Why Oral Hygiene Matters?

Oral hygiene is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall physical health. Oral hygiene not only protects you from issues such as tooth loss, gum diseases, and cavities but also saves you from other health implications. In this article, we will discuss the main aspects of why oral hygiene impacts your health and what measures to take for a permanent solution.

Essentials Of Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your dental hygiene is as essential as your daily physical health routine. By following some measures you can make your oral health healthier and wholesome.

Brushing and Flossing/Interdental Brushing

Flossing or interdental brushing and Brushing all are dental habits to to follow. It helps in maintaining oral hygiene by removing cavities, gum diseases and dental plaque. But brushing alone is not enough for your oral health.

Flossing and brushing both go hand in hand. Flossing or interdental brushing helps in removing plaque and food stuck in your teeth. Brushing does perform this task but the toothbrush bristles don’t reach down to every corner perfectly. So it is important to adopt both habits for better health [1].

Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

For healthy teeth and gums, choosing the right toothbrush that helps maintain health is important. The combo of quality toothbrush and toothpaste ensures that you get the best of your oral health.

Most toothbrushes with soft bristles could help in preventing tooth damage even if it is used hard.

There are plenty of toothpaste you could use such as

Fluoride: It is used by many toothpaste brands. It helps prevent tooth decay and protects teeth from acid and bacteria that can cause cavities. It is beneficial for overall oral health.
Whitening: Such toothpastes include mild chemicals that can help in removing stains that other regular pastes can not. It makes the teeth look whiter
Tartar-resistant: Tartar is caused when the plaque is not removed properly. The toothpaste typically contains ingredients that hinder the mineralization of plaque, making it more difficult for plaque to harden into tartar.

Consistent use of tartar-resistant toothpaste, along with proper oral hygiene practices, can contribute to reducing the formation of tartar on teeth.

Advantages of Mouthwash and Interdental Cleaning

Along with your oral health routine, try using mouthwashes to ensure a quality breath and smile. Some of the benefits of mouthwashes are as follows;

Removes Plaque and Debris: It helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush might miss.
Prevents Gum Disease: Regular interdental cleaning and mouthwashing contribute significantly to preventing gum disease by maintaining the cleanliness of spaces between teeth.
Cavity Prevention: Cleaning between teeth helps prevent cavities in areas that are susceptible to decay but challenging to reach with a toothbrush.
Preserve Tooth Structure: By reducing plaque and preventing decay, interdental cleaning aids in preserving the overall health and structure of your teeth.
Promotes Gum Health: Proper interdental cleaning and mouthwash support healthy gums, reducing the risk of issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.

Want to know 7 rules for healthy teeth? Read this Article!

Preventing common dental problems through oral hygiene

Some common problems that could lead to a bigger dental issue are explained below:

1. Cavity Prevention

Dental cavities usually occur when the tooth enamel is damaged by bacteria or acids. It results in tiny holes or cavities and hence results in tooth loss. Cavity and tooth decay are the most common problems usually found in children and teenagers as it is difficult for them to make it a habit. Children’s oral health is as important as that of adults.

By following small habits for your oral health you can easily ensure that your teeth are as strong as you are. Some tips are as follows;

Avoid Acidic Drinks
Brush and Floss/Interdental Brush daily
Regular Dental checkups
Using Mouthwashes
Using Flouride Toothpaste

2. Gum Disease and Poor Oral Hygiene

Gum diseases affect the tissues attached to the teeth, resulting in bleeding, inflammation of gums and bad breath which impacts dental hygiene.

Risk factors that cause gum diseases are as follows;

Smoking
Diabetes
Genetics

It may also result in tooth loss, to prevent such issues. You should brush, floss, or interdental brush your teeth and you should go for regular dental checkups. Gum disease may impact overall health, linking to cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

3. Bad Breath and its Causes

One of the oral health problems is bad breath or halitosis. It’s caused by several problems such as,

Food: Certain foods such as garlic or onion are usually absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in bad breath and a negative impact on health.
Poor Oral Health Care: Not taking proper measures for the safety of oral health may result in bad breath. If the food eaten is stuck in the teeth, it causes a bad odour.
Improper Cleaning of Dentures: improper cleaning of dentures makes it easy for the bacteria and fungi to produce a bad breath.

