ORAL HYGIENE

INTRODUCTION:
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other
problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and cleaning
between the teeth. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to
enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath.

DISEASES:
The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay (cavities, dental caries) and
gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.

GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums.[1] The most
common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is
in response to bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) that is attached to tooth surfaces,
termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.[2]
While some cases of gingivitis never progress to periodontitis,[3] periodontitis is always
preceded by gingivitis.[4]

PERIODONTITIS:
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions
affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth.[3] In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums
become swollen, red, and may bleed.[3] In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the
gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall
out.[3] Bad breathmay also occur.[1]
Periodontal disease is generally due to bacteria in the mouth infecting the tissue around
the teeth.[3] Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, family history, and certain
medications.
GOOD ORAL HYGIENE:
Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:

 Your teeth are clean and free of debris

 Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss

 Bad breath is not a constant problem

If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing
persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a
problem.

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE:

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take
to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental
problems. These include:

 Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily

 Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals

 Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste

 Rinsing with a fluoride mouthrinse if your dentist tells you to

 Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride
supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.
 ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS:
.

1. TOOTHBRUSH:
When buying a toothbrush, you’ll see hard, medium, and soft bristles. “Always use
a soft-bristled toothbrush. “Hard-bristled and even medium-bristled toothbrushes
are too abrasive on your gums.” You can also consider an electric toothbrush.
“Some people tend to brush too hard or in a harsh sawing motion as opposed to a
gentle circular motion, but an electric toothbrush can help prevent harsh
‘scrubbing’ to give better results," Dr. Chase says. An electric toothbrush can also
make brushing easier for people who have arthritis or another health condition that
affects the hands. Whether manual or powered, your toothbrush should be a size
and shape that fit in your mouth well so that teeth cleaning is comfortable and easy.

Proper Brushing Technique

Tilt the brush at a 45°angle Gently brush the outside, Gently brush your
against the gumline and inside and chewing surface of tongue to remove
sweep or roll the brush away each tooth using short back- bacteria and freshen
from the gumline. and-forth strokes. breath.

2.TOOTHPASTE:
Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth
decay. Many toothpastes also have ingredients that fight tooth sensitivity, gingivitis (early-
stage gum disease), bad breath, or hardened plaque called tartar. “Toothpastes that have
additives, such as whitening agents, can break down tooth enamel,” cautions Chase. Ask
your dentist for recommendations on the best toothpaste for your specific oral health
needs.
There are many different toothpaste currently being offered on the market. While each
brand has slight variations in their formula, most contain the same basic ingredients:
abrasives, coloring agents, detergents, flavoring, fluoride, humectants, thickeners,
preservatives, sweeteners, and whiteners.
Abrasives: used to remove plaque and tartar, abrasives give toothpaste their cleaning
power. Abrasives also polish teeth and remove stains. Common abrasives include
alumina, hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda).
It is important to note that toothpastes which are too abrasive can damage tooth enamel.
This can result in tooth sensitivity and yellowing of the teeth.
Coloring Agents: coloring adds visual appeal to toothpaste. Examples of coloring
agents are red, green (D&C #5), and blue. Titanium dioxide is used to make toothpaste
white.
Detergents: are also referred to as soaps, foaming agents, or surfactants. Detergents
are used to remove compounds that have varied properties such as oil and water. The
foaming action from the detergents also prevents toothpaste from dripping out of the
mouth while brushing. The presence of detergent requires flavoring to mask their flavor.
Common detergents include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sacrosinate.
Unfortunately, these ingredients have been reported to cause canker sores or mouth
ulcers in some users. For those who suffer from canker sores, we recommend the use of
a SLS free toothpaste.
Humectants: are used to maintain a consistent paste-like texture and retain water in
the toothpaste. Retaining water prevents the separation of liquid and solid. Examples of
humectants include sorbitol, glycerin, water, and pentatol. Xylitol is an uncommon, but
superior humectant.
Flavoring: is included to improve the taste of toothpaste. It also masks the flavor of
detergent components especially SLS. Commonly used flavorings are peppermint,
spearmint, cinnamon, wintergreen, and menthol.
Fluoride: also known as sodium monofluorophosphate, fluoride works to prevent decay
by incorporating itself into the tooth enamel. This makes teeth more resistant to acids
product by plaque bacteria.
Preservatives: are included to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the
toothpaste. Commonly used preservatives are sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and
ethyl paraben.
Sweeteners: are only intended to improve taste. Examples of sweeteners are xylitol,
calcium or sodium saccharin and /pages/ aspartame.
Whiteners: are added to toothpaste, but cannot actually whiten teeth. Instead,
whiteners work to reduce stains on teeth. Examples include peroxide, citroxain, and
certain abrasives. Whitening Toothpastes.

