The connections between oral health and overall health are profound and multifaceted. Excellent mouth care is not just about having a bright smile; it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. This includes links between oral health and diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia. This guide provides detailed strategies on how to care of your teeth effectively.
Why We Have to Keep Teeth Clean
To understand how to keep teeth clean, we first need to know what plaque is. Plaque biofilm is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. If it is allowed to sit on teeth, it forms a harder substance called Tartar which leads to both gum disease and cavities. This makes effective plaque control crucial for preventing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. There are two primary methods to control plaque biofilms:
- Mechanical Control: This involves physically removing plaque through brushing, flossing, and other dental aids.
- Chemical Control: This includes using mouthwashes and other chemical agents as adjuncts to mechanical methods.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing is the cornerstone of mechanical plaque removal. If you do nothing else for your teeth, make sure to brush. Here are some key points:
- Types of Toothbrushes: Dentists generally recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles. They are effective in cleaning without damaging the enamel or gums.
- Brushing Frequency: Brushing at least twice a day is essential. While meticulous brushing once a day is sufficient, most people do not brush correctly, so twice a day is advisable.
- Brushing Techniques: The Modified Bass technique is the most recommended method. It involves placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and making small circular motions. After the initial vibration, sweep the bristles downward to remove plaque. Other techniques like the Fones Rotary, Stillman, and Charters methods are also available but are less commonly recommended.
Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes
- Manual Toothbrushes: These are effective when used correctly but require proper technique and consistency.
- Electric Toothbrushes: Generally more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis. They are especially beneficial for people with limited dexterity or orthodontic appliances. Studies currently indicate that oscillating electric toothbrushes are more effective than sonic electric toothbrushes.
Special Considerations
Certain areas require extra care when taking care of your teeth. This includes:
- Crowded or rotated teeth
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Spaces from missing teeth
- Orthodontic bands and appliances
Flossing Your Teeth (Interproximal Care)
Interproximal care focuses on cleaning between the teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach. This area is crucial as plaque and food particles can easily get trapped, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. This is primarily done through flossing. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gum line. Here are some key points:
- Types of Floss:
- Nylon Floss: Available waxed or unwaxed. Waxed floss slides more easily between tight teeth, while unwaxed floss may be better for larger gaps.
- Monofilament Floss: Less likely to shred and can be easier to use.
- Superfloss: Ideal for braces, bridges, and wide gaps. It has stiffened ends to thread between appliances and spongy sections for cleaning.
- Flossing Technique:
- Flossing at least once a day is ideal
- Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around one finger of each hand, leaving a few inches to work with.
- Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a C shape and move it up and down to clean the tooth and below the gum line.
Chemical Control: Mouthwashes
While mechanical methods are primary, chemical agents like chlorhexidine mouthwash can help manage gingivitis and adult caries. However, they should not replace brushing and flossing.
- Types of Mouthwashes
- Antiseptic Mouthwashes: Contain ingredients like chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria and prevent gingivitis.
- Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: Often used to manage gingivitis and adult caries. Brands like Peridex and PerioGard contain chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%, which is effective against a broad spectrum of oral bacteria.
- Usage: Typically used twice daily, but should not be used long-term without dental supervision due to potential side effects like staining and altered taste sensation.
- Fluoride Mouthwashes: Help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by providing additional fluoride.
- Usage: Often recommended for individuals at high risk of dental caries. Use once daily, preferably before bedtime to allow fluoride to remain on teeth longer.
- Cosmetic Mouthwashes: Primarily used for freshening breath. They do not provide significant therapeutic benefits in terms of reducing plaque or preventing gum disease.
- Antiseptic Mouthwashes: Contain ingredients like chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria and prevent gingivitis.
Conclusion
Effective mouth care involves a combination of the right tools and techniques. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using the Modified Bass technique, and flossing at least once a day are fundamental practices. For enhanced care, consider using interdental brushes, water flossers, and appropriate chemical adjuncts.
By following these strategies, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing dental problems and promoting overall health. For personalized advice, consult your dentist to determine the best oral care routine for your needs.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY AT ANY DENTIST
Less dental work is healthier for you. Learn what you can do to minimize the cost of dental procedures and avoid the dentist altogether!
English