Oral hygiene is essential not only for your oral health but also for general health. Oral care should be part of daily routine starting at age 3. Oral care includes your teeth, gum, and tongue cleaning. Three steps are enough to maintain good oral care: teeth brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Oral hygiene can also be personalized to your specific needs. Let’s see how to maintain your beautiful smile deliberately and with ease.
Here’s a recap of the article:
- BRUSHING, FLOSSING, AND RINSING ARE ESSENTIAL
- BRUSHING SHOULD LAST 2-3 MINUTES
- YOU SHOULD RINSE YOUR MOUTH FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS OR 1 MINUTE
- YOU SHOULD BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE A DAY
- CHILDREN CAN USE TOOTHPASTE STARTING AT 3.
- THERE ARE SEVERAL SIGNS OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE
- POOR ORAL HYGIENE CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS
What Is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is a proper oral hygiene action that includes regular routines. These are the steps involved in keeping teeth clean and healthy.
These steps include regular tooth brushing, flossing, use of the right dental materials, mouth rinsing, and regular dental checkups.
DID YOU KNOW? 💡 Until 1960 the dentists were performing the surgeries all alone without assistants. |
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?
Oral hygiene needs to be maintained not only for oral health but also for general health. One of the most important things in health is the digestive system, which starts with the mouth.
Our mouth has a very unique microbiome. Having a good oral health routine will protect your oral microbiome and eventually your body from diseases in general.
Gut health is also crucial for general health. Having poor oral hygiene can even lead to constipation, unhealthy gut flora, a weak immune system, poor sleep quality, and even mental illnesses.
You can add dental probiotics as supplements for your oral health.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?
Oral hygiene needs to be maintained not only for oral health but also for general health. One of the most important things in health is the digestive system, which starts with the mouth.
Our mouth has a very unique microbiome. Having a good oral health routine will protect your oral microbiome and eventually your body from diseases in general.
Gut health is also crucial for general health. Having poor oral hygiene can even lead to constipation, unhealthy gut flora, a weak immune system, poor sleep quality, and even mental illnesses.
You can add dental probiotics as supplements for your oral health.
How to Have Good Oral Hygiene - Step-by-Step
Some dentists, including the ADA, recommend flossing first and then brushing your teeth. However, you can change the order to brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and rinsing your mouth.
Here’s how to do each of them:
- BRUSHING: Move the soft-bristled toothbrush up and down in small circular motions at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush all surfaces, including the backs of your teeth.
- FLOSSING: Wrap 18 or 24 inches of dental floss around the middle fingers, shape the floss into a C shape with the thumbs and index finger, and move it up and down between the teeth.
- RINSING: Pour 20 ml of mouthwash into your mouth, usually caps are the correct measure for 20 ml, swish in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out without swallowing.
- TONGUE SCRAPING: Stick out your tongue and place the scraper on top, as far back as possible, slide the scraper down and clean it with water after each slide.
Facts about oral hygiene💡The recommended brushing time is 2-3 minutes 💡Not brushing at least twice a day increases the risk of tooth decay to %33. 💡Only brushing affects %40 of teeth hygiene, flossing and rinsing should be added to the routine 💡You should change your toothbrush every four months. 💡Replacing toothbrushes after illness protects you from re-infection. 💡You shouldn’t brush your teeth very hard. 💡You shouldn’t rinse your mouth with water after rinsing to prevent the antibacterial properties. |
Do you need to maintain an oral hygiene routine even if you don't have teeth?
Yes, because oral hygiene is not only about teeth but also general health and gums. Gums should be taken care of, and tongues need to be cleaned to prevent bacteria buildup.
Even if you have crowns, all-on-4 or 6 implants, and dentures, you should still maintain an oral hygiene routine. Because bacteria can attack teeth just like they attack natural teeth, plaque can build up.
If proper care is not maintained, bacteria spread underneath and inside a crown. Dentures need to be soaked because there is a risk of gum inflammation and food residue. All-on-4 or All-on-6 needs to be protected by proper care, so any gum diseases are prevented.
