Oral hygiene, also known as dental hygiene, is a set of techniques, habits, measures or procedures taken, at home and “at the dentist office” to ensure optimal dental (or oral) health and to avoid medical/dental problems. There are basically two areas of oral hygiene procedures: at-home oral hygiene and dentist’s or dental hygienists oral procedures. Both areas should be addressed and performed appropriately to have an optimal oral hygiene. Doing only one of them (at-home or dentist’s oral hygiene) cannot ensure optimal oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth and teeth clean and healthy is at the core of oral hygiene.
The result of good or optimal dental hygiene practices is a mouth that looks and smells healthy. Many bad breath problems are caused by poor (or non-existent) oral hygiene habits and procedures. The net result of a good oral hygiene program is:
-Clean and healthy teeth (free of debris, or what is known as plaque)
The idea of at-home oral hygiene (or dental hygiene) procedures is prevention. By following at-home oral hygiene practices you are preventing issues before they even start. These are simple habits you should develop and follow though your entire life (and teach your children) so you can be worry free about your mouth and teeth health.
At home oral hygiene practices include:
1) Avoiding foods that may be detrimental to your mouth and teeth dental hygiene. Sugars are at the root of oral hygiene problems. Sugars are taken (as food) by bacteria in your mouth and fermented producing acids that are released into your mouth and teeth. This excess of acids attacks your teeth starting a whole set of problems including tooth decay cavities (caries) development, and gum disease. The best advise of food consumption for good oral hygiene is to eat a balanced diet with few or minimal snacks between meals.
2) Effective teeth brushing after each meal (at least twice a day) and flossing “in between teeth) at least once a day. After each meal food keeps stuck to your teeth. This remnant material should be effectively removed to have a good oral hygiene. Proper teeth brushing and flossing should be learned (from your dentist) and done on a constant basis, preferably after each meal or at least twine a day (flossing is recommended at least once a day)
3) Using water that is fluorinated. Fluor, a chemical element, is the most effective agent for good oral hygiene. The majority of the water supply in the United States is mandated to have a proper level of fluor in its composition. You need to make sure that the water you drink and use is fluorinated for proper oral hygiene.
“At the dentist office” oral hygiene
It is recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year. He (or she) will evaluate your oral hygiene and your teeth health. If you have followed god oral hygiene practices at home you should not have any major work at your dentists office. Your dentist will perform a series of work according to what is needed. This can include professional tooth cleaning, removing plaque (tartar), evaluating gum health and cleaning them , etc. Cavities (if present) should be addressed properly (fillings).
You can improve your chances of having a good oral hygiene by visiting your dentist twice a year and by following good oral oral “at home” practices in between.
