Oral Hygiene


A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase "healthy mouth, healthy you" really is true, and backed by growing scientific evidence.

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. It includes all the process to keep the mouth clean and healthy. Good oral hygiene is necessary for prevention of dental caries, periodontal diseases, bad breath and other dental problems.


Basic Steps For maintaining Oral Hygiene

 1) Brush Your Teeth:

 Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

It is also important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you.

    2) Floss Your teeth:

Regular use of dental floss removes plaque, helping to prevent the build-up of plaque, which can lead to tartar. Simply flossing your teeth can make them look brighter by removing plaque and excess food particles that you may not see in the mirror or in areas that your toothbrush doesn’t reach.

It also helps prevent tooth decay and can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by removing plaque.In addition, flossing gives you the opportunity to regularly examine your mouth for any swelling or redness. Flossing gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your teeth, tongue, and gums.

3) Proper Diet:

Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy products and whole grains provides essential nutrients for optimum oral health as well as overall health.

On the other hand, there are several foods that can cause cavities and stains on the teeth. Too much intake of acidic food items can discolour the teeth, as well as can wear out tooth enamel, which can cause demineralization. Foods Like Potato crisps tend to stick in the grooves; stay for an extended period and cause tooth decay.

4) Mouth Rinsing:

Mouth rinse is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swilled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head. Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.

Rinsing can help protect you from cavities or gum disease. Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay.They can also reduce gingivitis, tartar and plaque, and they can whiten the teeth.Regular Rinsing with a good mouthwash helps to keep your mouth germs free, clean and fresh.

5)  Regular Dental Checkups:

Good oral Hygiene should be a joined effort between you and your dentist.Regular dental checkups are an essential part of dental hygiene routine for young and old alike.You should have a regular dental visit at least every 6 months or as recommended by your dental professional.

At the dental check-up, your dental professional will check for cavities, plaque and tartar on your teeth. Your teeth will also be cleaned during your visit. 


Sign of Good Oral Hygiene

Good Oral Hygiene results in a mouth that looks healthy and strong. This means:
  • Your teeth are clean and free of debris.
  • Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you floss or brush.
  • Bad breath is not a constant problem.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Oral Cancer

Image
Oral cancer on the side of the tongue, a common site along with the floor of the mouth Source: Wikipedia Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, can occur anywhere in the mouth, on the surface of the tongue, the lips, inside the cheek, in the gums, in the roof and floor of the mouth, in the tonsils, and in the salivary glands. It is a type of head and neck cancer and is often treated similarly to other head and neck cancers. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Mouth cancer mostly happens after the age of 40, and the risk is more than twice as high in men as it is in women. Symptoms The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: A sore that doesn't heal A sore that bleeds A growth, lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth Loose teeth Poorly fitting dentures Tongue pain Jaw pain or stiffness Difficult or painful chewing Difficult or painful swallowing A sore
Read more

Teeth

Image
Teeth are the hardest structures of the human body. The type, number, and arrangement of a set of teeth represent the dentition. Humans have two sets of teeth: Primary teeth are also known as deciduous teeth, milk teeth, baby teeth or temporary teeth . Primary teeth start to form during the embryo phase and erupt during infancy (from 6 months to 3 years). Permanent teeth (or adult teeth ) are the second set of teeth and normally consist of 32 teeth. The first permanent teeth appear around the age of 6 and are usually the first molars which erupt right behind the last "milk" molars of the primary dentition. Most of us take our teeth for granted — until something goes wrong. Not only do our  teeth help us chew and digest food, they also play an important role in speech, and impact our health overall. By brushing up on your dental health knowledge, you’ll be taking the first step toward giving your teeth the attention they deserve. Parts of the Tooth A
Read more

Selecting A Toothbrush

Image
A toothbrush is an important tool to keep your mouth clean. It's important that you pick a toothbrush that's safe and easy to use. Pick one that's the right size for your mouth and that you can comfortably handle and make sure the bristles are not hard. Think about adding special features, like a tongue cleaner or particular type of handle, if this will make you more likely to use it. You should also make sure your toothbrush is safe. Make sure it has a safety label on it prior to purchase. Here are some guidelines for choosing a toothbrush. Make sure your toothbrush works for the shape of your mouth. Based on past toothbrushes, you should have some idea of the general shape of your mouth. Some mouths are more narrow or wide than others, and you need a toothbrush that works for your mouth and teeth. You want a brush that can comfortably reach the back of your molars. The shape of your mouth, and whether it's wider or narrower, will affect how easily a
Read more