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Dental hygiene |  Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is a group of daily practices that lead to maintaining healthy and clean the teeth, gums and tongue to avoid its problems and diseases, especially gingivitis (Inflammation of gum), tooth decay, soft tissues diseases, and bad breath.

Oral diseases also require oral health care to recover and to regenerate oral tissues. These conditions include gingivitis, dental trauma such as partial dislocation, oral cysts and post-operative care after the removal of wisdom teeth.

Properly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is the most important way to maintain good oral and dental hygiene and prevent tooth decay and the resulting diseases.

Dental health is an essential element for maintaining child health, as well as prevention of childhood oral diseases, as most children between the ages of five and nine years suffer from tooth decay, which is one of the main cause of hospitalization and absenteeism from school.

Dentists recommend professional cleaning of teeth (oral prophylaxis) twice a year. Professional cleaning includes scaling of teeth from plaque, tartar removal if it is accumulated, and teeth polishing, which is usually followed by the treatment of fluoride.

Oral health should be preserved after oral prophylaxis, as it is a prerequisite for preventing the formation of plaque that causes the above mentioned problems.

This is done with a precision and regular brush, using a dental floss to prevent plaque accumulation between teeth, and regular usage of mouthwash. The patient should pay attention to the importance of brushing and flossing every day.

Contemporary parents must learn to promote a healthy life and a healthy mouth for their children. Anyone of any age should learn how to care for and maintain their teeth, so they don't need a future denture.

Remember these points regarding oral health:

There are certain criteria for choosing toothpaste and toothpaste, depending on the situation and age. Consult your dentist.

Neglecting dental cleaning leads to the accumulation of plaque on the surfaces of teeth.

Teeth should be cleaned twice a day for two minutes at a time.

The dentist must be visited regularly every six months for mouth examination and early detection of oral problems.

Most children enjoy using the electric brush, which makes them more enthusiastic about maintaining their oral hygiene.

Dental plaque

Dental plaque removal

The dental plaque is a soft deposit that forms a thin film and sticks on the surface of teeth, and if it accumulates it produces a hard substance adhere to the teeth known is dental calculus or tartar that can be seen at the gum boundaries using mouth mirror. 

Sometimes the bacteria in the plaque convert carbohydrates (such as sugar) into acid that removes tooth mineralization and ultimately causes necrosis or caries. Daily cleaning with a brush and a thread that removes plaque preventing diseases.

The Importance of Cleaning Teeth

1. Prevent plaque buildup on teeth.
2. Prevention of gingivitis.
3. Save time and money spent treating dental problems.
4. Get a fresh breath, by preventing the bacteria from causing bad smells.
5. Reducing the formation of external pigmentation on the surfaces of the teeth.

Using Dental Floss

The use of dental floss is an important factor in oral health, as it removes plaque and food residues suspended between teeth, causing gum tissue to bleed more easily. The remaining acids on food remove tooth mineralization and eventually break down teeth’s outer surface.

It is recommended to use the dental floss to floss between the teeth at least once a day, preferably before using the brush so that toothpaste fluoride can enter the teeth to help restore calcification, and prevent gingival recession and gum disease.

How to Use Dental Floss?

It is advisable to use an appropriate length of dental floss for ease of use, about ten inches or more, and spanning 3 to 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) of floss to place between teeth.

The thread is wrapped around the middle finger and/or index finger, supports the thumb with both hands, and then gently pulls and moves up and down between the teeth.

It is important to use the thread under the visible areas, by folding the thread every year instead of moving it up and down on the gums, which are more sensitive than the teeth.

Gum bleeding is normal in the early stages of floss use, but the bleeding stops gradually when the gums become healthy with use, also you have to be careful in flossing not to go hard on gums.

Removing the thread between the teeth requires the use of a similar movement (forward and backward), but by lifting it slightly and then removing it between the voids between the teeth.

Choosing a Toothbrush

The size and shape of the brush should be appropriate to the mouth, allow it to pass through all surfaces of the tooth easily, and must have soft bristles and are made of nylon in order not to hurt and scratch the gums and teeth.

Choosing a Toothpaste

All types of toothpaste share their basic ingredients, but differ in some additional ingredients, and some may be more beneficial than others.

Consider the following when buying your toothpaste:

• It contains fluoride (a substance that helps greatly to prevent tooth decay).

• Some toothpastes are used for special cases (such as toothpaste, teeth whitening, and toothpaste, etc.) and it is advised before using them to consult a dentist.

Children's Toothpaste

Under the age of 3:

You must start caring for the child's teeth from the start of eating, using toothpaste containing fluoride in a small amount the size of a grain of rice.

Who are 3-6 years old:

The amount of paste containing fluoride should not exceed the size of a pea.

Toothbrush Change

It is recommended to change them every three or four months, or when their hairs are worn out, in order to maintain their effectiveness in cleaning and not to hurt the gum tissue.

Teeth cleaning Time

Teeth should be cleaned twice a day for two minutes at a time, and it is advised not to brush teeth immediately after eating citrus to preserve the enamel layer, but it should be after 30 minutes after the meal.

Tooth Brushing Technique:

The method of brushing teeth varies according to the person’s condition and age, and the dentist can help explain the appropriate method, and in general, it is recommended to use a toothbrush as follows:

· Apply the brush to the teeth at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles touching the tip of the gums and teeth.

· Gently clean every 2 or 3 teeth together, back and forth, from the side of the gums to the end of the tooth, and so on to the rest of the teeth.

· Clean the back teeth (molars) by applying the brush at a 45-degree angle back and forth in a circular motion on all internal surfaces.

· Clean the inside of the teeth with the brush head, and move the brush longitudinally up and down.

· Apply the brush to the teeth at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles touching the tip of the gums and teeth.

