A bright smile is not only an aesthetic attribute but also an indicator of oral health. Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent dental disease and maintain fresh breath. This article provides a complete guide to oral hygiene, along with tips and tricks to keep your smile healthy and attractive.
Step 1: Flossing
Interdental cleaning is just as important as brushing. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from your gums and between your teeth.
Tips: – Gently brush to avoid hurting your gums. – Experiment with different types of floss to find the best one for you. – Choose a quality flosser for added benefits.
Step 2: Using the Oral Irrigator
An oral irrigator is an effective tool for removing food debris and plaque. Use the oral irrigator after flossing for more effective cleaning.
Tips: – Adjust oral irrigator pressure according to the sensitivity of your gums. – Point the tip of the irrigator towards the gum line and between the teeth for a thorough cleaning at a 45 degree angle.
Can we just use the thread or the sprinkler?
Using both products in this order will result in complete removal of food debris because floss can remove and enter the subgingival much more easily than water jet which at inappropriate pressure can easily cause tooth bleeding. In people who have dental veneers this cleaning protocol becomes mandatory because interdental sensitivity is diminished due to the prosthetic parts which translates into not being able to tell if you have anything left between your teeth unless you put a lot of pressure or identify it using your tongue.
Step 3: Brushing Correctly
Regular brushing is the foundation of healthy oral hygiene. Use a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush to avoid gum damage and protect tooth enamel or the gingiva. Make sure you brush for at least 2 minutes (we recommend 3) and that you cover all surfaces of your teeth, including the back of your teeth.
Tips: – Use a toothpaste that suits your teeth. – Try an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning. – Don’t press too hard to avoid enamel damage and gum irritation. – Don’t forget to clean your tongue.
- Change the brush head or toothbrush no more than every two months or immediately after each dental procedure.
- Use the protective cap to cover the brush head after each use, especially if it is exposed in the bathroom, ideally store it in a bathroom cabinet.
Step 4: Using Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and keep your breath fresh. Choose a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties.
Tips: – Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol as it can cause dry mouth. – You won’t always use mouthwash after brushing. – Use mouthwash at lunch and before bedtime. We cover more in the following lines.
Step 5: Dental visits
Schedule regular visits to your dentist for preventive check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can identify problems at an early stage and give you personalised advice for optimal oral hygiene.
Tips: – For people with natural teeth, visit your dentist every 6 months. – For people with dental veneers, go to the dentist every 4 months. Proper prophylaxis is the foundation of maintaining a healthy smile. For people with dental veneers, prophylaxis does not always mean scaling, airflow and brushing. If you have proper hygiene, a simple Airflow will suffice.
FAQ
Guide to good oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums.
This includes daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings.
Proper oral hygiene prevents problems such as tooth decay and gum disease and is linked to overall body health.
To improve oral hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, antibacterial mouthwash, and avoid tobacco as much as possible.
Oral hygiene refers to maintaining the cleanliness and health of the oral cavity by brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist for x-rays, examinations and cleanings.
Oral hygiene is a preventive method that helps avoid oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis.
In addition, oral health is closely linked to general health, as oral infections can affect other parts of the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other problems.
Studies show that conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can contribute to cardiovascular disease, strokes, endocarditis, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.
On the other hand, certain conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease can adversely affect the health of your teeth and gums.
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your dentist about how you can maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Common signs of poor oral hygiene include bleeding gums, tooth decay, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, persistent mouth ulcers, tooth pain, swollen jaw and gingivostomatitis.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day: Use toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Be sure to brush all tooth surfaces. - Floss daily: Clean the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
If you have difficulty flossing, try interdental brushes or choose mouth irrigators, but don’t forget to floss traditionally. - Clean your tongue: Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove bacteria.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash: It helps reduce plaque and keep your breath fresh.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products: These are leading causes of gum disease and oral cancer.
Look for products that indicate that the product has been scientifically tested and approved.
Your dentist can recommend specific products based on your needs.
Practicing good oral hygiene offers many benefits, including healthier teeth and gums, a beautiful smile, fresh breath and a reduced risk of complex dental work and general health problems.
Preventive dental care is also more affordable than restorative or emergency treatments.
It is recommended that you visit your dentist at regular intervals set by your dentist.
Most people need cleanings every six months, but if you are prone to cavities or gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
Also, if you notice symptoms such as tooth pain, gum bleeding, loose teeth or persistent bad breath, schedule a dental visit immediately.
We’ve all heard that it’s best to brush our teeth after a meal. But in some cases, did you know that it’s best to wait? We definitely recommend that you stop brushing after consuming anything acidic, whether it’s fruit, juice or acidic foods. The reason for this recommendation comes from the fact that when acids are in the mouth, they weaken tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. Brushing immediately after eating something acidic can damage the enamel layer of the tooth. Waiting about 15 to 30 minutes before brushing allows tooth enamel to remineralize and restore. In the meantime, you can do something to help your teeth: After eating or drinking something acidic, we always recommend rinsing with water, which starts the remineralisation process of the enamel.
Bacteria multiply in the oral cavity at night so oral hygiene in the morning is important. There are basically two types of customers: those who brush their teeth as soon as they wake up and those who brush as soon as they have done their tabs. Both situations are perfectly acceptable depending on how you are taught, but if you brush your teeth immediately after waking up, eat certain foods (the taste can be influenced), you should definitely brush afterwards following the above guidelines.
Acne is mainly caused by factors such as excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. While brushing our teeth, bacteria quite often transfer from the mouth to the skin, causing rashes. That’s why it’s advisable to brush before showering. This way, any residual bacteria or toothpaste that may have smeared onto the chin or surrounding areas can be washed away during the shower, reducing the risk of skin irritation and acne.
Do not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it will wash the concentrated fluoride from the toothpaste left on your teeth. After brushing, we spit out any excess toothpaste, rinsing dilutes it and significantly reduces its preventive effects. (check the manufacturer’s instructions where you buy).
Using a mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay, but don’t use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth, as it will wash the concentrated fluoride from the remaining paste off your teeth. Choose another time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch or in the evening before bed. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride paste or mouthwash.
A healthy smile requires effort and constant attention. Follow these steps and tips and tricks to keep your oral hygiene in impeccable condition and glow with a healthy and attractive smile.
Remember that good oral hygiene not only prevents dental problems but also contributes to overall health.