TYPES OF TOOTHPASTE:

1.Children’s toothpaste
This type of toothpaste typically contains less fluoride than those designed for adults. This
is because of the health risks posed to children who might accidentally ingest too much
fluoride. Children’s toothpaste also has fewer abrasives in it since kids’ teeth are much
more sensitive than those of adults. Additionally, children’s toothpaste is flavored with the
candy-loving tastes of youngsters in mind.

2. Smoker’s toothpaste
This toothpaste is formulated specifically for those who smoke tobacco. Smokers often
find that their teeth become stained as a result of drawing tobacco smoke into their
mouths. As time passes, tar causes teeth become tainted with yellowish-brown patches.
Toothpaste for smokers usually contains cleansing agents designed to make teeth look
whiter.

3. Teeth-whitening toothpaste
Even if people don’t smoke, they are still susceptible to dental stains that come about as
a result of consuming certain kinds of foods such as coffee, tea or cola. Teeth-whitening
toothpaste contains cleansers and abrasives that help remove or lessen the appearance
of those stains.

4. Sensitive teeth toothpaste

Some individuals have teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold substances. Sensitive teeth
toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, a substance which can help to reduce the painful
sensations associated with this condition

5. Herbal toothpaste
This type of toothpaste is a popular option for people who are either sensitive to the
ingredients in regular toothpaste or who simply want a more natural cleansing alternative.
You should be aware that some of these toothpastes contain no fluoride. Dentists always
recommend toothpastes that do contain fluoride because this ingredient protects enamel
and strengthens teeth.
3.DENTAL FLOSS:
“Flossing is a must for healthy teeth," says Chase. For healthy teeth, you should floss
at least once a day, and Chase recommends using floss at least twice a day. Flossing
removes food particles trapped between teeth that your toothbrush misses, helping to
reduce plaque and the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental floss comes
waxed and unwaxed. If your teeth are tightly spaced, waxed floss or flossing tape may
glide between them more easily. Floss also comes in flavors to make flossing feel like
less of a chore. If you have a preferred brand, stick with it because you’re more likely
to use it.

Proper Flossing Technique

Use about 18" of floss, Gently follow the curves Be sure to clean beneath the
leaving an inch or two to of your teeth. gumline, but avoid snapping the
work with. floss on the gums.

Flossing techniques

1. Wrap roughly 18 inches of floss around the two middle fingers; the remaining floss
can be secured around the preferred fingers of the other hand. Hold the floss firmly
between your thumbs and forefingers - this will help to free up the thumbs and
index fingers, as it is these fingers that will manipulate the floss. Splitting the two
tasks—holding and working the string—makes flossing easier to accomplish.
2. The floss should be manoeuvred between the teeth with a gentle rubbing motion
and curved against one tooth until the floss meets the gum line. Slide the floss
gently between the gum and the tooth.
3. The floss should be held firmly against the tooth and rub along the surface of the
tooth with a gentle up and down movement. This should be continued until the
back side of the last tooth is reached. Follow this process for the remaining teeth.
4. A new section of the floss should be used when plaque builds up on it.

4.DENTAL PICKS AND STICKS:.

If you have trouble using dental floss, interdental (between the teeth) cleaning aids can
help remove plaque. These products include picks, sticks, and mini-brushes to get
between and around teeth. Make sure you can gently get between your teeth and under
your gum line with the product you choose.

5.ORAL IRRIGATORS:
This oral hygiene appliance shoots a steady stream of water in your mouth to remove
food from hard-to-reach places between and around Your teeth. Note that an oral
irrigator is an add-on dental product rather than a substitute for routine brushing and
flossing. Be sure to look for one that you can regulate so the water pressure isn’t too
high.

