The key to maintaining and maintaining good oral health is hygiene.
This term, hygiene, brings together the totality of the maneuvers carried out by the dentist and completed by the patient to maintain the health of the oral cavity and the whole body. A healthy oral cavity, in which dental units and soft and hard tissues are are in good condition, both aesthetically and functionally, is made up of intact, carefully maintained arches.
It is recommended that the oral cavity be professionally cleaned by a dentist twice a year.
consists of scaling, professional brushing, application of fluoride gels to teeth susceptible to decay and other treatments to prevent bacterial attack.
The patient must take care of oral hygiene at least twice a day, especially in the morning and evening.
It is recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, toothpaste with a reduced grain and the brushing should not be aggressive to the teeth, as the force exerted is reduced.
Additional methods that complement the classic tooth brushing are as follows:
Mouthwash – should be a must in your personal hygiene protocol.
It is recommended to rinse the mouth with mouthwash every time after brushing.
Mouthwash, through the substances it contains, helps to keep bacteria at bay, thus forming a protective film on the teeth.
Floss – is useful in removing plaque from the interdental area.
It is estimated that about 30% of bacteria are found between the teeth.
Conventional toothbrush brushes do not have the ability to fully penetrate these spaces, so flossing is recommended in this situation.
Dental floss can be made of different materials and can have various consistencies, ranging from waxy to silky.
Oral Irigator – these are relatively new products and are designed to remove plaque by means of a jet of water, which hits the tooth surfaces and dislodges bacterial blocks.
Inspecting the oral cavity
Patients can also inspect their oral cavity at home to check that the teeth and adjacent structures are in good health:
Pigmentations – these are unsightly discolorations, or rather discolorations, that may be present in the dental units or fillings.
They are most often dark and can result from the consumption of dark or potentially pigmented liquids and foods. In other situations, depigmentation of tooth surfaces may occur, suggesting the onset of caries, specifically the early stage of dental demineralization.
Dental fractures – unless accompanied by the appearance of sensitivity, dental fractures are simple and often barely detectable by the patient. However, by comparing them with neighboring teeth and observing abnormalities in shape, the patient can contact the dentist who will make the correct diagnosis.
Tooth mobility – can best be assessed by pinching the tooth between two hard, non-compressible surfaces. Healthy teeth have a mobility that cannot be detected by the patient. If the patient notices its presence, it is advisable to contact the dentist.
The more receptive and interested patients are in good oral health, the more durable the results of hygiene will be.
