Bad breath (or halitosis) is foul smell coming from mouth. This odor can strike periodically or be persistent,depending on the cause.

As you speak others may notice and react by recoiling.Associated symptoms are poor dental hygiene, infections in mouth, dry mouth, and dental caries

Brush at least twice a day,scrape tongue and floss daily and rinse with mouthwash.Try to avoid food that sours your breath.Swish your mouth with plain water after eating and drink plenty of water.

Dry mouth,also called xerostomia means you don't have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth moist.It increases a person's risk of gingivitis (gum disease),tooth decay,and mouth infections,such as thrush/ candidiasis.

There are several causes of dry mouth.These include side effect of certain medical treatments,side effect of certain diseases and infections,nerve damage,dehydration,surgical removal of the salivary glands,smoking or chewing tobacco, ageing and depression.

Common symptoms of dry mouth include sticky,dry feeling in the mouth or throat,frequent thirst,sores in the mouth,split skin at the corners of the mouth,cracked lips,burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue,dry,red,raw tongue and bad breath.

Treatment depends on the cause.Steps need to taken to restore mouth moisture and improve saliva flow.These include oral rinse,chewing sugar-free gum,drinking plenty of water,breathing through your nose,using a room vaporizer or using an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute.

Malocclusion or misalignment of teeth is the improper positioning or incorrect relation between the teeth of the same or two dental arches.Those who have more severe malocclusions may require orthodontic and sometimes surgical treatment (orthognathic surgery) to correct the problem.

The symptoms of malocclusion are abnormal alignment of teeth,abnormal appearance of the face,difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing,speech difficulties including lisp and mouth breathing.

A dentist checks for malocclusion if the jaw or teeth are out of line by taking X-rays of the face and teeth,taking photographs of the face and teeth or making a plaster model of the teeth.

 In children and teens,certain teeth may be taken out to make room for teeth that may still grow in followed by attaching braces to teeth to straighten out the bite and move the jaw into the right position.Adults can successfully straighten their teeth with braces and jaw with or without a surgery.

Things that increase the risk of developing malocclusion include family history of malocclusion,oral habits,such as thumb-sucking and possibly mouth breathing,tooth loss due to trauma or tooth decay and some congenital defects.

 Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums.If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing,it hardens into tartar.Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of attachment.In these early stages,gum disease is called gingivitis.

 The symptoms of gum diseases include red,puffy or swollen, or tender gums,gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, teeth that look longer because gums have receded,loosening of teeth,separated gums creating a pocket and constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial overgrowth. However,a persistent immune response to chronic infections in the mouth is believed to play a major role in gum destruction.

 You usually can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly,having regular dental visits for exams and cleaning,and eating a balanced diet.

Gums may bleed due to poor or inadequate oral hygiene, lack of consistent brushing and flossing,systemic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, medications,fillings,caps,or crowns that don't fit well and trap bacteria,misalignment, overlap,or overcrowding of the teeth,active periodontal infection and fractured tooth

Gum disease is usually preventable by brushing twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time with a toothbrush with soft,polished bristle,flossing daily,eating a healthy diet and avoiding food with sugar that cause plaque.

The best treatment in the initial stages is cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist to remove built-up tartar,brushing twice a day to and flossing once a day to remove plaque.

 When gum disease is more serious,your dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called a periodontist.A periodontist has extra training in treating gum disease and in restoring (or regenerating) bone and gum tissue that have been lost because of gum disease.

Scaling refers to removing plaque and tartar from deep gum pockets through the thorough cleaning of root surfaces.

Root planning means smoothing the tooth root to remove bacteria and viruses.

Pyorrhea or periodontitis is an advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the ligaments and bones that support the teeth become inflamed and infected.

Early symptoms of pyorrhea include a visible change in the gums.Gums will appear shiny and bright-red or red-purple. Additionally affected gums tend to bleed easily are swollen and are tender when touched but otherwise painless.

If detected early periodontal diseases can be treated through non-surgical procedures such as scaling and root planning. Surgical treatments like pocket reduction,regenerative procedures,crown lengthening or soft tissue grafts may be required in instances of pyorrhea.

 It is a surgical treatment recommended when daily at-home oral hygiene and regular dentistry visits are insufficient due to pockets becoming too deep.

It is a surgical treatment recommended when the bone supporting the teeth have been destroyed.This procedure regenerates the lost tissue and bone.

It is a surgical treatment recommended when one’s teeth have been covered with excessive gum tissue.This procedure reshapes the excess gum and bone tissue in order to further expose the natural tooth.

