Importance of Oral hygiene

Around six months, when the first teeth appear, it is convenient to start taking care of them. After taking the bottle or taking food, it is convenient to use a wet gauze to clean the baby’s mouth, paying special attention also to the gums. It is advisable to visit the pediatric dentist to verify the correct development of the dentition.

It is the responsibility of the parents, together with the professional guidance of the pediatric dentist, to create good dental hygiene habits in children. It is important to select a suitable toothbrush with soft filaments for effective cleaning of teeth and gums. Also, the selection of toothpaste or toothpaste should be accompanied by professional advice. In most cases, fluoride (strengthening of tooth enamel) is recommended, which must be administered responsibly according to the child’s age. The use of mouth rinses can be used when the child acquires skills to spit and not swallow the liquid.

In adolescence, as the dimensions of the oral cavity change, it is convenient to change the toothbrush and infant toothpaste for adult products. In the adult stage, oral health habits acquired must be maintained for life, along with the periodic check-ups of the dentist.

Diseases caused by poor dental hygiene

types of dental diseases. Avoid it being too late, brushing your teeth three times a day for at least two minutes and using dental floss to prevent plaque buildup. It is the key to avoid the four most common diseases derived from poor oral hygiene:

Cavities.
It is the most common disease and is caused by the decaying foods, mainly when they are sugary and our dental hygiene is not correct. It is visualized by a dark spot that appears on the external surface of the tooth and, if it is not treated in time, can affect the nerve and lead to the loss of teeth.

Gingivitis.
Another of the most frequent complications due to bad oral hygiene is gingivitis. It begins affecting the gums, inflaming them due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the neck of the teeth, producing the annoying bleeding of gums. When not treated in time it can lead to periodontitis, a serious illness that causes infection.

Periodontitis
When gingivitis becomes chronic it ends in this process in which the destruction of the tissues that support the teeth takes place. The final consequence is the loss of all teeth.

Halitosis.
Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay and tobacco use are some of the causes of bad breath in adults. Not flossing or brushing daily facilitates the lodging of food particles between the teeth, the tongue and around the gums. These, when decomposed, are the cause of the bad smell in our mouth.

Common oral health problems

Your oral hygiene defines what kind of person you are, that is because you must take care of your dental health. The oral cavity presents a highly diverse ecosystem, with up to 600 different microbial species that colonize different habitats. The oral biofilm (bacterial plaque) is a complex and organized community of microorganisms that can cooperate with each other and that lead to the creation of favorable conditions for the survival of the most demanding bacterial species. These pathogenic bacteria found in the oral biofilm are responsible for the etiology of the two main oral diseases: caries and periodontitis. In addition, the neglect of oral hygiene can eventually cause the loss of teeth.

How to have a good oral hygiene?

• Perform lingual cleaning. There are special lingual cleansers or scrapers that make this job easier. The tongue should be wiped with a movement from the back to the front to drag the remains of food, flaked cells, mucus, bacteria, etc.
• Use oral irrigators. The direct application of a water jet or mouthwash helps to eliminate the bacteria deposited on the teeth, gums and hard to reach places.
• Perform mouth rinses (daily use or specific as needed), help achieve a complete oral hygiene, effectively reduce the oral biofilm and provide maximum freshness.
• Control the consumption of sugary foods. Ideally, avoid eating them but, if consumed, it is important to wash your teeth afterwards.
• Go to the dentist regularly. It is advisable to visit the dentist to perform a revision of the mouth at least 1-2 times a year, as well as a professional cleaning.