A neat appearance of teeth is a feature most patients want.
All dental treatments performed in the dental office, whether restorative or prophylaxis must be complemented by a rigorous hygiene protocol on the part of the patient.
This will lead to maintaining results and preventing relapses.
Cavities and gum disease, which are responsible for tooth loss, can be prevented by observing proper hygiene carried out correctly.
The advice given by your dentist will help to eliminate bad habits.
Tips for correct brushing
Even if patients claim to brush their teeth regularly, technique and means are also important to achieve the desired results.
Type of toothbrush:
Whether it’s a classic brush or an electric one, it’s important that its bristles are fine, soft so as not to damage tooth enamel. Even though hard brushes give the impression of removing plaque in a more effective manner, in fact, the enamel is being assaulted and the hard prismatic structure will undergo changes that will compete for increased amounts of plaque.
Brushing after every meal:
Bacterial attack begins shortly after food ingestion. To remove the harmful effects, tooth brushing should be carried out immediately after eating. It is considered that the efficiency of dental hygiene carried out by classical brushing alone is at most 30%, as the interdental spaces and oral mucosa may contain increased amounts of pathogens. Interdental brushes and mouthwash help to complement traditional brushing.
Replacing toothbrushes:
Normally every 3 months the toothbrush needs to be replaced due to bacterial build-up. If, in this time, you notice that its bristles have deteriorated, replacement should be done sooner. A fully functional toothbrush helps us to maintain optimal hygiene.
Pressure applied during brushing:
Studies show that patients use more pressure than indicated during brushing. Over time, this leads to enamel wear, especially in the socket area, which is close to the gums. These cause hypersensitivity over time or, more seriously, fracture of the dental unit.
Teeth should be brushed without using excessive pressure, because plaque deposits are soft and easily removed.
Brushing technique:
To stimulate the soft tissues adjacent to the teeth, brushing will also interest gentle massaging of the gums. The toothbrush will be held at a 45-degree angle and the strokes will be vertical, from the gum to the tooth. Rotational movements may also be used, especially for occlusal surfaces.
Following this protocol will result in effective plaque removal and maintain the integrity of the enamel.
However, for complete hygiene, auxiliary means of care should not be ignored. These are represented by the following:
Flossing:
Useful for interdental spaces where the toothbrush cannot penetrate, it plays a role in disorganising the bacterial film.
Interdental brushes:
These are more effective than flossing, because in addition to disorganizing the bacterial film, they actually remove it.
Mouthwash:
As antiseptic for oral mucosa.
A check-up at the dentist’s every 6 months allows the dental health status to be assessed and preventive measures for oral diseases to be taken.
Oral Irrigators
Using an oral irrigator has been shown to be effective, particularly for patients with orthodontic appliances, dental implants, fixed and removable prosthetic restorations, periodontal patients, children and the elderly who lack the dexterity to perform a thorough oral hygiene.
