Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?
Oral hygiene is crucial for several reasons:
Preventing Dental Issues
Good oral hygiene helps prevent common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. By brushing and flossing regularly, you remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that can lead to these issues.
Maintaining Fresh Breath
Proper oral hygiene helps keep your breath fresh by removing bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Preserving Overall Health
Research has shown a connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to various health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.
Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
Brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine dental checkups, help protect your teeth and gums from damage and infection. This can prevent the need for costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.
Enhancing Appearance
A healthy smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Good oral hygiene helps keep your teeth white, your gums pink and healthy-looking, and your breath fresh, contributing to an attractive smile.
Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential for both your dental health and your overall well-being. It's a simple yet powerful way to protect your smile and preserve your health for years to come.
How to Brush
If you encounter any discomfort or have questions about proper brushing techniques, please don't hesitate to contact our office at Orchid Dental Care Office Phone Number 408-395-8888.
Dr. Yagobi and Dr. Karimi recommend using a soft to medium toothbrush. Angle the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. With gentle, circular motions, brush the outside surfaces of your teeth using small strokes. Apply light pressure when brushing between teeth to avoid discomfort.
After cleaning the outside surfaces, repeat the process for the inside surfaces of your back teeth. For the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically and make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Be sure to brush the surrounding gum tissue as well.
Next, clean the biting surfaces of your teeth using short, gentle strokes. Change the brush position as needed to reach all surfaces. Use a mirror to ensure thorough cleaning. After brushing, rinse vigorously to remove any loosened plaque.
How to Floss
Periodontal disease often develops between teeth where brushing alone can't reach. Flossing is an effective way to remove plaque from these areas. Follow these steps for proper technique:
1. Start with about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around one middle finger and the rest around the opposite finger.
2. Hold the floss tightly between thumb and forefinger and gently insert it between teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
3. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.
4. Move the floss up and down on both sides of each tooth, being careful not to cut the gum tissue.
5. As the floss becomes soiled, use a fresh section.
6. Don't forget to floss the back side of the last tooth on both upper and lower teeth.
7. Rinse vigorously with water after flossing.
Don't be alarmed if your gums bleed or feel sore during the first week of flossing. With regular flossing, your gums will heal, and bleeding should stop.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
After dental treatment, teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Maintaining a clean mouth can alleviate this sensitivity. If your teeth remain sensitive, consult your dentist, who may recommend a specialized toothpaste or mouth rinse for sensitive teeth.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
Navigating the array of dental care products available can be overwhelming, but here are some recommendations to help you select products that are effective for most patients:
Electric Toothbrushes: Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for most people. Oral irrigators, while thoroughly rinsing the mouth, do not remove plaque alone. It's essential to use them in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Electric toothbrushes such as Rotadent and Interplak have shown excellent results.
Specialized Toothbrushes: Some toothbrushes feature a rubber tip on the handle for massaging the gums after brushing. Interproximal toothbrushes are designed to clean between teeth, but it's crucial to discuss proper usage with your dentist to prevent gum injury.
Fluoride Products: Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses, when used alongside brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%. However, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years old. Tartar control toothpaste may reduce tartar above the gum line, but since gum disease begins below the gum line, its efficacy in preventing early gum disease is not proven.
Anti-Plaque Rinses: ADA-approved anti-plaque rinses contain agents that can help manage early gum disease. Incorporate these rinses into your oral hygiene routine alongside brushing and flossing for optimal results.
Professional Cleaning
While daily brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining oral health, professional cleaning is necessary to remove calculus in areas missed by your home oral care routine. Regular visits to our office are essential in preventing gum disease and preserving your teeth for a lifetime.