Oral Hygiene

Why is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining overall dental health and preventing diseases that can lead to tooth loss and other complications. Adults over 35 are more likely to lose teeth due to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than cavities. In fact, three out of four adults are affected by periodontal disease at some point in their lives. The most effective way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is through proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth at the gum line. This plaque can lead to serious dental issues if not removed regularly. By practicing thorough daily brushing and flossing, you can remove these bacteria and help prevent the onset of periodontal disease. Additionally, regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your life.

How to Brush

Choosing the Right Toothbrush: Use a soft to medium toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums.

Proper Brushing Technique:

Positioning: Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
Motion: Use small, gentle circular motions to brush the outside surfaces of your teeth.
Pressure: Apply light pressure to avoid discomfort while ensuring the bristles reach between the teeth.
Inside Surfaces: Follow the same method for the inside surfaces of the back teeth.
Vertical Technique: For the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use gentle back-and-forth strokes.
Biting Surfaces: Clean the biting surfaces with short, gentle strokes, adjusting the brush position as needed to reach all areas.
Rinsing: After brushing, rinse vigorously to remove any loosened plaque.

How to Floss

Choosing the Right Floss: Waxed floss is often easier to use, especially for beginners.

Proper Flossing Technique:

Length: Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
Upper Teeth: Hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
Gum Line: Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth, then repeat for the other tooth in the space.
Lower Teeth: Use the forefingers of both hands to guide the floss for the lower teeth.
Back Teeth: Don’t forget to clean the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
Fresh Floss: As the floss becomes soiled, unwind a fresh section from one finger and wind the used section onto the other finger.
Rinsing: Rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles.

Note: It’s normal for gums to bleed or be sore during the first week of flossing. This should subside as your gums heal and adapt to the routine.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

Toothbrushes: Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for most patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) can thoroughly rinse your mouth but do not remove plaque on their own. They should be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Electric toothbrushes like Rotadent and Interplak show excellent results.

Special Brushes: Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle to massage the gums after brushing. Interproximal toothbrushes are designed to clean between your teeth. Proper usage is crucial to avoid injuring your gums, so consult your dentist for guidance.

Fluoride Products: Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay by up to 40% when used alongside brushing and flossing. However, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age.

Tartar Control: Tartar control toothpastes help reduce tartar buildup above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line, so these products do not prevent early-stage gum disease effectively.

Anti-Plaque Rinses: ADA-approved anti-plaque rinses contain agents that may help control early gum disease. Use these rinses as part of your brushing and flossing routine.

Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing minimize dental calculus, but professional cleanings are necessary to remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Regular dental check-ups, typically twice a year, are an integral part of your oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease and maintain your dental health for a lifetime.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene involves a combination of effective daily brushing and flossing, choosing the right dental care products, and regularly visiting your dentist for professional cleanings. By adhering to these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile throughout your life.

If you have any questions or need to schedule a professional cleaning appointment, please call our office.