Dental Care – (Oral Hygiene)

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease.

The purpose of oral hygiene is to prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky film of bacteria and food that forms on teeth. Plaque adheres to the cracks and fissures of the teeth and generates acids which, when not removed regularly, slowly erode or deteriorate the protective enamel surface of the teeth, leading to the formation of holes (caries). Plaque also irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease) and tooth loss. Toothbrushing and flossing remove plaque from teeth, and antiseptic mouthwashes kill some of the bacteria that help form plaque. Fluoride (in toothpaste, drinking water, or dental treatments) also helps protect teeth by bonding with enamel to strengthen it. In addition to that daily oral care, regular visits to the dentist promote oral health. Preventive services he or she may perform include fluoride treatments, applying sealants, and scaling (scraping away hardened plaque, called tartar). The dentist can also perform diagnostic services such as X-ray imaging and oral cancer screening, as well as treatment services such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.

Maintaining oral hygiene should be a lifelong habit. A baby’s gums and later teeth should be kept clean by scrubbing with a damp cloth or soft toothbrush. However, only a very small (pea-sized) amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used, as too much fluoride can be toxic to babies.

An adult who has partial or complete dentures should also maintain good oral hygiene. Bridges and dentures must be kept clean to prevent gum disease. Dentures should be relined and adjusted by a dentist as needed to maintain a proper fit so that the gums do not become red, swollen, or tender.

Brushing and flossing should be done thoroughly, but not too forcefully. Rough mechanical action may irritate or damage sensitive oral tissues. Sore or bleeding gums may be experienced for the first few days after starting to floss. However, bleeding that continues beyond a week should call the attention of a dentist. As a general rule, any sore or abnormal condition that does not clear up after 10 days should be examined by a dentist.

Description

brushed

Brushing should be done with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and preferably after each meal and snack. Effective brushing should clean the outer surface of each tooth, the inner surface of the tooth, and the flat chewing surfaces of the back teeth. To clean the inner and outer surfaces, the toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle against the gums and moved from side to side in short strokes (no more than a tooth-width distance). To clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth, the toothbrush should be held vertically and the bristles at the tip (called the tip of the brush) should be moved gently up and down against each tooth. To clean the chewing surfaces of the large back teeth, the brush should be held flat and moved back and forth. Finally, you should also brush your tongue in a sweeping motion from front to back to remove food particles and bacteria that can sour your breath.

Toothbrushes wear out and need to be replaced every three months. Consumers should look for toothbrushes with soft, rounded nylon bristles in a size and shape that allows them to easily reach all tooth surfaces.

Holding a toothbrush can be difficult for people with limited use of their hands. The toothbrush handle can be modified by inserting it into a rubber ball to make it easier to grip.

flossing

Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease by removing food particles and plaque at and below the gum line, as well as between the teeth. To begin, the bulk of an 18-inch (45 cm) strand of floss is wrapped around the ring finger of one hand. A 2.5 cm (1 inch) section is then held firmly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. The floss is slipped between two teeth and gently moved up and down several times in a rubbing motion. At the gum line, the floss curves around first one tooth and then the other with a smooth glide in the space between the tooth and gum. After cleaning each dental contact, a fresh section of floss is unwrapped from one hand while the used section of floss is wrapped around the third finger of the opposite hand. The dental floss proceeds between all the teeth and behind the last few teeth. Floss should also be flossed around the abutment (support) teeth of a bridge and under any artificial teeth using a device called a floss threader.

Dental floss comes in many varieties (waxed, unwaxed, flavored, tape) and can be chosen based on personal preference. For people who have difficulty flossing, there are floss holders and other types of interdental (between teeth) cleaning aids, such as brushes and toothpicks.

risks

Negative consequences arise from improper or infrequent brushing and flossing. The top five oral health problems are plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay.

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless bacterial film that grows on the hard, rough surfaces of teeth. These bacteria use the sugar and starch in food particles in the mouth to produce acid. If allowed to accumulate, this acid destroys the outer enamel of the tooth, irritates the gums to the point of bleeding, and causes bad breath. Plaque begins to form again on teeth four to 12 hours after brushing, so brushing a minimum of twice a day is necessary for proper oral hygiene.

When plaque is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a yellow or brown mineral deposit called tartar or calculus. This formation is crusted and provides additional rough surfaces for plaque growth. When tartar forms below the gum line, it can lead to periodontal (gum) disease.

Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums with painless bleeding during brushing and flossing. This common condition is reversible with proper dental care, but if left untreated it will develop into a more serious periodontal disease, periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. Without support, the teeth will become loose and may fall out or have to be extracted. To diagnose periodontitis, a dentist looks for gums that are red, swollen, bleeding, and shrinking away from the teeth, leaving widening spaces between the teeth and exposed root surfaces vulnerable to decay.

Tooth decay, also called tooth decay or cavities, is a common dental problem that occurs when acid produced by bacterial plaque destroys the outer surface of a tooth. A dentist will remove the cavity and fill it with an appropriate dental material to restore and protect the tooth; If left untreated, the decay will spread, destroying the entire tooth and causing significant pain.

normal results

With proper brushing and flossing, oral hygiene can be maintained and oral health problems can be avoided. Older adults may no longer expect to lose all their teeth in their lifetime. Regular oral care preserves speech and eating functions, thus prolonging the quality of life.