According to the WHO, oral health is a central component of overall health and psychosocial well-being. In other words, what happens in our mouths affects our entire body.
Pain, difficulty eating, social stigma, and the economic costs of treatment underscore the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these conditions through healthy lifestyle habits, regular dental visits, and the use of scientifically validated oral health solutions.
Hygiene is one of the main ways to preserve our health. As part of daily hygiene, we must not forget to care for our mouths throughout all stages of life (from the time the first teeth appear), as neglecting this can lead to numerous diseases.
Therefore, it is so important to maintain acquired oral hygiene habits throughout life, along with regular dental checkups.
Daily Oral Cleaning
The goal of good oral hygiene is to prevent and remove the accumulation of bacterial plaque to prevent its harmful effects on teeth and gums.
The main guidelines to follow are:
- Brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Choose a suitable toothbrush with a relatively small head and medium or soft bristles.
- Use dental floss or tape, or, if the spaces between your teeth are wide, interdental brushes, to clean between them.
- Change your toothbrush approximately every three months.
- Use plaque disclosing agents to make plaque more visible and thus facilitate brushing.
- Clean your tongue with a back-to-front motion to remove food debris, dead skin cells, mucus, bacteria, etc.
- Use a water flosser to eliminate bacteria on your teeth, gums, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Use mouthwash (daily or specific to your needs) to effectively reduce plaque and provide maximum freshness.
- Control your consumption of sugary foods. Ideally, avoid consuming them, but if you do, it’s important to brush your teeth afterward.
- Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup, at least once or twice a year, as well as a professional cleaning.
Associated Problems
The oral cavity has a highly diverse ecosystem, with more than 1,000 different microbial species colonizing its various habitats.
Some of these bacteria found in plaque are potentially pathogenic and responsible for the main associated problems:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Halitosis
Brushing Technique
There are several brushing techniques, some more suitable than others depending on the individual. Simply use the one that allows you to remove plaque comfortably, in a reasonable amount of time, and without causing any tissue damage.
The technique we highlight is the Bass Technique, as it allows you to remove plaque located at the gumline, which can initiate the development of gum disease. Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle between the tooth and gum, make a small vibration on the gingival margin and then perform a sweeping motion in the opposite direction to the gum.