Oral Hygiene
- Oral hygiene refers to keeping the mouth, and all the teeth, clean and free of dental plaque.
- "Daily oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing can prevent both caries and gingivitis."
- You are also advised to see your dentist twice a year for professional scaling and polishing.
Plaque, Calculus or Tartar
Dental plaque is a thin coating of bacteria and food particles that stick to teeth.
- Plaque cannot be rinsed off, but can only be removed by brushing and flossing.
- Dental plaque is formed when the bacteria that normally live in our mouths are allowed to accumulate on and attach to the teeth.
- Plaque converts dietary sugars to acid.
- The acid dissolves the tooth material and causes tooth to decay.
- Plaque calcifies and hardens to become calculus or tartar.
- These hardened deposits can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist by scaling and polishing, as brushing cannot do so.
Why is Oral Hygiene important and best way to control plaque?
- The practice of oral hygiene is important because it prevents the build up of dental plaque.
- Plaque causes the two most common diseases like, dental decay & gum disease.
- The longer dental plaque sticks to the teeth, the greater the risk of dental disease.
- Brushing and flossing will control plaque formation.
- Brush and floss twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.
- Rinse daily with a mouthwash.
- Eating less refined sugar will reduce plaque formation.
Brushing:
Why do we brush our teeth?
- It is important to remove the dental plaque and food that stick to teeth, and cause decay and gum disease.
- Brushing and flossing are the most effective ways of controlling plaque.
- You need to be aware of the fact that plaque is being formed continuously.
- Plaque formation and growth cannot be stopped. Plaque can only be controlled by regular daily removal.
How often should your toothbrushes be changed?
The toothbrush should be changed at the first sign of wear.
- The bristles may become flattened and lose their shape.
- Bristles wear differently from person to person depending on how the toothbrush is used.
- Plaque removal becomes less efficient with an old worn toothbrush.
- It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every four to six months.
Are electric toothbrushes recommended by dentist?
Electric toothbrushes have proven to be very successful in maintaining good oral health, and removing plaque.
- The action of the brush is more efficient than the manual brush for cleaning teeth.
- Electric toothbrushes are recommended for the elderly and people with arthritis or other disabilities, who may find it difficult to manage with a manual toothbrush.
- Children enjoy the fun of using an electric toothbrush. It will result in a more thorough cleaning of their teeth, particularly at an early age.
- As they grow older it may be less important to use an electric toothbrush.
- It is effective with fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Remember that the cleaning of teeth will only be successful, if the motivation exists to have healthy teeth and gums.
- Electric toothbrushes may provide interest and motivation for people who are reluctant to brush their teeth properly.
- Consult your dentist and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Routine Dental Examinations
"Prevention is better than cure"
These are why we strongly believe in & thereby encourage all our patients to come to us for regular routine dental check ups (generally 2 times a year) than to come to us with problems.
These regular check ups that we conduct include:
These are why we strongly believe in & thereby encourage all our patients to come to us for regular routine dental check ups (generally 2 times a year) than to come to us with problems.
These regular check ups that we conduct include:
- Plaque & Calculus detection.
- Removal of sub & supra gingival plaque & calculus by routine scaling & polishing procedures.
- Checking for any signs of tooth decay or cavities.
- Checking the already existing restorations & prosthesis.
- Checking for signs of food impaction.
- Regular Radiographs to rule out any future problems.