It is easy to think you know a lot about dental care basics. But there are important practices you could overlook in your daily routines. The vitality of your dental well-being hinges on brushing and flossing and the depth of your knowledge about oral care.
An Overview of Basic Dental Care
Basic dental care refers to essential practices that help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. For example, brushing our teeth at least twice a day helps remove plaque - a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth - that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended.
Also, flossing complements brushing by reaching the spaces between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot. This helps remove food particles and plaque buildup, preventing cavities and gum inflammation.
What you eat can impact your dental health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products provides nutrients for strong teeth and gums. Limiting sugary and starchy foods can reduce the risk of cavities. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and beverages can contribute to tooth decay. Sugars in these foods interact with bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Reducing sugary treats and opting for healthier alternatives can protect your teeth.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and good oral hygiene is pivotal to preserving them. The most immediate benefit of good oral hygiene is its role in preventing dental problems. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque and food particles that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Neglecting proper oral care can lead to gum disease, which ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Gum disease causes gum inflammation and bleeding and can result in tooth loss if left untreated.
Preventing tooth decay and gum disease maintains the structural integrity of your teeth. This means you can continue to enjoy a functional bite, making eating, speaking, and smiling a breeze. Also, regular dental checkups are essential for spotting cavities and gum disease and detecting oral cancer early. Dentists are trained to identify the signs of oral cancer, which can be treated when detected in its initial stages.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Can Affect You
Neglecting oral hygiene can have far-reaching effects on your health. One of the most immediate consequences of poor oral hygiene is the development of cavities, or dental caries. When you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque buildup creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. These bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If cavities go untreated, they can progress to the point where tooth extraction becomes necessary.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a severe consequence of poor oral hygiene. It begins as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Without intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss and bone damage.
Your oral health can significantly affect your mental well-being. Dental problems, especially those that affect the appearance of your teeth, can lead to self-consciousness and lower self-esteem. A healthy smile, on the other hand, can boost your confidence and mental health.
Regular dental checkups are essential for detecting oral cancer early. Without routine visits to the dentist, potential signs of oral cancer, such as sores, lumps, or white or red patches, can go unnoticed. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
Perhaps the most surprising link is poor oral hygiene and systemic health issues. Studies have associated gum disease with an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and respiratory infections. The inflammation and bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to these conditions.
Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to extensive dental treatments and costly procedures to address dental issues that could have been prevented. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are far less expensive than treating advanced dental problems.
How to Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Below are tips and techniques to incorporate into your daily routine:
Brush Your Tongue
The surface of your tongue can harbor bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. Brushing your tongue helps remove these substances, reducing the risk of bad breath and dental issues. A clean tongue contributes to fresher breath.
Bacteria on the tongue can produce foul-smelling gases, leading to bad breath or halitosis. A clean tongue enhances your sense of taste. Lingering bacteria and debris can dull your taste buds, affecting your ability to enjoy the flavors of food and beverages.
How to Brush Your Tongue
You can use your toothbrush for tongue brushing or purchase a dedicated tongue scraper designed for this purpose. Tongue scrapers are often more effective at removing debris. If using a toothbrush, gently place the bristles on the back of your tongue. If using a scraper, position it at the back of your tongue's surface.
With gentle pressure, move the brush or scraper forward along the length of your tongue. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent irritation. After brushing or scraping, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash to remove loose debris.
If you notice a significant debris buildup on your tongue, you may need to repeat the process a few times to ensure thorough cleaning. After each use, clean your toothbrush or tongue scraper with water and allow it to dry. Brushing your tongue should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, preferably done after brushing your teeth.
Brush Thoroughly Twice a Day
You should aim to brush your teeth at least twice daily: once in the morning and once before bedtime. Brushing your teeth for about two minutes is recommended, allocating approximately 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth, including the upper back, upper front, lower back, and lower front.
Remember to replace your toothbrush regularly, ideally every three or four months, or when the bristles become worn out and lose effectiveness.
Practice Brushing Techniques
Using the correct teeth-brushing technique gives you the maximum benefit. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), below are the key aspects to keep in mind:
- Ensure your toothbrush is appropriately sized to access all dental surfaces in your mouth.
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Make sure to brush your teeth' outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
- Use gentle, brief strokes, moving back and forth as you brush. For the inner surfaces of your front teeth, employ vertical strokes from up to down.
- Remember to brush your tongue. The tongue can harbor plaque-causing bacteria, so cleaning it is essential.
