Oral Hygiene
For healthy teeth and gums regular brushing and good oral hygiene is a must. By doing this thoroughly will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral hygiene means:
- That the teeth are clean and free of debris
- The gums are pink and don’t hurt or bleed when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
There are other things that may help with good oral hygiene such as mouth washing, tongue cleaning and eating a healthy diet, as this helps limit sugar intake such as surgery drinks and foods.
Oral hygiene is important as this prevents further dental problems such as:
- Dental plaque this is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth. Plaque forms when germs/bacteria combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria.
- Tartar (calculus) is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to the teeth. It usually can only be removed with special instruments by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Good Oral Hygiene requires:
- Teeth brushing; brushing teeth twice a day is advised. Using a soft-tufted brush or an electronic toothbrush is best for good oral hygiene. Spending at least two minutes brushing, covering all areas is required. And it is best to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Cleaning between teeth; once or twice a day after brushing it is essential to clean between the teeth, as this removes plaque that’s in between. The common thing people use is dental floss however interdental brushes may do a better job.
- Food and drink; sugary food and drinks contribute to tooth decay, as well as acidic food and drink that contribute to tooth erosion. The best thing to do is to limit this type of food and drink. Brushing your teeth after an hour of eating or drinking anything especially acidic things is best advised.
If you suffer majorly from dental plaque, tartar or any gum disease then visiting a Hygienist is a must, as they will give a deep clean on the teeth as well as discuss how to floss, and explain the proper technique of brushing.