· Gently clean every 2 or 3 teeth together, back and forth, from the side of the gums to the end of the tooth, and so on to the rest of the teeth.

· Clean the back teeth (molars) by applying the brush at a 45-degree angle back and forth in a circular motion on all internal surfaces.

· Clean the inside of the teeth with the brush head, and move the brush longitudinally up and down.

· Clean the tips of the teeth, then clean the tongue with its own brush, or with a toothbrush.

Inter-dental Brush

Inter-dental brush is a small disposable brush, either with a reusable angle plastic handle or with an integrated handle. The brush is used for cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. The brush can pass through the teeth through it without deforming the brush stem wire.

It has been found that using a regular toothbrush and toothbrush removes plaque more effectively than using a toothbrush and floss.

Oral Irrigation (Water Flosser) 

Dental irrigation reaches 3-4 mm below the gum line and the device uses a pressurized water stream directed to remove plaque and bacteria.

Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush helps to keep the gums and teeth healthy, and some consider it an easier and better way than a manual brush, as it just suffices to pass it over the surface of the tooth and it performs the cleaning process.

Electric Toothbrush for Children

Most children enjoy using the electric brush for ease of use, which makes it an incentive for them to care for their teeth, and although they are expensive, their advantages make them worthy of acquisition.

How to Use the Electric Toothbrush?

1.   Make sure that the toothbrush is charged, as many of them have a luminous indicator to know the level of charging.

2.   It is sufficient to put toothpaste on the head of the brush and hold it at an angle of 45 degrees, such as a manual brush.

3.   It is not necessary to press and clean heavily, because the brush does this task, and some types have sensors that alert the person when exaggerating the pressure.

4.   Begin with the outer tooth surface, and slowly brush the tip of the tooth from one tooth to a tooth while keeping the brush on each tooth for a few seconds before moving to another.

5.   Gently brush the surface of the gums.

6.   Direct the electric brush on all tooth surfaces.

Brushing Time

You should continue cleaning for 2 minutes, even with an electric brush. Some species contain a timer, where it continues to work for two minutes and then stops to alert the user to the period sufficient for cleaning teeth.

Food and Drinks for Oral Health

Muscle and bone food are good for teeth and gums as well. Bread and grains are rich in vitamin B, while vegetables and fruits contain vitamin C, which contributes to the health of gum tissue. Soft meats, fish and poultry provide magnesium and zinc teeth. Foods like uncooked vegetables, unsweetened yogurt or fruits are good for teeth. Eating a balanced diet and reducing snacks prevents tooth decay and age-related diseases.

Harmful Food

Sugars are often associated with tooth decay. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starch, such as potato chips, may also harm teeth, but to a lesser degree and indirectly, as starch must be converted into sugars first with the amylase enzyme in saliva. Higher sugars in the viscosity factor such as tofu cause more damage to the teeth than less viscous sugars such as some forms of chocolate or most fruits.

Sucrose (Table Sugar)

Sucrose (table sugar) is most closely related to tooth decay. The amount of sugar consumed at one time is less important than the number of times consumed foods and drinks containing sugar.

The more sugar is consumed, the more time the tooth is exposed to a pH level, and it occurs at the point of demineralization process (under 5.5 for most people) so it is important to try to reduce the frequency of consumption of sugar-containing foods and drinks so that the teeth have an opportunity to fix them with fluoride and the process Re-mineralization or re-calcification. 

Determining the periods of eating foods and drinks containing sugar at the time of the basic meals is a way to reduce the occurrence of carries. Sugars in fruits and fruit juices such as glucose, fructose, and maltose may also cause cavities.

Acids

The acids present in fruit juice, vinegar, and soft drinks reduce the level of pH in the mouth causing the removal of mineralization of enamel teeth. Drinking drinks such as orange juice or cola during the day increases the chances of developing tooth decay tremendously.

Food Viscosity

Food viscosity is another factor that increases the chances of developing cavities. Some foods and sweets may stick to the teeth, thereby reducing the pH in the mouth for a long time, especially sugars. It is important to brush the teeth at least twice daily, preferably using a toothbrush and fluoride paste to remove any food stuck to the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing also remove the dental plaque that covers the surface of the teeth.

Chewing Gum

Gum or frankincense contributes to washing between and around the teeth, and cleaning and removing residues. However, teeth in poor condition may cause damage or remove loose gaskets as well. Dental chewing aims to improve dental health. Sugar-free chewing gum increases salivation and aims to clean the tooth surfaces.

Mouthwashes

Using a toothbrush and toothpaste alone is not sufficient to guarantee your protection from dental problems. Learn the most important tips that help you to enhance the health of your mouth and teeth:

The mouthwash is currently on top of the preferred dental and gum care products for women and men alike, due to the ease of carrying it and using it anywhere, and thanks to the many advantages it provides in terms of hygiene and fragrant mouth odor.

The demand for using mouthwashes is an integral part of the growing interest in oral and dental health, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the general health of the individual and the family.

Orthodontic Fixers

Orthodontic fixers can be cleaned with a mouthwash or dentures cleaning solution. The dentist may recommend braces for the best oral health. Dentures, orthoses, and other dental plates must be kept very clean. By regular brushing, they may also be soaked in a cleaning solution such as a dental solution.

The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Cleaning:

Neglecting brushing teeth leads to the accumulation of plaque on the surfaces of the teeth, which leads to an increase in bacteria causing tooth decay and gum infections, as the bacteria produce acids that attack the teeth and lead to fractures and caries.

Tips for People with Immune Deficiency:

People with an immune deficiency should stay away from everything that might expose them to infection, and here it is necessary to consult a specialized dentist who may advise the use of some types of mouthwashes or spongy toothbrushes and others.