How the Oral Hygiene Routine Should Be for Adults and Children?
The oral hygiene routine is the same for adults and children. Blushing three times a day, at least twice a day, flossing, and rinsing are essential for both groups.
However, there are some differences in oral hygiene instructions for child.
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The American Dental Association’s (ADA) dental guidance covers the importance of dental check-ups, cleanings from a professional, and preventive treatments. The use of fluoride is covered by dental guidance. Pea-sized toothpaste for children between 2 and 6 is enough.
Do newborns need an oral hygiene routine?
Babies do not need an oral care routine like children and adults. Until babies’ teeth come up, parents should be observant. If something different happens, they can intervene. The fungal problem of thrush is common in babies and requires medical attention.
When their teeth grow, they can start to brush their teeth with water until the age of 3. After the age of 3, they can use toothpaste.
How the Oral Hygiene Routine Should Be for Adults and Children?
The oral hygiene routine is the same for adults and children. Blushing three times a day, at least twice a day, flossing, and rinsing are essential for both groups.
However, there are some differences in oral hygiene instructions for child.
| ADULTS | CHILDREN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) dental guidance covers the importance of dental check-ups, cleanings from a professional, and preventive treatments. The use of fluoride is covered by dental guidance. Pea-sized toothpaste for children between 2 and 6 is enough.
Oral hygiene if you have dental appliances
Oral hygiene, if you have dental appliances, is still essential. Also, you may have to be more careful when it comes to oral care with appliances.
If you have;
- Orthodontic Retainers, brushing them after each meal, and keeping them in warm water are important.
- Dental Crowns, threading the floss along the gum line without pulling up to avoid loosening the dental crown is needed.
- Dentures, taking them out, keeping them in water daily, and soaking them is important.
- Dental Braces, super floss, which can easily pass between the teeth behind the bracket, and water flossers, which clean around the bracket but cannot clean between the teeth.
- Dental Bridges, cleaning under the bridges by flossing and fluoride rinsing is done.
- Metal Bands, waxed floss should be used so that floss does not catch the teeth.
- Palate Expander, brushing metal rods and screws as you brush your teeth is needed.
- Lingual Braces, a mouth shower needs to be used because lingual braces are behind the teeth, and it can be difficult to clean them.
- Forsus, cleaning around the springs is essential, and not opening the mouth too much while brushing the teeth will make the brushing process easier.
- Splint, avoid brushing your mouth splint with toothpaste because it can erode splints.
What are the signs of poor oral hygiene?
When oral hygiene is poor, the body gives signals that something is wrong.
- BAD BREATH
- BLEEDING GUMS
- SWOLLEN GUMS
- DRY MOUTH
- SENSITIVITY IN TEETH
- CRACKED LIPS
- TOOTH LOSS
- GUM RECESSION
- TOOTH PAIN
Long-term effects of poor oral hygiene
Long-term poor oral hygiene can cause risky oral diseases. That is why good oral care matters. If good oral hygiene is not maintained for a long time, many diseases can occur in the mouth or even in the whole body.
Here are the oral diseases that can occur due to poor oral hygiene.
- TOOTH DECAY
- TOOTH ABSCESS
- CAVITIES
- BROKEN TEETH
- GUM DISEASES
The bad news is that it is not limited to oral diseases. Many health problems can occur due to poor oral hygiene.
Bacteria, plaque, and inflammation, which are the sources of dental problems, enter the body. This is often the cause of serious health problems. These problems can include heart disease, dementia, acute bronchitis, chronic pneumonia, diabetes, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer, and acne.
I brush and floss and still get plaque: reasons and solutions for you!
Even though you maintain good oral hygiene, you may still get plaque because of some underlying reasons.
- You may have gingivitis: This is a mild gum inflammatory disease that can cause redness, bleeding, and swelling in the gums. This can heal with proper flossing.
