What is Oral Hygiene?
What does good oral hygiene mean to you? Have pearl white teeth? Have fresh breath? Have a super clean feeling on your teeth and tongue? These are all important indicators of your oral health and are often the first things people notice when they meet. But getting really clean teeth, gums, and mouth and maintaining that healthy state throughout the day (and in the months between professional dental cleanings) can be difficult.
Of course, oral hygiene is about more than just a bright smile. For example, talk about tooth decay: Despite all our best efforts, it is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting two-thirds of American teens ages 12-19. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than fever. And it is almost completely preventable. Other diseases commonly affect the mouth, such as periodontitis (gum disease), which, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss and possibly systemic (whole-body) inflammation.
In many ways, the mouth’s health reflects the health of the body. Diseases in other parts of the body usually cause symptoms that we can observe in the mouth; in the same way, oral diseases (such as tooth loss) reduce the quality of life of the individual and cause problems in other areas. That’s another reason good oral hygiene is so important.
ean to you? Have pearl white teeth? Have fresh breath? Have a super clean feeling on your teeth and tongue? These are all important indicators of your oral health and are often the first things people notice when they meet. But getting really clean teeth, gums, and mouth and maintaining that healthy state throughout the day (and in the months between professional dental cleanings) can be difficult.
Of course, oral hygiene is about more than just a bright smile. For example, talk about tooth decay: Despite all our best efforts, it is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting two-thirds of American teens ages 12-19. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than fever. And it is almost completely preventable. Other diseases commonly affect the mouth, such as periodontitis (gum disease), which, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss and possibly systemic (whole-body) inflammation.
In many ways, the mouth’s health reflects the health of the body. Diseases in other parts of the body usually cause symptoms that we can observe in the mouth; in the same way, oral diseases (such as tooth loss) reduce the quality of life of the individual and cause problems in other areas. That’s another reason good oral hygiene is so important.
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene?
Maintain Your Oral Health
Regular visits to the dentist play a critical role in maintaining your oral health, not only to discover and fix dental and gum problems but to assess your overall health, highlight existing problems, and offer suggestions for preventive care. Between visits, the best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy, your gums pink and healthy, and your breath fresh are through a daily oral hygiene program. Your routine should include the following:
Toothbrush and dental floss
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day at a minimum. This will help remove plaque, a bacteria-laden film, from the surfaces of your teeth. Bacteria in plaque can turn sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel and cause cavities. Some bacteria can also cause gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.
Make sure you are getting the right amount of fluoride.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, essential for developing teeth and helps prevent cavities in children and adults. Even if the tap water is fluoridated, you should always use fluoride toothpaste. If you need more fluoride, it can be applied directly to your teeth in the dental clinic.
Limit snacking between meals.
Sweet snacks are the perfect fuel (for cavity-causing bacteria), and when consumed throughout the day, they sustain the acid attack steadily. Let your mouth rest and, if possible, limit the consumption of sweets only at mealtimes.
Use a suitable mouthwash.
Especially if you are more vulnerable, therapeutic mouthwashes not only mask bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth – they can improve overall oral hygiene. While some over-the-counter products offer primarily cosmetic benefits, therapeutic rinses contain anti-bacterial and anti-cariogenic ingredients. Therapeutic mouthwashes have been proven to control plaque bacteria and prevent cavities to a greater extent than brushing and flossing alone.
Stop smoking.
With or without smoke, tobacco use greatly increases the risk of oral cancer, periodontitis, and cavities (not to mention heart disease and lung cancer, but you already knew that). If you use tobacco, ask us how you can quit.
Check your mouth periodically.
Once you’ve established a routine, you will quickly recognize any changes in your mouth: broken teeth, red or swollen gums, and unusual sores. If you discover anything that worries you, please let us know. Early treatment offers the best chance to cure many problems.
One of the main goals of modern dentistry is to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. With a rigorous oral hygiene program, you have the best chance of making this goal a reality.
