General Oral Hygiene
What is plaque?
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared
foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as bread,
crackers, and cereal also cause acids to form. If you snack often, this increases the
likelihood of acid attacks. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed
easily. After some time, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with
more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be
destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. Gum disease is a main cause
of tooth loss in adults. Watch your diet and limit your intake of sweet food and drinks to
mealtimes only - when you can follow up with tooth brushing to remove plaque and prevent
acid attack.
What is daily oral health care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth
every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice a day,
with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth,
allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which
helps protect your teeth from decay. Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or
interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth where the toothbrush can't
reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and
mouth clean:
How do I best brush my teeth?
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against
the gums.
Move the brush back and forth gently in short
(tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth
surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the
inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your
breath.
How do I floss my teeth?
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of
it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of
the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss
tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle
rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a
C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub
the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of
interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you use
interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring
your gums.
Why bother with dental health, especially with time and financial constraints?
There may be countless personal priorities (time, finances, etc.) that may postpone or
cause avoidance regarding a person's desire for a healthy mouth and a dazzling smile. In
the long run, however, tooth decay that could be easily cared for by a conservative
filling, after less than a year's neglect, may result in root canal therapy and a crown at
a cost of twelve to fifteen times the cost of a filling. It is important to ask your
dentist how often you need a check-up to avoid costly and more complex treatment.
Delaying preventive care is not cost-effective--not to mention the risk to one's health.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly,
you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.
Next: Understand and
manage your fears and pain
- A helpful tooth chart.
- Which dental specialties
perform which dental procedures.
- What to look for in a good
dental relationship.
- What can be done to stop tooth
decay.
- Learn what Halitosis is and what
you can do about it.
- General oral hygiene information for that great new
smile.
- Learn to understand and
manage fears of pain or gagging
- Sleep through dental
procedures.
- Glossary of dental terms
- Useful links that will be
helpful to you while you're doing your research
- A list of Dental Schools
- A checklist will help you to
find the right cosmetic dentist for you.
   
A Guide to oral hygiene for a healthy smile.
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