Good oral hygiene means that the teeth are clean, free of food debris. Also, the gums are pink, do not hurt or bleed when brushing or flossing.
However, proper oral hygiene does not only consist of brushing our teeth quickly, without paying attention to something that, because it is considered routine, is sometimes done badly.
Thus, a good brushing is essential to eliminate the bacterial plaque in the space between the tooth and the gum, in order to protect the gums from possible infections that may occur.
What tips can help for proper oral hygiene?
There are a series of tips that can help in carrying out good dental hygiene:
- The brush should be used at an angle of 45 degrees, making horizontal vibrating movements. In this way the gingival sulcus will be cleaned with the bristles of the toothbrush. On the other hand, the wider part of the teeth should be brushed with circular movements.
- The teeth should be brushed 2 to 3 times a day for about two minutes. It is especially important to brush at night.
- It is important to brush the tongue because it is an area where there are many bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.
- It is advisable to use a plaque discloser, which is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth and shows in pink where a deeper cleaning may be necessary.
- Dental floss can be very useful to remove food debris between the teeth and, therefore, prevent cavities from appearing.
- Mouthwashes should not be used as a general rule. They are only recommended in cases of gum problems, dental sensitivity or tendency to caries, among others.
- It is important to wash toothbrushes thoroughly after use, changing them every 3 months.
- Electric and interdental toothbrushes are recommended. Their movements make it easier to reach difficult areas.
- It is important that the toothpaste used contains fluoride. The specialist in Odontology and Stomatology will recommend which cream is the most adequate according to the pathologies and characteristics of the patient. There are some whitening creams, for example, that are very abrasive and their excessive use can affect the enamel.
A healthy diet has a direct influence on oral health.
However, good oral hygiene requires, above all, a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy products and vitamins, as well as drinking plenty of water, will help maintain a healthy and well cared for mouth.
Everything we eat has a direct influence on general and oral health, since everything we eat passes through the mouth first, and the teeth are the first to receive food, exposing them to possible dental erosion or cavities.