Oral hygiene is a practice to keep your mouth clean and free of infections. It involves brushing and flossing your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly for dental X-rays, checkups and cleaning.
Why is oral hygiene important?
Oral hygiene is preventive care. This means that you can stop oral health problems - such as pneumonia, gum disease, bad breath (halitosis) and other problems - before they start taking good care of your teeth and gums.
Oral health is also associated with whole body health. For example, if an infection is present in your mouth, your bloodstream can carry germs to other parts of your body, leading to other health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is an important part of longevity.
What conditions are associated with oral health?
Studies show that gingivitis and periodontitis can affect certain health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Stroke.
- Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of your heart).
- Pneumonia.
- Pregnancy problems, such as premature birth and low birth weight.
On the other hand, there are certain health conditions that can adversely affect teeth and gums, including:
- Diabetes.
- Osteoporosis.
- HIV / AIDS.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
If you or your loved one has the conditions listed above, ask your dentist how you can improve and support your whole life with proper oral hygiene.
What are the symptoms of poor oral hygiene?
There are a few warning signs that could indicate oral health problems. The most common symptoms of poor oral hygiene include:
- Bleeding gums.
- Tooth decay.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- Decreased gums.
- Chronic mouth sores.
- Painful teeth.
- Swelling of the jaw.
- Gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth caused by certain germs or viruses.
How can I improve my oral hygiene?
Excellent oral hygiene protects teeth and gums and keeps your smile good. Here are some common oral hygiene tips to keep your smile healthy:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a fluoride brush and a soft toothbrush. (Medium or hard bristles can damage your gums and toothpaste.) When brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle around your gums. This helps to clear plaque and bacteria from the gum line. Be sure to brush all areas of the teeth, including the back and sides.
- Wash once a day. You cannot reach the gaps between your teeth by brushing alone. To clean these areas, you need dental floss. Take a floss piece about 18 inches long. Fold each end with your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and forefinger, straighten the floss between the two teeth. Brush the floss well around one tooth in a C-style and clean it using 10 lashes up and down. Next, tie a floss to one tooth and repeat. Continue this process with all your teeth. If you have technical problems, you can also use medium brushes and toothpicks to clean between your teeth. (Note about water flossers: Although water flossers are very good at removing large pieces of food and debris, they cannot remove the biofilm from the surface of your teeth. So, if you use water flosser, make sure you use dental floss as well. )
- Brush your tongue. Your tongue carries germs like a sponge. Whenever you brush your teeth, do not forget to brush your tongue. You can use your toothbrush for this purpose. Or, you can buy a tongue lock in an oral health facility.
- Use a mouthwash daily. Antibacterial mouthwash helps to keep harmful oral germs away. In addition to washing food and debris, it also reduces plaque buildup. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free formula to prevent dry mouth.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups and hygiene are essential for good oral health. Most people do well with a six-month visit. However, if you are prone to cavities, gum disease or other oral health problems, you may need to be appointed more often.
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease and oral cancer. It is best to avoid these products altogether. If you are currently smoking and would like to quit, ask your healthcare provider about treatment options that may help.
Remember, the best oral hygiene you can always practice. Talk to your dentist about personal oral health medications to meet your needs.
What are the benefits of good oral hygiene?
Although your dentist may be able to repair damaged teeth or gum disease, it is always best to stop problems before they start. This is where oral hygiene comes into play. Practicing oral hygiene offers many benefits, including:
- Healthy teeth and gums.
- A good smile.
- New breaths.
- Reduced need for dental work such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants or dentures.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health concerns.
- Reduced risk of oral cancer.
How often should I see my dentist for a checkup?
You should have regular dental checkups and referrals from your dentist. Most people need to be cleaned every six months to keep their teeth and gums healthier. However, if you are prone to cavities or gum disease, your dentist may need to see you more often. For example, it is common for people with gum disease to see their dentist every three to four months. This is because oral germs spread quickly to some people. Ask us what type of cleaning schedule is best for you.
When should I see Dentist?
If you have been cleaning your teeth for more than six months, arrange an appointment with your dentist immediately. They can check your teeth and gums and make recommendations that suit your needs.
If you experience warning signs such as toothache, bleeding gums, loose teeth or persistent bad breath, arrange a dental appointment. Treatment is needed to eradicate harmful bacteria. By treating your oral health problems, you will give your whole life energy again.
