Routine dental exams are crucial for managing excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing possible issues, but they are not a “fix-all” solution. Meticulous oral homecare habits should be exercised daily to bypass future dental problems.
Periodontal disease is the preeminent cause of tooth loss in the advanced world and is entirely preventable in the immense bulk of cases. Annual professional cleanings joined with daily self-cleaning can eliminate a high percentage of disease-causing bacteria and plaque.
There are various types of oral hygiene treatments on the supermarket shelves, and it can be challenging to determine which will provide the best benefit to your teeth.
Here is some recommendation for oral homecare:
Dental Flosses
Dental floss is the most popular interdental and subgingival cleaning tool that comes in various types and flavors. The floss is made from thin nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Flossing should usually be twice daily after brushing.
Interdental Cleaners
Hygienists and periodontists will suggest interdental brushes along to dental flossing. These small brushes are tender on the gums and very efficient in cleaning the cervices between the gums. Interdental brushes also come in various shapes and sizes.
Mouth Rinses
There are two basic types of mouth rinse available. One is the cosmetic rinses sold over the counter and temporarily suppress bad breath. Two, remedial rinses may or may not need a prescription. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can decrease bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses are recommended to be used after brushing.
Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators are created to clean debris below the gum line. The water is continuously dispensed from tiny jets into the gum pockets, eliminating harmful bacteria and food particles. Oral irrigators have proven useful in decreasing gum disease risk and should not be used instead of brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings are suggested at least twice annually to extract deeper debris.
Rubber Tip Stimulators
A rubber tip stimulator is an exceptional tool for dislodging plaque from around the gum line and stimulating blood flow to the gums. It should be outlined lightly along with the outer and inner gum at least once each day. The plaque on the rubber tip can be washed off with tap water. It is essential to replace the tip as soon as it starts to appear used.
Tongue Cleaners
Tongue cleaners are unique devices designed to remove bacteria, fungi, and food debris from the tongue surface. The fungi and bacteria that are found on the tongue which causes halitosis (bad breath). This can lead to many systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and life-threatening: stroke. Tongue cleaning is recommended to be done before brushing to block backup ingestions.
Toothbrushes
There are various types of toothbrushes available. Dentists generally recommend electric toothbrushes because electric brushes are much more useful than manual brushes. The vibrating or revolving motion helps remove plaque and lift food particles from around the gums and teeth. The results are the same as the manual technique, but much more effort is needed.
Traditional toothbrushes should be substituted every three months because worn bristles become impotent over time. Soft bristle toothbrushes are safer and less damaging to the gum tissue. Also, an appropriate sized ADA approved toothbrush should be chosen to allow proper cleaning of all the teeth. Teeth brushing is highly suggested to be followed after each meal.
