Proxabrush
A "proxabrush" is the offspring of a menage a trois twixt a toothbrush and toothpick [with floss acting perhaps as a voyeur]. I am 63, getting long in the tooth, with increasing gaps between teeth and receding gums. Recently I thought I was headed for four-figure dental work. Instead, my experienced and honest dentist suggested this minibrush. It is marvelous for a thorough cleansing twixt those teeth and wherever it can gain entry. I had spent a lot of time behind the wheel with a toothbrush in my hand and mouth; what I needed to do more of is floss the spaces a typical toothbrush cannot get to. This brush allows me to get deep into crevices and is much easier to use than floss (it's also used by folks with braces). The good dentist recommended dipping the mini-brush into hydrogen peroxide to really go after Mr. Toothdecay.
Since I started using one, some health has returned to my troubled tooth. I find I'm able to keep my teeth and gums much cleaner that with just brushing or flossing. I can also see these little teeeeny brushes coming in handy for cleaning out some other small spaces.
I have been trying several brands since becoming aware of the genus. Oral B has one with a long handle and another with a two part sliding handle that allows the user to pivot the brush by altering the two part handle -- facilitating guiding the tip of the little guy to the proper orifice. When I am on the go in the car I've been using the little ones from Dentek that have a cap that slips over the handle end like an old fountain pen, making the implement longer and easier to handle. The cap also keeps it clean when I put it in my pocket or set it down in the car. I've noticed there are different sizes with tapered, untapered and cylindrical ones, too. I have not yet tried all the brands or types and am not ready to declare an overall favorite, but am delighted with the search.
Favorite (15)
Sam
There is disagreement among dentists about the use of hydrogen peroxide. Some dentists believe that it can actually cause gum recession (see http://askdrellie.blogspot.com/search/label/hydrogen%20peroxide)
I found Dr. Phillips web site/blog when I was looking for information about the remineralization of teeth. Her program (http://www.zellies.com/store.asp?pid=14406&catid=19708) is based on using rinses to remove acid producing bacteria in the mouth and xylitol after meals and snacks to "starve" the remaining bacteria and increase alkilinity (higher ph value, less acid) in the mouth.
I've been following her system for about 6 weeks and I've seen a 99% reduction in sensitivity to temperature and pressure, and some evidence of remineralization (although 6 weeks is a very short time on the program).
For whatever reason, it's very difficult to get information about non-invasive dentistry (alternatives to drilling, filling, crowns, etc.) from most dentists. One source of information where you can view the results of clinical studies for yourself is PubMed, a database of research maintained by the National Institute of Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Even when you read the primary research yourself, remember that some studies are funded by corporations specifically to evaluate their products, and those studies may have "predictable" results. Just because it's in the NIH database, doesn't mean it was based on good science. That's why God made follow-up studies.
Bluie
4$1 at your local dollar stores. The tiny wire tends to wear out fast. The first time you get one stuck between your teeth is an interesting experience ;-) But well worth the improvement in your general dental hygiene.
Lani
"...is the offspring of a menage a trois twixt a toothbrush and toothpick [with floss acting perhaps as a voyeur]..."
Hmm... last time I checked, a menage a trois requires THREE (as in "un deux trois") -- "trois" MEANS "three" in French. Perhaps he meant a menage a duex?
...unless Mr. Floss isn't actually watching in hiding, but eventually joins the party!
All kidding aside, my personal favorite is the Dentek Easy Brush Cleaner, which is probably similar to this product.
I keep one at my desk at all times, next to my Oral-B Super Floss.
Moon
I use a waterpik and a electric flosser, Those brushes always stuck in my teeth.
Karsten
This is an excellent tool. We recommend these to all of our patients who for one reason or another are unable or unwilling to use floss to clean the interproximal areas (which are the spaces between your teeth) that a tooth brush is not able to get into. And don't kid yourself, brushing is NOT able to remove plaque between your teeth, it is completely untouched if it isn't directly accessible. What most people also don't know is that plaque, if left on your teeth becomes calculus, which irritates the gums, and makes the bones that hold your teeth in place to become irritated and to pull back from the teeth. The plaque is now able to stick to the teeth even lower because more tooth is exposed, it becomes calculus over time, and the bony support for your teeth moves even further down the root to pull back from the calculus that has come further down and so on and so on. This is a leading cause of becoming edentulous (completely toothless) and requiring dentures. Even if you are brushing twice a day, you are at risk for developing calculus that will degrade the bony support for your teeth if you are not flossing everyday or otherwise cleaning between your teeth.
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Additionally, regularly having your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist is not just for esthetics but is necessary for removal of calculus. Plaque is soft and can be removed by brushing at home, which is what brushing is for. All plaque left on the teeth will eventually become calculus, and it is calculus that irritates the gums and the bony support for your teeth. Calculus is basically calcified plaque and it is absolutely not possible to remove at home, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it with hand instruments or a scaler.
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Basically, the point of my long reply is that this is a VERY cool tool for allowing people to do a better job of home oral hygiene. It is an invaluable addition to a comprehensive oral care program, but it cannot replace regular dental visits if you want to keep your teeth, although your visits will sure be cheaper if you do a good job of home care.
Brook
I used these after every single meal when I had braces as an adult. You can clean everything that a brush can't reach. I can't speak for any other use, but if you have braces, GET THIS. They even have pocket size versions.