Health Tuition
No Result
View All Result
Health Tuition
No Result
View All Result
Health Tuition
No Result
View All Result
Home Dental and Oral Health

Good Oral Hygiene: What is it, and Why it’s Important

What is oral hygiene?

By Miriam Rashid
Updated September 19, 2019
in Dental and Oral Health, Dental Surgery
Good Oral Hygiene

Mother showing her baby how to brush her teeth

ADVERTISEMENT

The medical dictionary defines oral hygiene as brushing and flossing of teeth, to keep them in good health and free from tooth decay and gum disease.

The importance of oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is paramount when it comes to fighting plaque, preventing bad breath, tooth decay and gum diseases.

Unremoved Plaque is one of the major causes of gum disease such as Gingivitis.

Plaque is a combination of food particles and bacteria, that result in the generation of an acid that has adverse on your teeth.

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Jawline Contouring Woman Repairing for surgery

Jawline Contouring: Everything You Need to Know

Teeth Braces

How Braces Straighten Teeth in Children and Adults

Jaw implants

Jaw Implants: Everything You Need to Know About Jaw Implants

Jawline Surgery Vs. Implants, Botox and dermal fillers

Jawline Surgery vs. Implants, Fillers, and Botox

ADVERTISEMENT

When left untreated, it lodges deep into the fissures and crevices of teeth forming an acid that has the following effects on your teeth;

  • Eats away the enamel; your teeth’s protective layer causing holes or cavities
  • Periodontal disease that leads to tooth loss

Brushing your teeth every day after meals and flossing at least once daily will help prevent your tooth from decay and stop mouth bacteria from multiplying.

Good oral hygiene practices

Proper Brushing

Brushing your entire mouth and not just your teeth is an integral part of maintaining fresh breath, clean teeth, and overall oral health.

Concentrate on your tongue, teeth, cheeks, and roof of your mouth.

Steps to proper brushing of teeth

  • Put a pea-sized amount of the toothpaste of choice on your toothbrush
  • Place your toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle, against your gum line, and touching on your teeth as well.
  • Start by brushing the inner surface using a back and forth motion, then up and down.
  • Repeat the same on the outer surface.
  • Next, gently brush the roof, your mouth followed by the tongue and then the cheeks.
  • Brush using light strokes as being abrasive might injure your gum.

The minimum number of times that you should brush your teeth daily is twice

Flossing

Flossing is effective at getting rid of food residue that often sticks in your teeth’s crevices.

Brushing doesn’t do all the work, and using dental floss can help keep tooth decay at bay. Floss at least once a day.

Eat a tooth-friendly diet.

Avoid sugary foods and opt for healthy foods like fruits, nuts, chicken, and vegetables. These foods encourage chewing, and the abrasion is excellent for your teeth.

Visit your dentist regularly.

The dentist will give you a full oral exam to see the status of your dental health.

During the exam, the dentist can identify potential problems such as teeth that are prone to cavities and can also clean plaque.

Bad oral habits

According to WebMD brushing, flossing, seeing your dentist regularly, and consuming a teeth-friendly diet is not enough to keep your oral hygiene in check.

ADVERTISEMENT

You could be harming your teeth by engaging in the following habits.

  • Chewing on ice cubes: The cold temperatures and brittleness of the ice can make your teeth crack.
  • Using your teeth to open bottles and other containers: Your teeth’s sole purpose it to chew food. Such actions are hard on your teeth and can make your teeth chip
  • Grinding your teeth: Grinding is similar to filing and can wear down your teeth
  • Not seeing a reputable dentist: Ensure that you see a certified dentist that is knowledgeable on dental hygiene matters.
  • Using the wrong toothbrush: Never use a toothbrush whose bristles are too hard as they may damage your teeth and gums. When purchasing your toothbrush, ensure that it has a tongue cleaner for easier cleaning of your tongue.

How do you fix poor dental hygiene?

Do you feel like you’ve neglected your teeth for years? It’s never too late to fix poor dental hygiene.

Start by properly brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day.

Dental hygiene month

What is dental hygiene month?

The dental hygiene month is the month that dental hygienists set aside, to celebrate the work that they do, and to help raise awareness of the importance of dental health.

According to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the dental awareness month for children is in February.

Colgate, a leading toothpaste brand states that October is the dental hygiene month for adults.

During this month, the focus is on practices that can help keep dental health intact such as;

  • Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Rinsing
  • Chewing

Adherence to the practices promotes healthy gums, strong teeth, and fresh breath.

ADVERTISEMENT

In addition, ensure that you see a dentist regularly. Always remembers that a clean mouth can encourage social interactions, which can raise your self-esteem.

  • Was this Article Helpful ?
  • YesNo
ADVERTISEMENT
ShareTweetSendPin2Send

Related Posts

Jawline Contouring Woman Repairing for surgery
Facial Contouring

Jawline Contouring: Everything You Need to Know

If you have a receding chin or jowl that won't go away, jawline contouring could help you get the look...

Read more
Teeth Braces
Dental and Oral Health

How Braces Straighten Teeth in Children and Adults

Not everyone is born with naturally straight teeth and a perfect smile. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can fix this for you...

Read more
Jaw implants
Dental Surgery

Jaw Implants: Everything You Need to Know About Jaw Implants

Facial implants are solid, synthetic materials used to enhance or augment your facial features. They are mostly used to add...

Read more
Jawline Surgery Vs. Implants, Botox and dermal fillers
Dental Surgery

Jawline Surgery vs. Implants, Fillers, and Botox

Jawline surgery, as well as facial fillers, implants, and Botox, can all be used to enhance your jawline's appearance. Each...

Read more
Visiting a dentist regularly
Dental and Oral Health

Why Visiting a Dentist Regularly Is Important

It is very important to maintain your oral health as you maintain your physical health. Most people do regular physical...

Read more
Next Post
Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

ADVERTISEMENT

Get Health Tips from Global Experts to Your Inbox

Follow Us

Health Topics A-Z

Diseases & Conditions

In the News

Terms of Use

Find an Online Doctor

About Us

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Editorial Policy

Advertising Policy

Editorial Process

Medical Review Team

Advertise

Careers

Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis.

© 2023 Healthtuition Media Inc. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Staying Healthy
    • Dental and Oral Health
    • Diet & Weight Loss
    • Exercise & Fitness
  • Diseases & Conditions
    • Cancer A-Z
      • Lung Cancer
      • Breast Cancer
    • Diabetes
      • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Allergies
    • Digestive Health
      • Acid Reflux
      • Heartburn
      • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Health A-Z
  • Mind & Mood
    • Mental Health
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
  • Cosmetic Surgery
    • Facial Procedures
      • Facelift Surgery
      • Eyelid Lift Surgery
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Brow Lift Surgery
      • Cheek Augmentation
      • Chin Surgery
    • Breast Procedures
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Lift Surgery
      • Breast Reduction
      • Breast Implants
      • Fat Transfer Augmentation
    • Body Procedures
      • Liposuction
      • Tummy Tuck
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Body Contouring
      • Arm Lift
      • Body Procedures
      • Thigh Lift
      • Fat Transfer
      • Non Surgical Fat Reduction
    • Non-Surgical Procedures
      • Botox Injection
  • Women’s Health
    • Pregnancy
    • Women’s Sexual Health
    • Female infertility
  • Find A Doctor

Copyright © 2023 Healthtuition Media. All rights reserved. Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis.