Did you know that most dental issues stem from poor oral hygiene? Dental health is about more than just having a beautiful smile. It prevents several health issues that drastically affect your overall well-being.
According to the Colgate Oral Care Center, poor oral health results in serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and kidney problems. People with gum disease typically have a weakened immune system that leaves them vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria. It causes inflammation and increases the risk of developing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and in some cases, pregnancy complications.
Dentists emphasize the need for proper oral hygiene as the first line of defense against many of these diseases. Maintaining good dental hygiene is critical and requires a simple, daily cleaning routine. To avoid that dreaded trip to restorative dental care, always ensure you clean your teeth regularly.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene
Key Statistics
According to the World Health Organization, up to 90% of children suffer tooth cavities. Studies also show that 10 of 10000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually. Up to 100% of adults suffer tooth decay at least once in their lifetime.
Studies also show that 20% of adults between 35 and 44 suffer from severe gum disease, and 30% of 65-74-year-olds have lost their natural teeth. These figures emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 26% of adults in the U.S have untreated gum disease. Almost 46% of adults above 30 also show signs of this disease. Gum problems are prevalent and cause tooth loss and oral cancer.
Gum disease weakens the immune system and causes a variety of chronic illnesses. This issue causes jaw joint disease. A compromised immune system also causes autoimmune problems such as osteoporosis among women. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to these conditions, and can affect the baby’s health.
Studies show that we lose 34 million school hours because of emergency, unplanned dental care. The U.S also loses $45 billion in productivity due to untreated dental problems in working-class adults. This problem shows the critical nature of dental health and emphasizes the need for good oral hygiene.
Children develop cavities from as early as four years. By the time they turn eight, almost 55% of children have suffered from at least one cavity. Severe gum disease, tooth loss, and cavities are the most common conditions caused by poor dental hygiene. 100% of adults suffer from one or all of these conditions during their lifetime.
Oral diseases and their resulting complications affect up to 3.5 billion people worldwide. Note that this is about 50% of the global population. 530 million children suffer from tooth decay and other gum-related issues. There are also between 300 and 700 new cases of oral cancer cases every year.
Good oral hygiene is the best preventive measure for dental diseases and prevents several complications. It improves social interactions and increases employment potential.
How to Clean Your Teeth at Home Like a Dentist
Cleaning your teeth is an easy process that only takes about five minutes daily. With the right tools, this process will ensure you maintain optimal dental health throughout your lifetime.
Floss
While brushing your teeth will do most of the heavy lifting, flossing will help clean those hard-to-reach areas. Spaces in between your teeth are difficult to reach when brushing. This process helps o get rid of food particles along the gum line and between the teeth. It also reduces the likelihood of red gums and soreness by removing plaque. It also reduces the risk of tooth discoloration by preventing plaque.
Flossing also prevents plaque from developing into tartar which may cause problems such as gingivitis and bad breath. Floss supplements brush your teeth and remove disease-causing bacteria trapped along the gum line. Flossing also helps with teeth whitening by eliminating plaque that causes tooth discoloration.
Procedure
Floss your teeth once or twice every day. The most critical time is to do t before you go to sleep. Ensure you floss before you brush your teeth to loosen any plaque or food particles trapped between your teeth.
There are several types of floss. The most common and readily available types are waxed and un-waxed thread. While they all serve the same purpose, other types, such as super floss and water floss, are also recommended. Consult dental care experts for the best and most reliable floss solution.
Use a Mouthwash
After loosening food particles and debris, rinse your mouth off with a disinfectant mouthwash. This antibacterial remedy helps fight infection and maintain fresh breath for longer. It uses antiseptic ingredients to strengthen enamel and prevent plaque from building up.
An oral rinse is only effective when used correctly. It is not a substitute for brushing your teeth. It supplements this process by fighting disease-causing bacteria. Using mouth wash is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Procedure
Oral rinse is at its most effective when used after brushing and flossing. Start by thoroughly brushing your teeth and loosening up any debris or plaque. Gargle between three and five teaspoons of mouthwash once or twice a day.
Put the mouthwash into the measuring cup and empty it into your mouth. Gargle for about 30 seconds to one minute, then spit it out. Ensure you do not swallow the contents. Use mouthwash as often as you brush your teeth. The recommended frequency is twice a day.
According to the Journal of Oral and MaxillioFacial Research, mouthwash helps fight symptoms of gum disease, swollen gums, and mouth ulcers. Oral rinses that contain fluoride also strengthen your teeth and make them plaque resistant.
