Practicing consistent oral hygiene is essential for keeping teeth healthy. It can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other serious dental problems.
Proper oral care includes brushing twice daily with a good technique, flossing, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks, and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and checkups.
Flossing
Flossing removes food particles and bacteria from areas that are difficult for toothbrushes to reach. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay, both of which lead to costly dentist visits. Flossing also helps to prevent bad breath by removing food stuck between the teeth and on the gum line.
To floss properly, take about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand, leaving an inch or two of slack. Then, use the thumb and index fingers of the other hand to hold a clean section of floss taut between them. Gently move the floss up-and-down between each tooth. Be sure to floss below the gum line where bacteria accumulate heavily. After you finish flossing, be sure to discard the dirty section of floss in a trash can.
Teaching children to floss as soon as they have two abutting teeth can help them learn good oral hygiene habits for life and reduce their risk of developing major dental problems in the future. In addition, flossing can help children develop good eating habits by removing food they may not have chewed completely. Getting into the habit of flossing regularly can be easy for children when they learn it is just as important as brushing. Flossing takes only minutes a day and can be done while watching television or doing any other activity.
Interdental Brushes
Cleaning between the teeth is a critical part of a regular oral hygiene routine. Bacteria build up in these tight spaces that a toothbrush can’t reach, and if left unchecked they cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Interdental brushes are small bristled tools that are designed to clean in these spaces between your teeth. They are available in a range of sizes to fit snugly into the gaps between your teeth and can be purchased from most supermarkets and chemists. Research has shown that they are effective at disrupting the bacterial biofilm between your teeth and gums and can be more comfortable and less invasive than floss.
The key is to use the right size brush for your needs and to practice proper technique. The best way to do this is to consult a dental hygienist who can recommend the correct size and demonstrate how to use the brush effectively. When a patient is confident with using the brush they can purchase them to use at home.
GUM’s CURAPROX interdental brushes are a great choice because of their quality, durability and ease of use. They also have a unique space-filling design that ensures even the smallest of gaps between teeth are cleaned effectively without risk of injury to the gum tissue. The key to success with these brushes is for patients to commit to daily use, and a consistent, methodical approach to their application.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash, also known as mouthrinse or gargle, offers a quick and easy way to freshen breath and supplement the brushing and flossing routine. When used properly, it can help to kill bacteria and reduce plaque and tartar. It can even prevent gum disease, such as gingivitis, and whiten teeth. In addition, mouthwash can be used to help rinse away dislodged food particles and residue.
Many types of mouthwash are available, and the type that is right for you will depend on your current oral health. It is important to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens teeth. It is also a good idea to select a mouthwash that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that it has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
In general, mouthwash can be used any time that you would like to refresh your breath or enhance your oral hygiene routine, but it is best to use it after brushing and flossing. If you are unsure which mouthwash is best for you, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. They will be able to recommend a product that can meet your specific needs. The ADA recommends that you follow the instructions on the packaging of your mouthwash. Most mouthwash is meant to be held in the mouth for a brief period of time, swished around, and then spit out.