It is a surgical treatment recommended when gum recession leads to exposed tooth roots.This procedure is used to cover roots or develop gum tissue if it is absent.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth's crust and widely distributed in nature.Some foods and water supplies contain fluoride.Fluoride is often added to drinking water to help reduce tooth decay.Other sources are toothpastes, mouthwash,gels,varnish,milk,salt and sugar.

Fluoride concentrates in the growing bones and developing teeth of children,help to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth before they emerge (pre-eruption) and to harden the enamel on adult teeth that have already emerged (post-eruption).

Drinking water is the most common source of fluoride.You may also consume foods containing fluoride (such as meat, fish,eggs,and tea leaves).When these are consumed,then fluoride enters the bloodstream and is eventually absorbed by the teeth and bones.Fluoride can also be applied directly to teeth by a professional in a dental office.

Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of dental enamel ranging from mild stains to complete loss of enamel caused by excessive exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development.The risk of fluoride overexposure occurs between the ages of 3 months and 8 years.

 In its mild forms,fluorosis often appears as unnoticeable,tiny white streaks or specks in the enamel of the tooth.In its most severe form,tooth appearance is marred by discoloration or brown markings.The enamel may be pitted, rough and hard to clean.The spots and stains left by fluorosis are permanent and may darken over time.

To whiten your teeth at home brush & floss every morning and before going to bed.They can also be concealed through dental procedures.For light stains,tooth whitening can help lighten the effect of the stains.When the stains become dark and clearly visible,your dentist may suggest veneers,crowns or bonding procedures to hide the stains.

 For children from birth to 3 years of age,the use of fluoridated toothpaste is determined by the level of risk of tooth decay.Parents should consult a health professional to determine whether their child up to 3 years of age is at risk of developing tooth decay.

Cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay.It is an infection, usually bacterial in origin,which causes demineralization of the hard tissues (enamel,dentin and cementum) and destruction of the organic matter of the tooth.

 When foods containing carbohydrates are left on the teeth, bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods,turning them into acids.The bacteria,acid,food debris,and saliva combine to form plaque,which clings to the teeth.The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth,creating holes in the teeth called cavitie

As the enamel and dentin are destroyed,the tooth changes color and become soft to the touch.Once the decay passes through enamel,the dentinal tubules,which have passages to the nerve of the tooth,become exposed and cause toothache. Dental caries can also cause bad breath and foul tastes.

The best way to prevent dental decay is by brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day,making sure that you brush the inner,outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.Using dental floss,tape or interdental aids also helps remove plaque and food from between your teeth and gumline.As the adult molars appear, and if the tooth is free of decay,a ‘fissure sealant’ can be used to protect the tooth.

 Tooth decay can strike when gingival tissues recede or "pull away" from your teeth and expose tooth roots to calculus and plaque.This can lead to periodontal disease.Also the roots of teeth can decay if they are exposed to acids produced by bacteria.An early sign that might indicate decay at the roots of teeth is sensitivity to hot and cold.

 Heredity does somewhat influence your susceptibility to tooth decay.Inherited patterns of undesirable mineralization,shape or alignment may make preventing cavities more difficult for some.However,good brushing,flossing and rinsing habits will help reduce the amount of decay you will get.

 Cavities are caused by bacteria that release acids that eat away at your teeth.Parents can pass these bacteria to their children when they taste their food to see if it is hot before spooning it into their mouths.And partners can pass it to each other by kissing, a number of studies have found

 Decay needs filling but early decay can often be reversed. A tooth starts to decay when the enamel breaks down.Fluoride therapy,dietary changes and better oral hygiene habits can reverse this process by causing minerals to build up in the tooth again, making the enamel stronger.

 The two common areas where cavities are most likely to form are back teeth which have small fissures and grooves which are sometimes impossible to keep clean and proximal surfaces between the teeth where brushing alone is not sufficient to clean.

 Cavities can be more frequent in older adults for a number of reasons.Life-long exposure to fluoride,decay around older fillings,receding gum tissue, dry mouth and certain medications and diseases,can lead to more tooth decay.

"Toothache" usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws primarily as a result of a dental condition.

Toothaches are caused by tooth problems,such as dental cavity, cracked or erupting tooth, exposed tooth root or gum diseas.The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as the inner living pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins.It is also a symptom of more advanced gum disease as bacteria in the deep gum pockets cause gum infection,swelling,pain,and further bone destruction.

Tooth pain that may be sharp,throbbing,or constant.In some people,pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.Also,swelling around the tooth is an indicator.