Connection Between Oral Hygiene and Physical Health

Oral health is not only linked to the mouth but also to physical health. It is mainly linked with cardiovascular and diabetes issues. Studies have shown that people with gum diseases have a higher risk of getting a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular issues [2].

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Conversely, gum disease can make it challenging to manage blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes.

Understanding and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing/interdental brushing, and professional dental care, can contribute not only to a healthy smile but also to the prevention of potential systemic health problems.

Role in Preventing Respiratory Infections

Poor Oral health is the gateway to all diseases for respiratory issues such as

Bacterial Load Control:

Oral hygiene practices reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, lessening the risk of aspiration into the respiratory system.
Effective oral hygiene lowers the risk of pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations, by limiting the entry of oral bacteria into the respiratory tract.
Oral hygiene prevents and manages gum disease, minimizing inflammation and creating a healthier environment that reduces the risk of respiratory infections.

Regular Dental Check-ups and Professional Cleanings

Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to identify potential dental issues at an early stage. This includes cavities, gum disease, oral cancers, and other concerns that may not be immediately apparent to the individual.

Dental professionals provide care during check-ups, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. These measures help prevent the development of cavities and gum disease, promoting long-term oral health.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Some tips for good oral health are as follows,

Brushing Technique and Frequency
Flossing and Interdental Cleaning
Mouthwash
Proper Nutrition
Hydration
Regular Dental Check-ups
Avoid Tobacco Products
Limit Alcohol Consumption

Proper Brushing Techniques and Frequency

Some of the techniques for brushing are

Brush teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
Gentle circular motion or use Bass Method
Covering all tooth surfaces
Replace the toothbrush every three to four months.

Bass Method

The Bass method of brushing is a dental hygiene technique that focuses on effective plaque removal and gum care. This is an effective method for cleaning teeth.

So, if you want to have a better look at the Bass Method of brushing – Watch this video – click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdjmGxq-X7M.

Choosing Healthy Products for Oral Hygiene

Some of the products that promote oral hygiene are as follows,

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for its remarkable ability to strengthen tooth enamel, so the better the enamel is the better your health is. It helps in cavity prevention, remineralization and sensitivity control.

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum irritation while effectively cleaning teeth and gums. It not only helps in maintaining oral health but also is gentle on gums, minimizes gum trauma and is prescribed by doctors for better hygiene.

Xylitol Chewing gums

Xylitol chewing gum is the most healthy option for chewing gum. Xylitol helps in the prevention of tooth decay and also helps in achieving oral health.

Chewing gums that use xylitol are a better option for your oral health as they are sugar-free and interfere with bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, reducing plaque formation. Xylitol inhibits cavity-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

It not only prevents cavities but also freshens the breath [3].

So why not try Chewing gums for a healthy mouth?

Xylitol Mouthwash

Xylitol is a big relief for your oral health maintenance. Mouthwash containing Xylitol helps in the following ways,

Cavity Defense: Xylitol disrupts bacterial growth, contributing to cavity prevention.

Saliva Stimulation: Encourages saliva production, aiding in pH balance and remineralization.

Plaque Reduction: Helps reduce dental plaque, supporting overall oral hygiene.

Dry Mouth Relief: Moisturizes the mouth, offering relief for individuals with dry mouth and dry cough.

Resolving your oral health-related problems with just a Mouthwash is a miracle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following certain habits make it easy for your oral health maintenance. Some tips such as brushing and flossing/interdental brushing daily, staying hydrated and using fluoride pastes for better oral health. Chewing gums and mouthwashes also have a positive impact on overall health. Oral hygiene can prevent diseases – such as respiratory diseases, gums, inflammation, canker sores, sore throats, colds, back cold, temperature, fever, etc. So why not try small habits for your wellness?