Everything about Oral Hygiene totally explained
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the
mouth and
teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and
bad breath.
Teeth cleaning
Teeth cleaning is the removal of
dental plaque and
tartar from
teeth in order to prevent
cavities,
gingivitis, and
gum disease. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.
Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes
tooth scaling,
tooth polishing, and, if too much tartar has built up,
debridement. This is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for children.
Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing with a
toothbrush and the use of
dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque on the teeth.
Tongue cleaning
Dental specialists recommend daily use of a
tongue cleaner as an essential way to remove the debris coating the tongue, composed of a large variety of bacteria, oral fungi, decaying food particles, and dead cells, that all together generate
bad breath (also named
halitosis) and may affect the health of teeth and gums (tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis). The protein rich surface of the tongue harbours the highest amount of bacteria thriving in the oral cavity. That explains the utmost importance of thoroughly cleaning the tongue with a properly designed tongue cleaner.
Flossing
The use of
dental floss is an important element of the oral hygiene, since it removes the dental plaque and the decaying food remains stuck between the teeth.
Flossing for a proper inter-dental cleaning is recommended at least once per day, preferably before bedtime, to help prevent
receding gums,
gum disease, and
cavities between the teeth.
Gum care
Massaging
gums is generally recommended for good oral health.
Food and drink
Foods that help muscles and bones also help teeth and gums. Breads and cereals are rich in vitamin B while fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, both of which contribute to healthy gum tissue.(8) Lean meat, fish, and poultry provide magnesium and zinc for teeth. Some people recommend that teeth be brushed after every meal and at bedtime, and flossed at least once per day, preferably at night before sleep. For some people, flossing might be recommended after every meal.
Beneficial foods
Some foods may protect against cavities.
Fluoride is a primary protector against dental cavities. Fluoride makes the surface of teeth more resistant to acids during the process of
remineralisation. Drinking fluoridated water is highly recommended by dental professionals.
Milk and
cheese are also rich in
calcium and
phosphate, and may also encourage
remineralisation. All foods increase saliva production, and since saliva contains buffer chemicals this helps to stabilize the pH to near 7 (neutral) in the mouth. Foods high in
fiber may also help to increase the flow of saliva. Sugar-free
chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and helps to clean the surface of the teeth.(8)
Detrimental foods
Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, for example
crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a much lesser degree. This is because starch isn't an ideal food for the bacteria. It has to be converted by enzymes in
saliva first.
Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities, although
glucose,
fructose, and
maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities. The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralisation occurs (below 5.5 for most people). It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to be repaired by remineralisation and fluoride. Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities.
Artificially refined sugar isn't the only type that can promote dental cavities. There are also sugars found in fresh
fruit and fruit juices. In addition, these foods (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, etc.) also contain acids which lower the pH level. Soft drinks are unhealthy for the teeth, because of their lower pH and also because of their sugar content. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities tremendously.
Another factor which affects the risk of developing cavities is the stickiness of foods. Some foods or sweets may stick to the teeth and so reduce the pH in the mouth for an extended time, particularly if they're sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a
toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface.
Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well.
Other
Smoking and chewing tobacco are both strongly linked with multiple dental diseases. Regular vomiting, as seen in
bulimics, also causes significant damage.
Mouthwash or mouth rinse improve oral hygiene.
Dental chewing gums claim to improve dental health.
Retainers can be cleaned in mouthwash or denture cleaning fluid.
Dental braces may be recommended by a dentist for best oral hygiene and health.
Dentures, retainers, and other appliances must be kept extremely clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution.
Oral hygiene and systemic diseases
Several recent clinical studies show a direct link between poor oral hygiene (oral bacteria & oral infections) and serious systemic diseases, such as:
- Cardiovascular Disease (Heart attack and Stroke),
- Bacterial Pneumonia,
- Low Birth Weight,
- Diabetes complications,
- Osteoporosis.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Oral Hygiene'.
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