Oral hygiene, when done well, directly affects the health of the whole body in a positive way and forms the basis of healthy smiles throughout life. A healthy oral structure makes the individual feel good physiologically, psychologically and socially.
There are billions of bacteria in the mouth, hundreds of different types, both beneficial and harmful for oral health. Bacteria settle in pockets formed between teeth, tongue, palate, oral mucosa and teeth-gingiva. Harmful bacteria feed on the sugar and carbohydrate content of the food consumed and multiply, causing tooth decay and gingival disease.
Healthy teeth are held firmly in their recesses by the gingival tissue and jawbone. Dental plaque formation caused by bacteria, if it progresses too far, causes inflammation in the gingiva and, if left untreated, causes damage to the bone tissue that surrounds and supports the tooth.
As with all personal care products, oral care products should be used individually to prevent the transmission of diseases.
The front, back and chewing surfaces of the teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle up and down. Toothbrushes should be left clean after each use and replaced approximately every 3 months. If there are teeth in the early decay period, it will be more beneficial to use fluoride toothpastes.
Dental floss should be used to clean the debris accumulated between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot enter.
Tongue cleaning should be done with a toothbrush or tongue cleaners to remove bacteria that may cause bad breath. For more effective mouth cleaning, toothwash can be applied with mouthwash.
Reducing the sugar content in the food and beverages consumed reduces acid formation in the mouth, prevents the rapid growth of harmful bacteria and prevents the formation of tooth and gingival diseases.
Water consumption increases saliva production in the mouth and is beneficial for other functions of the body. In addition, fluoride in water prevents tooth decay. Alcohol and cigarette consumption accelerates tooth decay and causes bad breath. When tea and coffee consumption is high, teeth become discolored and look bad.
Biting or chewing hard objects should be avoided. Foods consumed by chewing increase saliva production and thus the mouth is cleaned naturally.
Having a dental examination twice a year will ensure early diagnosis and treatment of possible diseases and complete oral care. Regardless of age and gender, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene to prevent possible diseases. In infants, decay or premature loss of deciduous teeth, whose formation is completed until the age of 3, affects the health of permanent teeth that will grow during childhood period. The habits gained through proper oral and dental care in childhood period will enable healthy smiles with a healthy oral structure in adulthood.
