Oral Hygiene

The Bacteria resides in your mouth in the form of plaque, which can cause cavities and gingivitis. Bacteria and plaque are major reasons for periodontal (gum) diseases. To keep your mouth clean and healthy you should maintain good oral hygiene daily.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a biofilm that builds up on your teeth, and it contains lots of bacteria. However, a lot of times even proper brushing does not reach the innermost corners of your mouth which leads to residual material containing bacteria in your mouth. These areas of plaque can be made worse by certain food products,  especially sugary foods or starches which are found in food items like bread, crackers, and cereal. Plaque also creates irritation in gums, making them red and, sensitive. All of this leads to gum disease, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with more bacteria and pus. If timely medical attention is not provided for gum disease, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and the teeth might have to be removed.

How do you get rid of plaque?

The most effective way to get rid of plaque is by brushing and cleaning your teeth regularly. Brushing effectively removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth.

It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The toothbrush should ideally fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas of your mouth easily. Using toothpaste which contains fluoride and antimicrobial agents will also help to protect your teeth from decay. Flossing is also highly recommended by dentists across the globe in order to clean the surfaces between the teeth, which can prevent plaque buildup in these areas, and prevent gum disease.

What is the best way to brush and floss your teeth?

The American Dental Association recommends certain techniques for healthy brushing and flossing

Brushing

• Keep a 45-degree angle in between your brush and gums when brushing.
• The motion of movement of the brush should be back and forth gently in short strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces of the tooth, then the inner tooth surfaces next to the tongue, and then the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of your brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down motion.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Move the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss is nearing the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one of the teeth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point in between the teeth and then move the floss up and down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

What else can you do for a healthy mouth?

In addition to the daily brushing and flossing, a good mouthwash can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial Mouth rinses with antimicrobial agents reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which causes gingivitis and gum diseases. Fluoride mouth rinses also help to reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Make sure you consult with your dentist before using a mouthwash. Fluoride rinses are not recommended for children younger than 6 years, as they may swallow them. Always remember to check the manufacturer’s label on the bottle for precautions and age recommendations.