Good Oral Hygiene

It has been said, ‘A smile is the most beautiful curve on a woman’s body.’ Indeed, but it would be great if the beau possesses a set of healthy white teeth to complement a perfect smile.

To begin with, we have to acknowledge the fact that bacteria can live in the mouth in the form of plaques and that they can cause cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. So to have a great smile, we need to, first of all, keep the mouth clean and healthy. We must practice good oral hygiene every day.

Portrait of beautiful with perfect smile. Isolated on white.

What is plaque?

Plaque is that sticky deposit in which bacteria proliferate. They are all over the teeth, including where toothbrushes cannot reach. Many of the food that we eat especially the starchy ones like bread, crackers, cereal and also those sugary items, cause bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. Once formed and unattended, plaque can produce substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding and that can lead to gum disease. In some instances the gums could recede from the teeth and form pockets filled with bacteria and even pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth could also be damaged and teeth may become loose or have to be removed.

The best way to ensure a healthy mouth of teeth is to constantly remove the plaque by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth nicely and allow you to reach all areas easily. Also, use antimicrobial toothpaste that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay. Floss between the teeth once a day or use interdental cleaners to clean between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach.

woman cleaning tooth with floss

The Ideal Way Of Brushing

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria; it helps also to keep your breath fresh.

Smiling young woman with healthy teeth holding a tooth brush

Flossing

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

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