CATEGORY 86 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST ORAL HEALTH Keep the mouth healthy with TePe’s specialty brushes By Michaela von Geijer, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Senior Clinical and Education Advisor at TePe HQ in Sweden. Michaela von Geijer As dental professionals, we recognise that the accumulation of dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis, which, if unaddressed, can progress to periodontitis. E ective prevention and management of gingivitis are essential, not only to stop further periodontal damage but also to lower the risk of various systemic conditions. orough and regular plaque removal via toothbrushing and interdental cleaning remains essential, yet, in clinical practice, we often observe that daily routines at home fall short. Despite detailed instructions, patient compliance, and demonstration of proper cleaning techniques, plaque removal may still not be enough. is means that there is room for further improvement.1,2 In those cases, adjunctive oral hygiene devices become invaluable. As a complement to the regular toothbrush, TePe has developed a number of toothbrushes for those with speci c needs, such as braces, implants and dentures. All products have been developed in consultation with experts in each specialist area. I’d like to highlight three specialty brushes from TePe: Compact Tuft, Special Care, and Denture Care and explore clinical situations where these tools can enhance patient outcomes. TePe Compact Tuft™: precision throughout life e Compact Tuft brush has a dense, domeshaped tuft that is perfect for targeted precision cleaning. is versatile brush is suitable for patients of all ages and can be used daily or as needed. From childhood to the elderly, the Compact Tuft is e ective in a variety of situations. Studies con rm its e ectiveness in controlling bio lm formation, especially along the gumline and back teeth.3,4 Consider the erupting teeth, especially primary or secondary molar: during this vulnerable eruption period, the Compact Tuft excels at precision cleaning. Patients with xed orthodontic appliances bene t from its ability to clean around brackets, wires, and along the gingival margin, while those with troublesome wisdom teeth will nd it indispensable for the daily cleaning. Yes, there are even more applications, like cleaning the distal aspect of the last tooth (especially for patients prone to gag re ex), crowded teeth, healing abutments after surgery, and for daily implant maintenance care (along gumlines, visible implant threads, bar constructions, and denture attachments). In the lower front jaw, the dense tuft is ideal for controlling calculus build-up with precise, circle-like movements. To sum it up: e Compact Tuft is very useful in a variety of clinical situations and for home self-care – while being cost-e cient and durable. TePe Special Care™: ultrasoft for delicate tissues e TePe Special Care is an ultrasoft specialty brush, boasting 12,000 bristles and is available in two sizes – regular (red) and compact (blue). It’s particularly valuable after oral surgery or for patients with exceptionally sensitive or traumatised oral tissues, including those in hospital care, with lichen planus, or undergoing radiotherapy. is brush is frequently my rst recommendation post-surgery or for those su ering injuries, but always based on individual clinical assessment and professional judgement. Its gentle bristles let you clean the teeth and gums without hurting healing tissues. toothbrush. TePe Denture Care is designed for patients with complete or partial dentures. Its extra-long, robust laments ensure both accessibility and e cient cleaning. e brush’s design closely resembles a conventional toothbrush, o ering discretion for patients who prefer not to draw attention to their prosthesis care. For improved grip and access, the neck can be bent upwards, accommodating individual needs. A bachelor thesis from the dental technician program at Malmö University, Sweden, evaluated wear resistance using soap, water, and four di erent toothbrushes, including Denture Care. e ndings revealed that despite the sturdy bristle design, there was no signi cant scratching of denture surfaces, nor any impact on the exural strength or surface integrity of heat-polymerised PMMA.5 Nevertheless, it is important to remind patients to not use toothpaste on their dentures, to avoid unnecessary abrasion. Final thoughts As clinicians, it’s our responsibility to empower patients with the right tools for daily e ective plaque control. TePe has a wide range of specialty brushes for di erent clinical situations. Compact Tuft, Special Care, and Denture Care – they all address a spectrum of clinical needs, from precision cleaning to ultra-gentle care and durable denture hygiene. Customising our recommendations for each patient’s unique situation can really make a di erence in oral health and highlight how committed we are to providing exceptional care. u For a full list of references contact gapmagazines@gmail.com TePe Denture Care™: for reliable oral hygiene among prosthesis wearers As we all know, chemical cleaning of dentures is not enough. Daily cleaning should also be performed with a
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