- You have untreated tooth decay: You may have tooth decay, and tooth decay cannot be fixed with oral hygiene. You should visit your dentist.
- You might be using the wrong technique: Wrong brushing techniques can lead to plaque and gum diseases. You should do circle motions while brushing.
- The tool you’re using for flossing is inadequate: You may not floss properly, so water flossing, floss picks, or interdental brushes can work better for you.
- Your oral hygiene routine is not working for you: If you do oral hygiene but still get plaque, the routine might not be suitable for you. You should try getting more fluoride.
Change your flossing tool: water flossing might be your thing!
Water floss, also known as oral irrigator or dental water jet, provides water flow between the teeth. In this way, food particles between the teeth and plaque on the teeth are cleaned.
So, under what conditions might it be necessary to use water floss? If you bleed a lot and have dental problems that make flossing difficult, or if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, water floss may be the right choice for you.
Does your diet affect your oral health?
Yes, your diet affects your oral health. Some eating habits can be the reason for gum diseases and tooth decay.
You should consume a diet rich in calcium and phosphorus. Minerals like these will help your tooth enamel gain.
You shouldn’t consume sugary drinks or foods, alcoholic beverages, acidic nutrients, or acidic drinks. They will feed the bacteria in the oral.
Which practices are better for your oral hygiene?
Some practices are extremely important for dental health. It is a must to continue doing these to avoid serious problems and damage to the teeth.
- BRUSHING: By brushing our teeth, we get rid of food residues and bacterial plaque. Thus, the teeth are largely protected.
- FLOSSING: It allows you to get rid of the places where the toothbrush cannot reach and the remaining tooth residues between the teeth. It largely prevents bad breath and infections.
- RINSING: Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash helps get rid of bacteria in your mouth. By getting rid of bacteria, you can get rid of many problems, such as tooth decay and gum problems.
FUN FACT 💡 In the past, a flexible branch was broken off and the edges were chewed to spread the fibers to serve as a toothbrush. |
What are the differences between mouthwash and floss?
Both applications largely prevent gum diseases, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Dental flossing is a process performed with a thin thread to get rid of plaque and food debris between the teeth.
Dental rinsing involves gargling with an antibacterial liquid. It is a liquid solution. Dental rinsing is good at reaching areas that floss cannot reach.
Dental rinsing and dental flossing are different components and supplementary to each other. Lacking one routine may result in inadequate hygiene.
What are the differences between tongue scraper vs mouthwash?
While the tongue scraper rids the tongue of bacteria and dead cells, the mouthwash goes beyond the reach of the tongue scraper and affects a wider area.
Their shapes and usage methods are also completely different. The tongue is gently scraped with a tongue scraper. Mouthwash is a liquid solution and is used as a gargle.
Decoding the differences between flossing vs brushing
Flossing and brushing are the most important duo of oral hygiene.
While tooth brushing targets the teeth and gums, flossing targets between the teeth.
Tooth brushing is done to protect the tooth surface from plaque and bacteria. Dental floss focuses more on cleaning the debris between the teeth.
References:
1-) Fiorillo L. Oral Health: The First Step to Well-Being. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Oct 7;55(10):676. doi: 10.3390/medicina55100676. PMID: 31591341; PMCID: PMC6843908.
2-) Tadin A, Poljak Guberina R, Domazet J, Gavic L. Oral Hygiene Practices and Oral Health Knowledge among Students in Split, Croatia. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Feb 21;10(2):406. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10020406. PMID: 35207018; PMCID: PMC8872387.
3-) Beyene DH, Shashamo BB, Digesa LE, Tariku EZ. Oral Hygiene Practices and Associated Factors among Patients Visiting Private Dental Clinics at Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, 2018. Int J Dent. 2021 Mar 26;2021:8868308. doi: 10.1155/2021/8868308. PMID: 33833806; PMCID: PMC8018861.
4-) “Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth.” National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth.
5-) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (US). “Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges.” NCBI Bookshelf, 1 Dec. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576536.