Plaque is a colorless,sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.If left undisturbed,it will build up into a hard deposit called calculus which hardens to form tartar.The bacteria in the plaque produce byproducts that can not only irritate the gums and make them bleed,but it can also lead to periodontal disease.

 Calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque.It is caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on plaque on the teeth.Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation,threatening the health of the gums.

 Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk,soft drinks,raisins,cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth.Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods,producing acids which destroy tooth enamel,resulting in tooth decay.Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.

 To prevent plaque buildup,brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft,rounded-tip bristled toothbrush.Pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet.See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and teeth cleaning.

 Once tartar has formed,it is important to realize that only a dental professional will be able to remove it from your teeth. Make sure to visit your dentist every six months to remove any plaque and tartar that might have formed and prevent further complications.

Solution for sensitivity depends on the cause.Some solutions are switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush,gum therapy for severe decay or gum disease,dental restorations to repair a broken or cracked tooth and reducing consumption of acidic foods and beverages.

 There is no age limit for correcting misaligned teeth.The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age.The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.

Yes,the risk of oral cancer increases with age.Any lesion found on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth needs to be examined and closely watched.Smoking,chewing tobacco or drinking alcoholic beverages is associated with oral cancer.

 Smoking increases your risk of oral cancer.Other oral health consequences include delayed healing following tooth extraction and periodontal treatment,increased bone loss within the jaw,bad breath,and tooth discoloration.

Oral prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth) should be done every six months.This will only strengthen the gums and make them disease free. Cleaning of teeth does not make them loose however;removal of tartar deposits may give a feeling of loosened teeth for some days after cleaning.

 Root canal treatment may be painful.The most common reason for painful root treatment is that the dentist finds it difficult to make your tooth numb because of an acute abscess or abnormal or unusual tooth anatomy.

Just because a tooth is loose does not necessarily mean it should come out.Loose teeth mean gum disease.A dentist can tell you whether the tooth can be saved and how.It is always best for a dentist to remove a tooth anyway.

Perfectly all right.As the tooth loosens,it is natural for a child to assist the process,which may take several weeks

 Is it OK? The periodontal ligament,which helps to hold your teeth in place,is loosening up.Yes,this is perfectly normal,although it is very disconcerting.The teeth should stop feeling loose after a few weeks.

Teeth can be brightened by a procedure called Teeth Whitening or bleaching.Bleaching is a simple,painless and conservative way to make your teeth whiter.Various techniques are available for bleaching which include professional laser-teeth whitening technique, tray teeth whitening,teeth whitening strips and paint-on teeth whiteners.

Mouthwashes are mild antiseptics that refresh the mouth. These can be used as temporary solutions to combat bad breath.The hard to reach areas by toothbrush are reached and protected by mouthwash.However,long term use of mouthwash is not recommended.

Dental treatment needs to be rendered by a skilled professional using quality equipments and materials.Regular dental visit can bring down the cost because any dental problem can be identified and treated at the early stage.

Tooth removal is always performed under local anesthesia, hence it is painless.Wisdom tooth removal is unique in that the teeth are situated posterior most in the mouth and carry the risk of spreading infections into adjacent areas.The patients can feel only the pressure during the tooth removal.

 The reasons for extraction of wisdom tooth include infection, chronic pain,gum diseases,poor alignment of teeth,tooth decay-risk to the adjacent teeth and a cause of tooth crowding.

Sometimes the wisdom tooth fails to erupt completely through the gum bed and the gum at the back of the wisdom tooth extends over the biting surface,forming a soft tissue flap or lid around the tooth called an operculum.If the operculum does not disappear,recommended treatment is extraction of the wisdom tooth.

If the pericoronitis is limited to the tooth,treat it by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.You should also make sure that the gum flap has no food trapped under it.If your tooth, jaw and cheek are swollen and painful,see your dentist right away. He or she can treat the infection with antibiotics.

One should visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.However,if there is toothache,bleeding gums, sensitive teeth or any dental problem,one is advised to visit the dentist immediately.Patients with the systemic diseases like diabetes,epilepsy should visit the dentist twice or thrice a year.

Chewing sugarless gum stimulates flow of saliva.Saliva works as a natural mouthwash which prevents halitosis.Saliva also neutralizes acids produced by plaque bacteria and prevents caries.

Children get cranky when teething since they may experience the signs like drooling,irritability,restlessness, and loss of appetite.The best solution to comfort the child is to have the child chew on a cold or frozen rubber teething ring.

