enamel is porous — which is why we feel sensitivity and get stains. But modern science shows fluoride is doing more than just shielding the surface.
'Now we know that fluoride also prevents micronutrients from leaving out teeth, so fluoride keeps teeth 'mineralised,'' she added.
Some other old-school myths, according to Poskozim, include that brushing once a day is enough and that it's best to brush before breakfast.
'The whole purpose of brushing teeth is to disrupt the oral bacteria from creating cavities from the foods we eat and plaque depositing,' she said. 'Therefore, it is better to brush after meals, not allowing excess food particles to fester in and around our teeth.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
5 hours ago
- The Australian
ILA completes Galidesivir anti-viral drug acquisition
ILA completes antiviral drug acquisition ahead of schedule Drug has a broad spectrum across viruses FDA submissions and a meeting request anticipated this quarter Special Report: Island Pharmaceuticals has finalised its acquisition of the Galidesivir antiviral program from BioCryst Pharmaceuticals after completing due diligence ahead of schedule. Galidesivir is a clinical-stage antiviral molecule with a broad spectrum of activity in more than 20 RNA viruses, including high-priority threats such as Ebola, Marburg, MERS, Zika and Yellow fever. Notably, these are all viruses with significant unmet medical needs that may contribute to national security threats. Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) is confident in the drug's potential, thanks to its robust development history and more than US$70m R&D spend from the US government to date. The company is now focused on fast tracking regulatory initiatives, including potentially leveraging the FDA's Animal Rule, which allows for drug approvals in indications based on animal efficacy data, when human trials are unethical or not feasible, provided safety is shown in humans and the disease is well modelled in animals. Drug dossier planned to FDA this quarter Island intends to submit documentation on the Galidesivir program to the FDA in the short term and seek a meeting with the regulator, possibly during the December quarter. Pending positive feedback, this may allow for the commencement of an animal study before the end of the year. 'We are very pleased to have completed this transaction with BioCryst ahead of schedule,' CEO and managing director Dr David Foster said. 'Following the asset purchase agreement and a final review of the program, we have gained considerable confidence in Galidesivir and the potential to fast track a New Drug Application and the opportunity for a Priority Review Voucher. 'Work will now focus on collating a relevant data package to submit to the FDA, alongside a meeting request to discuss Galidesivir's eligibility under the Animal Rule. 'We expect to submit this dossier this quarter, allowing for a potential meeting next quarter, prior to initiating an animal study in Marburg shortly thereafter.' This article was developed in collaboration with Island Pharmaceuticals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- News.com.au
Health Check: Cancer drug developers drive further positive Car-T results
Imugene and Chimeric have unveiled further promising results for their Car-T immune-oncology assets Rhythm Biosciences shares soar 18% on kit validation results While investors are picky, equity dollars continue to flow There's a long drive ahead, but Imugene (ASX:IMU) and Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX:CHM) are heading in the right direction with their Car-T therapies that trick up the body's T-cells to be better cancer fighters. Imugene shares this morning leaped 10%, after the company reported two additional 'partial responses' in its phase 1b trial. The study aims to combat relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive blood cancer. Imugene's Car-T therapy, azer-cel, could result in the first 'off the shelf' Car-T treatment derived from donor cells (rather than the patient). The trial tally now stands at six 'complete responses' and five partial responses. A complete response is disappearance of signs of cancer – tentatively known as a cure. A partial response is a cancer reduction of at least 50%. In all, the trial has achieved an overall response rate of 79%. On July 14 Imugene said nine out of 12 patients had responded, prompting a circa $37 million capital raising. The first patients dosed (last year) remain cancer free at 15 months. They had not responded to several therapy attempts. The trial is underway at ten US sites and six local sites, including Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Cells are 'hard at work' Chimeric reports 'encouraging early results' after moving to a stronger dose in its phase I/II study. The trial tests the company's Car-T candidate CHM CDH17. Chimeric reports one patient with stable disease and "anti-tumour activity", with the lesion shrinking by 12%. The boffins define stable disease as no change in tumour size, or up to 30% shrinkage. One patient from the first dose cohort remains with stable disease eight months after dosing, with an 18% shrinkage. 'This is great progress,' says Chimeric CEO Dr Rebecca McQualter. 'We can see the cells are hard at work to more data'. The trial has enrolled patients with advanced colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. CHM CDH17 targets CDH17, a cancer biomarker 'associated with poor prognosis and metastases in the most common gastrointestinal tumours'. Chimeric expects to enrol 15 patients in the phase I part of the study, with an expanded cohort for phase II. Rhythm's test validation is in the groove Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY) shares today surged a sector-leading ing 18%, on further validation results of the company's Colostat bowel cancer assay. Having received its first kits from the manufacturer for final internal testing, the company tested them on new blood samples from patients with no bowel cancer at any of the stages (one to four). 