Oral Hygiene
Amy
Anderson
Good
oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy.
It means your teeth are clean and free of debris. Gums are pink
and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss. Bad breath
is not a constant problem, if your gums do hurt or bleed while
brushing or flossing or you are experiencing persistent bad
breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate
a problem.
Your dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene
techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may
require extra attention during brushing and flossing.
How
Is Good Oral Hygiene Practised?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things
you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable
you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and
speak properly. Good oral health is important for your overall
well being.
Daily preventive
care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop
problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive
and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed
to progress.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps
that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing
tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
- Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily
- Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals
- Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinsing with a fluoride mouthrinse if your dentist tells you
to
- Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated
water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated
area.
What
Is the Right Way to Brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes that is right, 120
seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long.
To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch.
To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying
extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth, and
areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate
on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:
- Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower
teeth
- Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower
teeth
- Clean the chewing surfaces
- For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too.
What
Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most
dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best
for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed
brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all
areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For
many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do
a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have
difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity.
How
Important Is the Toothpaste I Use?
It is important that you use 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 hygienist which toothpaste
is right for you.
How
Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear
or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very
important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since
the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.
Source:
Yahoo health