Orthodontic braces are made up of brackets,bonding material, ligature elastics and arch wire.The teeth move when the arch wire puts pressure on the brackets and teeth.Sometimes,springs or rubber bands are used to exert more force in a specific direction.Braces exert constant pressure,which over time,move teeth into their proper positions.

 Orthodontic treatment usually takes 12-24 months.Some patients may finish treatment earlier and others may take longer to complete.The total treatment time depends on the severity of the malocclusion,the type of treatment carried out,and the co-operation of the patient.

 Though brushing cleans the teeth,the toothbrush cannot clean the plaque which is stuck within the gaps between two teeth and under the gum line.Flossing daily keeps the teeth clean and prevents the build-up of plaque in the difficult areas. Dental floss is a special cord made of nylon which helps remove food particles stuck between two adjacent teeth and near the gums.

Yes.One could clean the baby’s mouth with wet gauze and give them water after every meal to ensure that the mouth is free of any food remnants.Also,regular tongue cleaning using a soft cloth is advised.

 Smile designing is a process whereby complete oral hard and soft tissues are studied and certain changes are brought about which will have a positive influence on overall esthetics of face.

Dental Implants are titanium tooth supports which are surgically fixed into the jaw to replace missing teeth.It serves as an artificial root in the jaws which will restore proprioception,function and appearance.The implants are placed in the jaw under local anesthesia.The implant unites with the bone in about 2-3 months time.After which the artificial teeth are fabricated and cemented.

Age is not a factor for the braces treatment.However,a timely screening will lead to better treatment results.Patients usually require healthy supporting structures for orthodontic therapy.

One of the most devastating effects of tobacco is the development of oral cancer.Some of the other oral side effects of tobacco are tooth stains,delayed healing of oral wounds,and increased severity of gum disease and bad breath.

A dental care emergency is a service that is needed within 24-48 hours because of an injury or sudden illness.Some examples of emergency dental situations being extreme pain or infection,bleeding or swelling,injuries to the teeth or gums, lost or cracked fillings,broken tooth or crowns that have fallen off or broken.

An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out due to a number of reasons like a blow to the mouth,or an accident involving the face.It is possible to replace the tooth in the socket successfully if the right action is taken as soon as possible.

 It is important to get to the dentist as quickly as possible after a tooth has been knocked out and avoid damaging the tooth even more.In the meantime,try slipping the tooth back into its socket try not to touch the root,rinse the tooth with milk but don’t wipe it,keep the tooth moist in milk.

Take a piece of floss and tie a single knot in it,place the floss as you normally would,and pull it through letting the knot slide under the tissue,gently removing the caught pieces.

At least 2-3 minutes on average.It depends on how fast you brush.You must be thorough,giving each tooth special attention.Brush in tiny circles,being sure to also brush your gums.Don’t forget to clean the tongue as well.

 Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation,and that could in turn irritate the gums.Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel.The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.

 Rinse your mouth with water after a meal or snack to reduce acid production by 30%.Wiping your teeth with a napkin is also a temporary measure until you can brush your teeth. Chewing sugar free gum helps too.

First,the gums are covered with a special rubber compound to protect them from the bleaching agent.After that,a solution is prepared by mixing two phases,which are then applied to the teeth.After appropriate exposure time,the bleaching solution is removed and the mouth is rinsed with water.

It is a condition when the teeth become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material.It can be extrinsic when enamel is stained,intrinsic when the dentin yellows or age-related.

 Teeth can stain due to poor dental hygiene,excessive foods and drinks like coffee,tea,fried food,spicy curries,high dosage of iron/chemicals and smoking or chewing tobacco,diseases which affect enamel or certain medications.

Your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday.A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Digital X-ray is a new method being used in some dental offices.A small sensor unit sends pictures to a computer to be recorded and saved.

There are several reasons that adults may lose their teeth. The most common reasons involve a combination of poor oral hygiene and dietary habits.

You should brush your teeth twice a day i.e. in the morning and before bed.

It depends! The choice of toothbrush is best determined by individual considerations,including dental health status,special needs and cost.Ideally,people should manually brush their teeth for 2 to 3 minutes, twice each day.

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you,it's important to think about your unique dental health needs.Dabur Red Paste has scientifically proven 13 Ayurvedic herbs like Laung,Pudina & Tomar which keep dental problems away.

Although it is possible to whiten your teeth at home by using whitening products,the first step is to take proper care of your teeth. Practical tips for keeping teeth whiter and brighter include brushing every morning and before going to bed,flossing daily and not drinking too much coffee,wine, soda or other beverages that can stain your teeth.