'This study was critical as the initial intended use of Colostat is for symptomatic patients who could well have early and late-stage disease,' the company says. While Rhythm will complete further studies, the data on 300 patient samples shows that Colostat is equally effective at detecting bowel cancer across all stages. Rhythm will apply to the local National Association of Testing Authorities to have Colostat approved under the common-used laboratory-developed route. Lung imager breathes easier with deep-pocketed backer Friday's keen investor response to lung imager 4D Medical's 4D Medical's (ASX:4DX) funding arrangement with ProMedicus (ASX:PME) no doubt has to do with the mere 'vibe' of the latter taking an interest in the market minnow. In its first tie up with a listed peer, the $30 billion market cap Pro Medicus has extended a $10 million 'hybrid debt and equity loan' to 4D Medical. The duo don't compete with each other. 4D Medical will use the funds to develop its product pipeline and advance a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing application. This is for the company's ventilation perfusion product, for use in computed tomography. The loan attracts 12.5% interest and is repayable in cash and 'shares valued at the same amount as the cash repayment'. The deal is non-dilutive if the share price remains where is it, with 'upside alignment' for both parties if they perform strongly over the next two years. 4D also reported customer receipts of $1.61 million for the June quarter, up 19%, taking full-year receipts to $12 months to $5.38 million (up 87%). The company undertook 74,000 scans for the quarter, up 105% year on year. 4D had outflows of $9.47 million, down 16% compared with the March quarter. The company ended June with cash of $9.9 million, with a $6 million R&D tax refund due 'in coming weeks'. 4D Medical shares surged 30% on Friday and edged up a further 10% today. Spare us a dime? Other life companies are bringing in the dollars via traditional equity means. The developer of a non-radiation-based imaging for breast and other cancers, Imagion Biosystems (ASX:IBX) has raised $3.5 million in a two-tranche institutional placement. The price was 1.5 cents per share, a 10% discount. The funds will support Imagion's proposed phase II US trial for Her-2 breast cancers. Nyrada (ASX:NYR) has raised $8.25 million via a placement. The company is developing Xolatryp, which blocks a certain ion channel to protect key cells in vital organs when under stress. This could be after a blood clot or reperfusion (the sudden flow of blood returning to an organ or tissue). Nyrada is preparing for a phase IIa acute myocardial infarction trial and has nearly finished a phase I cardioprotection study. Kiwi diagnostics house Pacific Edge (ASX:PEB) has raised NZ$20.7 million in a placement and share purchase plan, having targeted NZ$20 million. US authorities recently cancelled reimbursement of the Pacific Edge's bladder cancer test Cxbladder, but the company is challenging the decision. Finally, foetal monitoring house HeraMED (ASX:HMD) has raised $1.98 million 1.2 cents a share, a 4.8% discount. Reporting latecomers: please wait to be seated Companies needed to lodge their quarterly reports within a month. But the ASX 'ushers' will still see them to their seats if they're not too late. The bourse on Friday suspended Syntara (ASX:SNT) for non-lodgment – but not for long. The myelofibrosis drug developer was allowed to resume trading, having lodged before the opening of Friday's trading. The quarterlies were due on Thursday. Syntara reported receipts of $78,000, cash outflow of $3.7 million and a $15 million cash balance. By the end of September, investors should expect final results from the company's phase II program that evaluated its drug candidate amsulostat, in 16 patients. An interim readout showed eight of 11 evaluable patients (73%) achieved a reduction of 50% or more in their myelofibrosis symptoms. Syntara awaits an FDA review of its application to start a follow-on phase II/III trial. Meanwhile, Syntara will seek shareholder approval to grant 4.769 million of incentive shares to CEO Gary Phillips, at nil consderation.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- SBS Australia
Sarah has cancer but her US insurer refused her treatment. She says people are 'giving up'
Watch Dateline's latest episode, Killing for Healthcare, on Tuesday 5 August at 9.30pm on SBS and live on SBS On Demand. When Sarah found out that her breast cancer had spread to her spine, she thought that would be the worst of her bad news. Instead, she discovered the urgent new round of chemotherapy her oncologist had prescribed cost US$17,000 ($26,500) per month. It was an expense Sarah says her health insurer UnitedHealthcare refused to cover. The insurer had responded with the statement: "the requested [prescription] medication must meet specific criteria, and coverage cannot be authorised at this time". It was a huge blow for Sarah. "I was off the treatment for two months, two whole months. And when you have stage four cancer, two months without treatment is scary. "This is life or death for me." The couple have been married since 1991. Sarah describes her relationship with Jerry as 'love at first sight'. Credit: Javafilms Living in the United States, Sarah can only afford private health insurance through the support of her husband Jerry. He works 55-hour weeks in a warehouse and often through the night to bring home US$3,000 ($4,700) each month. He says one-third of his pay goes straight to UnitedHealthcare insurance, which was supposed to cover the cost of Sarah's treatment. Support and sympathy Luigi Mangione has been accused of shooting dead Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, on the streets of New York City in December 2024. Authorities allege three words were etched on the bullet casings left behind at the scene of Thompson's shooting: deny, defend, depose. It's a strategy former employee at UnitedHealthcare Nathalie Collins believes is commonly used to reject medical compensation claims. Collins says she processed up to 180 calls per day during her time