What Is Dental Hygiene? Why Is It Important?

 

Dental hygiene should be a fundamental requirement for everyone. Due to its significance to our overall quality of life, this article will define dental hygiene and explain why it is vital to maintain it. We will also review proper brushing and flossing techniques.

What is dental hygiene?

Dental care is the daily practice of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth with a toothbrush and dental floss so as to prevent dental problems such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and cavities.
The primary goal of dental hygiene is to prevent dental plaque accumulation and other oral conditions. Plaque is a layer of bacteria and food particles that adheres to our teeth. This layer gradually generates acids that, if not regularly removed, degrade the teeth’s protective surface and cause dental and gingival diseases.

Toothbrushing and dental floss are dental hygiene practices that help eliminate dental plaque. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also assist in eliminating additional bacteria responsible for plaque.

 

What else can we do?

 

In addition to the daily oral care mentioned previously, it is essential to know that regular visits to the dentist are necessary to maintain good dental health.
In addition to removing plaque from our teeth that cannot be removed with regular brushing and performing routine treatments (fillings, bridges, etc.), you can visit your nearest Dentist to perform diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and oral cancer screening.

 

Why is dental care so essential?

 

According to a study, more than 42% percent of children have dental problems by the time they enter preschool. Parents must understand the significance of oral health at a young age and teach their children proper dental hygiene.
Good dental care should begin as soon as a child is born, even before they begin teething. Some medications, such as tetracycline (an antibiotic), can result in tooth discoloration in infants. Pregnant and nursing mothers should exercise caution when taking medications.
Oral hygiene ought to be a lifelong practice. A baby’s gums and future teeth should be cleaned with a damp cloth or a soft toothbrush. Too much fluoride can be toxic for infants, so only a small amount of toothpaste should be used.

 

How to care for one’s teeth

You should have your teeth brushed at least three times per day. Because abrupt mechanical actions can irritate or damage delicate oral tissues, we should perform both tasks meticulously but without applying excessive force.

To ensure proper brushing, replace your toothbrush every three months. Ideal toothbrushes typically have soft, nylon bristles and a size and shape that allow them to reach all hard-to-reach spots of the teeth.

Now that we know that brushing your teeth and using dental floss is vital for our dental hygiene, here are some steps to your dental hygiene routine.

1. Brushing

As previously stated, dental hygiene is one of the most important preventative measures against oral diseases.
At least twice per day, and preferably after each meal, we should brush our teeth. To effectively brush our teeth, we must clean every external, internal, and flat surface.

To clean the surfaces, the toothbrush must be held against the gums at a 45-degree angle and moved back and forth in short strokes. On the other hand, the chewing surfaces of the back teeth should be brushed with a flat, back-and-forth motion.
Additionally, it is essential to clean your tongue to eliminate any food particles that may have accumulated there. It should be cleaned using a sweeping motion in reverse.

2. Dental floss
At least once per day, dental floss must be utilized. Regular use can prevent gingival diseases by removing food particles and dental plaque from below the gum line and between the teeth.