Use Dental Products That Contain Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and make them more decay-resistant. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and acidic foods and drinks. Regular use of fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria and reducing the risk of cavities. In some cases, fluoride can even reverse the early stages of tooth decay, a process known as remineralization.
Pick a toothpaste that contains fluoride, preferably those approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), for its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. If your dentist recommends it, you can use fluoride mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine. Again, pick a product with the ADA seal.
Some dental professionals offer in-office fluoride treatments, especially for individuals at higher risk of tooth decay. When using fluoride toothpaste, follow these guidelines:
- Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, paying attention to all surfaces.
- Spit out the toothpaste rather than rinsing your mouth immediately. This allows the fluoride to continue protecting your teeth.
Fluoride supplements, such as tablets or drops, are usually prescribed by dentists for individuals at high risk of tooth decay. Using dental products containing fluoride as part of your daily oral care routine can strengthen your teeth, prevent tooth decay, and contribute to better oral health.
Flossing Daily
Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It should be done at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth. These areas are often difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing reduces the risk of cavities developing in those tight spaces between your teeth by eliminating plaque and debris. Daily flossing helps maintain healthy gums by preventing the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease. There are two primary methods for flossing:
-
The Finger-Wrap Method
Start by cutting a piece of floss 45 to 50 centimeters (18 to 20 inches) long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other around your right middle finger, leaving your hands about 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) apart.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger. Gently slide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Curve the floss around one tooth in a C-shape when the floss reaches the gumline. Gently glide it under the gumline to remove plaque and debris. Move the floss firmly up and down against the side of the tooth. Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss as you go.
-
The Circle Method
Use a piece of floss about 30 centimeters or 12 inches long. Adjust the loop size if necessary. Tie the ends together to form a loop. If the loop is too large, wrap the floss around your fingers to make it smaller.
Gently guide the loop between your teeth and under the gumline using a circular motion. Move the loop firmly up and down several times against the side of each tooth to scrape off plaque and debris. As with the finger-wrap method, use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Other Ways to Keep Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy
Beyond brushing and flossing, there are additional measures you can take to maintain good oral hygiene:
Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
Include fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, broccoli, greens, and apples. These fiber-rich options help clean your teeth naturally by stimulating saliva production and reducing plaque buildup.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. Black and green tea contains polyphenols that combat bacteria formation in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps protect teeth by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. Water, particularly fluoridated water, and foods that contain fluoride contribute to strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay.
Foods to Limit
In addition to incorporating tooth-friendly foods into your diet, be mindful of foods that can harm your oral health:
- Sticky or Gummy Candies: These candies can adhere to your teeth, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities.
- Hard candies. These can break or chip teeth if bitten forcefully. They also contain sugars that can contribute to decay.
- Starchy foods like soft bread, chips, and pastries can linger in the mouth, breaking down into sugars that feed acid-producing bacteria. This acid can lead to tooth decay.
- Soft drinks, especially those with added sugars and those containing phosphoric and citric acids, can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
Limit Sugary Foods and Starches
Sugar consumption is a major contributor to cavities. Limit sugary foods and beverages, including candies, desserts, and soda. These items promote the growth of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Starchy foods like soft bread, chips, and pastries can also contribute to tooth decay. They linger in the mouth and break down into sugars, which feed bacteria. Instead of starchy options, choose fiber-rich fruits and vegetables as snacks. These foods are less likely to promote tooth decay.
Drink Water Instead Of Sugary Drink
Opting for water over sugary drinks can positively impact your dental health. Sugary beverages, such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks, are often laden with sugars that promote the growth of harmful oral bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Many sugary drinks are also acidic, which can further damage tooth enamel. Acidic beverages can soften the enamel, making it more susceptible to erosion from brushing.
Water is pH-neutral, meaning it doesn't have the acidity that can harm your teeth. Drinking water can help rinse away food particles and acids left in your mouth after eating or drinking. Staying well-hydrated is essential for saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize acids, strengthen tooth enamel, and protect against cavities. Drinking water maintains adequate saliva levels, contributing to better oral health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are a crucial part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Your dentist plays a pivotal role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Dental hygienists can clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home, removing tartar buildup and ensuring your teeth are free from plaque. Dentists can identify dental issues in their early stages, such as cavities and gum disease. Early detection allows for less invasive and less expensive treatments.
Find a Dental Clinic Near Me
Even when you are diligent with the basics of dental care, unforeseen issues may arise, necessitating a visit to a dentist. If you seek dental services in Tarzana, CA, contact us, the Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, at 818-751-5100. Your oral health deserves the attention it demands, so act swiftly.
