Oral hygiene is a crucial thing for facial aesthetics and health. They say that anyone notices the smile first. However, the importance of oral hygiene is more than this. Very few people understand the need for a proper oral hygiene routine. Let’s explore the definition of oral hygiene and understand what constitutes the best routine for a healthy oral cavity.
What is the Meaning of Oral Hygiene?
The meaning of oral hygiene is maintaining the health and cleanliness of the oral cavity. Oral hygiene definition states that it is the process of ensuring the sanitation of the oral cavity and keeping it free of diseases, infections, and bad odors by following an adequate oral hygiene routine.
A proper oral hygiene routine is not for actively treating a disease or infection, rather it is meant as a preventive step to avoid such issues. Oral health includes the health of all the structures in the oral cavity, such as the teeth, gums, tongue, mucosal lining, the palate, etc. The health status of these structures directly impacts the overall health of the body.
Oral infections carry the risk of getting into the bloodstream and spreading all over. This makes issues like gingivitis, dental caries, etc., a potential risk to health and well-being.
Why is an Oral Hygiene Routine Important?
Good oral hygiene is an important part of being in optimum health and physical shape. The benefits of an effective hygiene routine for the oral cavity include:
Protection from Tooth and Gum Diseases
Maintaining oral hygiene prevents food debris and plaque from staying in the teeth. Both these things are notorious for weakening the natural defenses of teeth and gums and leading to cavities, gum infections, which may eventually cause tooth decay and tooth loss.
Preventing Bad Breath or Halitosis
The oral cavity is a literal treasure trove of bacteria. If you don’t give importance to your oral hygiene, these bacteria lead to bad breath or halitosis.
Preserving General Health
Infections of the oral cavity can get into the bloodstream and circulate to the other sides. This can potentially cause complications such as cardiovascular issues, stroke, problems breathing, etc. This can be avoided by keeping a best oral hygiene routine.
Improving Facial Aesthetics
A beautiful smile adorned by pearly white and healthy teeth is a great social advantage. Maintaining oral health is the simplest way to boost facial aesthetics.
What are the Essential Oral Hygiene Steps?
To avoid poor oral hygiene the following steps should be a part of an effective oral hygiene routine:
Flossing
- Floss every day to clear food debris from the tight spaces between your teeth.
- Gentle and adequate flossing is essential without hurting the gums
Brushing
- Brush teeth morning and night
- Avoid hard bristled toothbrushes
- Brush in circular motion for two minutes
Mouthwash
- Mouthwash protects the dental enamel
- It has a role to protect the mouth against bacteria and plaque
Tongue Cleaning
- Tongue scraping is essential to prevent bad breath
- Do it every day after brushing
Additional Steps
The additional steps that elevate your hygiene routine to the best oral hygiene routine include maintaining hydration, eating processed and sugary foods in moderation, and making regular dental visits.
What are Oral Hygiene Tips and Tricks?
Following these tips and tricks will benefit even those who have an effective oral hygiene routine already in place.
- Brush with patience for two minutes to ensure proper cleaning
- Choose your toothbrush carefully, soft ones will be better.
- Dentists advise the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for dental integrity.
- Brush in circular strokes
- Brush gently without damaging the gums
- Floss regularly
- Maintain a nutritious diet
- Maintain proper hydration levels
- Replace your toothbrush regularly (3 – 4 months)
- Don’t skip on using a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking or oral irritants like tobacco
- Don’t miss visits to the dentist
What are the Limitations of an Oral Hygiene Routine?
Maintaining best oral hygiene can help prevent many problems affecting the structures of the mouth. However, even the most thorough routine has its limitations. It cannot treat existing infections or repair structural damage that has already occurred. Regular oral hygiene practices also cannot replace professional dental cleanings performed by a dentist. Additionally, some areas of the mouth may be difficult to reach and could be overlooked during daily care. Finally, issues such as bite misalignments or crooked teeth cannot be corrected through hygiene practices alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the complications of poor oral hygiene?
Poor oral hygiene complications include disease of the gum, dental caries, plaque, risk for systemic spread of infections and tooth loss.
Is good oral hygiene enough for optimum oral health?
A good oral hygiene routine has to be augmented with regular dentist visits for optimum oral health.
Is it a must to brush after every meal?
No. Brushing teeth twice in the day – in the morning and at night- is enough.
Is mouthwash an essential for the best oral hygiene routine?
No, it isn’t strictly essential to use mouthwash. However, it is a great way to augment oral health along with brushing and flossing.
Manual or electric toothbrush – which is better?
Both types are suitable for oral hygiene, however, an electric toothbrush is better for older people with arthritis or motor deficits.