Critical Information About Oral Rinses
Most oral rinses contain fluoride and alcohol in high volumes. Dentists do not recommend these products for children below 16 years. Consuming these ingredients can have some side effects. Consult dental experts and registered nurses before you use oral rinses.
Brush Your Teeth
Not brushing your teeth for several days can result in an onset of gum disease. This process is the most effective way to prevent plaque and reduce disease-causing bacteria. Brushing your teeth helps maintain fresh breath. Brushing your teeth also prevents other chronic diseases such as lung problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is a simple process with several benefits.
Procedure
A tooth cleaning service recommends brushing your teeth at least twice every day. Supplement this process with regular flossing and use an oral rinse. To effectively brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush and do it in gentle strokes. Do not be too aggressive. Brush inside and outside surfaces at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Also, ensure you softly brush your tongue to eliminate any food particles.
There are several types of toothbrushes. The first step is to find the right one for you. Ensure the brush can reach every part of your mouth comfortably. The toothbrush should have soft bristles that bend and access under the gums. A hard toothbrush can injure your gum and wear down your teeth. The size of the toothbrush head is also crucial. Go for the appropriate tool if your mouth is small to ensure you brush effectively.
Be gentle when brushing your teeth. Aggression will cause injury. Plaque and leftover food particles are soft, so gentle brushing will effectively loosen this debris. Brushing your teeth should be more of a massaging process. Take your time and gently brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
Find the Proper Toothpaste
Always check the ingredients of toothpaste before you buy it. Invest in products that contain fluoride. This component helps strengthen and rebuild damaged teeth. It is also crucial to check for abrasive ingredients that may damage oral health. Calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, and alumina can have severe side effects.
Find a toothpaste that has up to 90% natural ingredients. These products eliminate bacteria without the use of harmful chemicals. They also don’t contain natural sweeteners and detergents that irritate your mouth. Natural remedies such as mint and hydrated silica effectively clean your mouth and strengthen your teeth.
Dental Scaling for a Deep Clean
No matter how intricate your teeth cleaning process is, plaque and debris build-up are inevitable. There are several pockets between your teeth and at the base of your gum line that toothbrushes and flosses can not reach. Dental scaling is critical for this reason.
Scaling is a process that thoroughly cleans the teeth by removing plaque build up. It is a deep cleaning process that supplements your regular cleaning regimen. Dental scaling is uncomfortable and occurs in a professional family dental clinic. It takes a while for plaque to become problematic, so the process happens once or twice a year.
Procedure: Dental Scaling at Home
You can effectively scale your teeth at home by using an interdental cleaner. This product removes tough plaque and tartar residue between your teeth and gums. Use a water flosser and an antiseptic mouthwash to help make the process more effective.
Include home dental tools such as tartar scrapers, dental tweezers, and oral scalers in your oral hygiene kit for the best results. You can also use a mouth mirror to help you navigate the hard-to-reach areas.
Disclaimer: Dental scaling is an intricate process that requires a steady hand. Most scaling tools are sharp and can injure your gums without the proper procedure. These tools require extreme caution. Scaling tools are also expensive. They are also not recommended for people with dental implants, a dental crown, and sensitive teeth. Before considering home dental scaling, ensure you consult a professional dentist.
Use Baking Soda
According to the Journal of American Dental Association, baking soda is a critical ingredient in teeth cleaning. This chemical agent reduces biofilm formation and helps to remove tough plaque deposits. Baking soda is bio-compatible, easily accessible, and cheap. It has several antibacterial properties that make it ideal for plaque removal. This compound is also non-abrasive and is ideal for people with routine dental problems.
Baking soda has a high pH. This alkaline quality helps to demineralize tartar and break down stubborn bacteria cells. It also helps balance the pH inside your mouth and prevents enamel loss. This property keeps your teeth strong and healthy. Baking soda also contains antimicrobial properties that reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Invest in toothpaste and oral rinses that contain baking soda as an ingredient. It helps remove calcium from tooth enamel and prevents discoloration. It has low abrasive levels that are not harmful to your teeth.
Drink Fluoride Water
The easiest way to maintain oral health is to drink fluoride water. Studies show that it reduces tooth decay by up to 25% in all ages. Fluoridated water is safe and has contributed to a decline in cavities since the 1960s. It is an easy, cheap way to maintain oral health in kids and adults.
Home oral care is your first line of defense against long-term dental problems. Oral hygiene also helps mitigate other health problems caused by poor dental health. As you brush your teeth and floss, visit a dentist at least once a year. A restorative dentistry service will ensure your teeth stay healthy. Find a local dental practice that will advise you on the best home care and how to establish an effective cleaning regimen.
