What Is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent dental problems by removing plaque and bacteria. It includes brushing the teeth, flossing, cleaning the tongue, and visiting the dentist regularly. Most people should visit the dentist twice a year, though those with an increased risk of oral diseases, such as tobacco users, are recommended to visit the dentist more often. It is very important to follow an oral health regimen at home between visits to the dentist.
Brushing the teeth helps to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms of the teeth and gums. It contains bacteria that can damage the gums and tooth enamel, leading to gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis. If the plaque is allowed to harden on the teeth, it becomes tartar, which can only be removed by a professional tooth cleaning at the dentist. It is also important to brush the tongue along with the teeth, as it can harbor bacteria and fungi that can cause dental problems and bad breath.
Regular brushing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but it is not sufficient on its own, as there are areas of the mouth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, flossing is recommended to reach between the teeth and clean all areas of the teeth and gums. Interdental brushes are an alternative to flossing. Some oral health specialists prefer interdental brushing, as it is gentler on the gums. Flossing not only helps clean between the teeth, but also helps to strengthen the gums. In addition to flossing, gum massage with a toothbrush or rubber tip device can help maintain healthy gums.
Another possible tool in practicing oral hygiene is an oral irrigator, which uses a jet stream of water to clean the mouth. While typically used by those who cannot floss, such as people with braces, an oral irrigator can be a useful tool for nearly anyone. It is able to reach deeper under the gumline than either toothbrushing or flossing. Mouthwash and dental chewing gums can also contribute to good oral hygiene.
Oral hygiene is also affected by lifestyle and diet choices. Smoking and chewing tobacco are both detrimental to oral health. Foods high in sugar, especially sucrose or table sugar, contribute to the formation of cavities, as do other carbohydrates to a lesser extent. Acidic foods such as fruit juices, soda, and vinegar can also damage the tooth enamel and contribute to cavity formation. Foods that promote oral hygiene include dairy products, meat, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, and water.
Maintaining oral hygiene has ramifications for the entire body. Poor oral hygiene can lead to such health problems as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, osteoporosis, and complications of diabetes. It can also lead to low birth weight in one's children.
Written by Niki Foster