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

It would be reasonable to expect that a dental crown could last between five and fifteen years depending upon the general wear and tear the crown is exposed to (chewing and biting forces,accidental trauma,tooth grinding) and how well you keep its tooth free of dental plaque.

 Permanent crowns can be made from all metal,porcelain-fused-to-metal,all resin,or all ceramic.The most common types of crowns are Stainless steel crowns,Metal crowns, Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns,All-resin crowns and All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns.

There are several different reasons why a dental crown might be made for a tooth.Dentists routinely use them to repair and strengthen damaged teeth and improve the appearance of teeth (including color,shape and even apparent alignment).

 Gum irritation post temporary crown may be due to the crown itself.If it invades into your gingiva or is over contoured it will inflame your gums.Your dentist should look at the margins closely.

 Brush your teeth twice a day i.e. in the morning and before bed for 2-3 minutes on average.It depends on how fast you brush.Pay special attention to the areas where your teeth and gums meet.You must be thorough,giving each tooth special attention.Brush in tiny circles,being sure to also brush your gums.Don’t forget to clean the tongue as well.

Take a piece of floss (18cm approx) and wrap it around your middle fingers.Using a clean section of floss each time,wrap the floss into a C shape around a tooth.Wipe it over the tooth,from base to tip,a couple of times without lacerating the gums. Repeat on each tooth.

An increased area between adjacent teeth without interproximal contacts is called Open contact.It can be due to the abnormal position or absence of the teeth,oral disease,oral habits,or the overdevelopment of the frena.

 White spots are caused by nutrition, genetics,or an excessive intake of fluoride,while other times they become evident after braces have been removed.Treatment options for white spots on teeth can include fluoride treatment,bonding and porcelain laminate placement depending on the severity of the problem.

 Root pulp which supports the necessary blood vessels and nerves becomes smaller with age ad hence unable to provide sufficient support making the teeth fragile.Teeth also become brittle due to insufficient nutrition.Brittle teeth break away easily and the pain experienced is less due to lack of supporting nervous system.Please visit a dentist for further advice.

Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dentistry treatment option where the size and shape of an existing tooth's enamel surface is removed or “shaved” permanently to reshape the contours of the tooth for improved appearance.

Determine the color of the fluid leaking from the tooth by taking a cotton ball and pressing it gently to the troubled area.If it is brown or yellow,the tooth has likely abscessed and is leaking pus. Schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible

 Root Canal Treatment is the procedure done to preserve the infected tooth.It is started by drilling the enamel part of the tooth.The dentist enters the pulp chamber for exploration of root canal,removal and treatment of the remaining pulp tissue and infected tissue.The root canal is then disinfected and finally filled with an inert filling material.

Pink tooth is due to internal resorption of pulpal wall of root. It is usually associated with chronic pulpal inflammation from infection or possible trauma,traumatic occlusion,bruxism, atraumatic cavity preparation,caries,deep restoration etc. The main treatment involves the careful removal of the stained dentin and the pulp horns.Bleaching is another option.

 If the color of the tooth has changed from pink to black it indicates the death of the dental pulp or necrosis in most of the cases.It can be treated either with root canal therapy or by extracting that tooth.

Adults should replace their toothbrushes at least every three to four months,and that children's toothbrushes should be replaced even more frequently.Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear,toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new ones.

Dental pulp infection, as a result of caries, is the leading cause of odontogenic infection.The infection progresses forming an abscess at the apex of the root,resulting in bone destruction.

 Primary,or "baby",teeth are important for many reasons.Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

 First,rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen.Give the child a painkiller,if required and see a dentist as soon as possible.

 Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time.Most children stop these habits on their own,but if they are still sucking their thumbs or pacifiers past the age of three,a mouth appliance may be recommended by your dentist.

 Avoid nursing children to sleep and children should not fall asleep with a bottle.If need to,just put water in their bed-time bottle.Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.Drinking juice from a bottle should not be encouraged.

 The most important thing to do is to remain calm and find the tooth.Hold it by the crown rather than the root.Then try to reinsert it back into the socket.If that is not possible,put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child to the dentist as soon as possible. Remember to bring the tooth!

The signs of teething are excessive drooling,gum swelling and sensitivity,irritability or fussiness,low-grade fever, refusing food,sleep problems and bite on hard objects.

 You should start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as that first pearly white sprouts.At first,just use a piece of gauze moistened with water to wipe plaque from your baby's teeth and gums.Once your baby has several teeth,you might try using a small toothbrush with just two or three rows of very soft bristles.