TYPES OF ORAL IRRIGATORS:

Countertop oral irrigators
As the name suggests, these sit on your bathroom counter and plug into an electrical
outlet. They have a fairly large reservoir, typically holding enough water for 60 seconds
of use or more. Most countertop units have a range of pressure settings, and some
have flow control for the stream of water. Countertop models are the best choice if two
or more people will be using the flosser.
Portable water flossers
These are powered by batteries. Some have rechargeable batteries and come with a
small base for recharging between cleaning sessions, while others operate with
disposable batteries and are entirely self-contained. These devices are handy for
travel, or in a very small bathroom, but don’t have as much power – or as many
pressure settings – as countertop models. Their reservoir is much smaller, generally
holding enough water for 30 to 45 seconds of use. Although you can switch tips to
share a portable water flosser with other family members, these are generally best for
just one or two people.

6.TEETH WHITENERS:
The best way to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist, where you can get a product
with a custom fit tray. Teeth whiteners use peroxide solutions to actually bleach teeth.
You can also try an over-the-counter product, such as whitening strips. Chase says
these whitening products are good, but won’t give the same results as an office
treatment because the peroxide solution isn’t as strong and the strips aren’t customized
to fit your mouth.
How to whitening teeth’s naturally;
Making dietary changes
Trying oil pulling
Brushing with baking soda
Using hydrogen peroxide
Whitening with fruits
Maintaining oral hygiene

7.MOUTHWASH:

Different mouthwashes tackle different dental problems. Some help reduce plaque
and prevent gingivitis; others contain fluoride to help fight cavities. Some can control
or mask bad breath. “If you have difficulty brushing and flossing, a mouthwash may
provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease,” Talk to your dentist
about which mouthwash is best for you.
Steps to follow when using fluoride rinse

 Use the right amount - Use the amount of rinse indicated on the label or as
directed by your dentist.
 Swish like you mean it - Keep your mouth closed and swish the rinse vigorously
as directed on the label.
 Spit - Don't swallow mouth rinse. The fluoride in most fluoride rinses can be toxic
if you swallow large enough amounts. If you allow your child to use mouthwash,
supervise to be sure that he or she spits it out and doesn't swallow it
 Wait - To get the most benefit from a fluoride mouthwash, avoid eating, drinking,
or smoking for at least 30 minutes so you don't wash away the fluoride

8.TONGUE SCRAPERS:
“Tongue scrapers can help lessen bad breath by reducing the amount of bacteria that
cause it”. But your toothbrush can do the job just as well. Some studies have shown
that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by 70 percent.
 BENEFITS OF TONGUE SCRAPER:
Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup, as well as:

 Improve your sense of taste. Older research suggests that using a tongue
scraper twice daily can improve your sense of taste. Your tongue may be able to
better distinguish between bitter, sweet, salty, and sour sensations.

 Improve the appearance of your tongue. Buildup of excess debris can cause
your tongue to take on a white, coated appearance. Daily scraping can
help remove this coating and prevent it from returning.

 Remove bacteria. Researchers in one 2005 study Trusted Source found that
using a tongue scraper twice a day for seven days reduced the overall incidence
of Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria
types are known to cause bad breath and dental decay.

 Improve overall health. Removing bacteria is key to preventing cavities, gum

disease, and other conditions affecting the mouth. Tongue scraping can help
clearTrusted Source these bacteria from the mouth, improving your tongue’s
appearance and overall sensation.

 Reduce bad breath. Although tongue scraping can’t replace brushing your teeth,
scraping may do some things better. Researchers in one 2004 study found that
scraping was more effective than brushing at removing odor-causing bacteri
IMORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE:

A healthy mouth can be a great asset.

Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and
digest food, they help us to talk and speak clearly and they also give our face its
shape.

A smile also has other day-to-day benefits. It can give us greater confidence, as
well as influence our social lives, careers and relationships.

Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible.

National Smile Month is our chance to take a look at our oral health, learn more
about why a healthy smile is so important and share tips on how to improve and
maintain it.

Good oral health can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits.

A healthy smile can truly transform our visual appearance, the positivity of our
mind-set, as well as improving the health of not only our mouth but our body too.