with the insurer. "We had coaching to be able to deny it [medical claims] … we would have scripts on screen explaining what to say to get them [customers] off the call, or maybe satisfy them." Nathalie Collins worked in the medical claims department at UnitedHealthcare for nine months. She alleges almost three months of her time at the company was spent in training. Credit: Javafilms But it was the death of her former boss that provided the catalyst for Collins to speak out online. "I definitely don't condone anyone losing their life … But also, the people that are working [dealing] with these insurance companies and healthcare systems, they are dying. "In some situations, losing limbs, losing body parts because they didn't get treatment in time … I should not be able to hit a button and make such a determination on someone's life." Led by Thompson, the insurance division at UnitedHealthcare reported US$281 billion ($437 billion) in revenue in 2023 and provided medical insurance to more than 49 million people. The healthcare executive earned US$10.2 million ($15.8 million) in 2023, including base pay, cash and stock grants, according to The New York Times. Mangione recently pleaded not guilty to federal murder and stalking charges, which accuse the 27-year-old of spending months planning the attack. He now awaits further trial and a possible death sentence. US authorities describe Brian Thompson's death as a 'premeditated, cold-blooded assassination'. But some believe, the jury is still out. Credit: Javafilms It's a case that has sparked public protests in support of Mangione. One in four US adults feel "moderate" or "a lot" of sympathy for Mangione, according to a survey by CloudResearch. In separate polling by The Generation Lab, 41 per cent of young people aged between 18 to 29 found the killing 'acceptable". While Mangione's exact motive remains unclear, he has reportedly described the US healthcare system as "parasitic" and exploitative. He also alleges doctors postponed his spinal fusion surgery for years before he underwent the procedure in 2023. 'Unravelling a scam' In 2024, a US Senate committee investigated plans under the Medicare Advantage scheme and found UnitedHealthcare was one of three health insurance companies that intentionally denied claims. Personal finance website Value Penguin also reported the company denied 32 per cent of insurance claims that year — a figure significantly higher than most industry averages. UnitedHealthcare has faced recent allegations by the health outlet Stat regarding the potential use of algorithms to deny care. In December 2024, UnitedHealth Group, which owns UnitedHealthcare, released a statement regarding its history of claim denial. "Highly inaccurate and grossly misleading information has been circulated about our company's treatment of insurance claims," the statement read. "UnitedHealthcare approves and pays about 90 per cent of medical claims upon submission." Dr Elizabeth Potter (pictured, centre) says she is one of the last independent specialists in the Texas and services almost 40 per cent of people with breast cancer in the state. Credit: Javafilms Breast reconstruction specialist Dr Elizabeth Potter believes insurance companies are increasingly fighting "obscene" life-threatening conditions with "technicalities and turns of phrase". The Texas-based expert employs two full-time staff to build medical case files and chase insurance approvals for her patients. "I think we're all figuring out in the United States that navigating insurance feels like we're unravelling a scam," she said. "We've been paying into a system that isn't there when we need it." Deny, delay, defend The US is the only developed country without access to universal healthcare, according to the independent researcher The Commonwealth Fund. Instead, the system is underpinned by public and private health insurance, which may cover some or all of someone's medical expenses. In Australia by contrast, Medicare and the public hospital system provides free or subsidised access to most healthcare services. The US Census Bureau reported that 92 per cent of people in the US had insurance for some or all of 2023. Yet surveys from that year have also found that up to 42 per cent of US adults with private insurance skipped medical care due to cost. For decades, the Mangione name was associated with affluence. The family made a fortune in real estate in Baltimore's Little Italy but have since retreated from public life. Credit: Javafilms New York lawyer Steven Cohen has specialised in class action lawsuits against insurance companies for the past 15 years. He alleges health insurers often employ a similar tactic to the words found on Mangione's fatal bullet: deny, delay, defend. "Maybe the condition will go away. Maybe some cheaper tests emerge … Too often, people die as a result of a delay of diagnosis and treatment," he said. While Cohen calls himself a "capitalist" he also believes the US healthcare system isn't fit for purpose. "Insurance companies are private companies that are responsible for their shareholders, not to their members who get the insurance but to their shareholders to maximise profits." Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the US. About 6 per cent of adults owe over US$1,000 ($1,600) and 1 per cent of the population have more than US$10,000 ($16,000) in debt due to health costs. 'Free Luigi' protests have been taking place across the US for months. It's expected a crowd of supporters will gather in New York for Mangione's 16 September court appearance. Credit: Javafilms As Mangione prepares for his upcoming court appearance in September, his face continues to be plastered on mugs, T-shirts and flags. Sarah continues to fight her own battle. Thankfully, after three months without treatment, she has resumed chemotherapy. She says a private foundation was moved by her story and offered to cover her medical costs. "I've heard of people losing everything just to pay for their cancer treatment," she said. "But I've also heard of people just giving up … not treating it and stopping treatment."
