Healthy white teeth are one of the main attributes of beauty. The condition of the teeth also affects our overall health. That's why the right oral hygiene is so important for us, which will be discussed below.
Hygiene of the oral cavity affects the condition of the teeth and protects them from the most common and most dangerous in the consequences of diseases. This is especially true for caries. This problem affects about 95% of the inhabitants of the country. The cause of caries is the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface after each meal. In remains of food, bacteria multiply rapidly, releasing acids in the process of their vital activity. Under the influence of these acids, the demineralization process begins, i.e. destruction and excretion of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from the enamel of the teeth. The enamel is thinner, cavities appear which, over time, become wider. Damage to the enamel leads to various incidental problems. The body gets an infection, spreads by blood, causing severe consequences. Especially caries is dangerous for pregnant women, because this is an "open door" for diseases.
You can protect yourself from caries by following the principles of proper oral hygiene. There is nothing complicated, but everything needs to be done properly and regularly. The most important role in this matter is played by a toothbrush and paste.
What should be a toothbrush?
It plays a major role in the process of dental care and disease prevention. In the modern market, there are a huge number of brushes of various shapes, colors and functions. How not to get lost in this diversity? And what is really important when choosing a brush, and what is just another advertising trick?
Recommended by the health authorities, brushes are always made of high quality material. In this case, dentists prevent the use of natural bristles, since each hair has a channel that collects a lot of bacteria. Smooth fibers should be rounded to avoid accumulation of bacteria. Ideal is the option, in which the bristles are arranged in three rows and different lengths for easy cleaning of the gaps between the teeth and gum massage. The bristles can be serrated, so that it is easier to slide between the teeth.
Achievement of distant and hard-to-reach teeth is facilitated by a flexible tip. The toothbrush can also have an anti-slip pad under the thumb. In some brushes, the fibers are arranged like "bundles" for cleaning periodontal pockets. The brush should not be too big. The handle should be thin and long to provide access to all hard-to-reach places in the oral cavity. It is usually recommended to brush your teeth with firm enough movements with a noticeable pressure, but with pain in the gums it is better to use soft brushes. Usually dentists recommend using brushes with medium stiff bristles.
It is also important to store the toothbrush correctly and change it in time. After cleaning the teeth, the brush should ideally be washed and stored in such a way as to be able to dry well, because the bacteria multiply very quickly. Experts recommend a replacement for a new toothbrush after at least two months. It would also be necessary to replace it after each infection.
In addition to traditional brushes, you can use interdental brushes, toothpicks, interdental threads and special balsam rinses for proper oral hygiene. We can also use them for cleaning implants, artificial teeth or orthodontic devices.
How to properly brush your teeth?
The main rule - brushing your teeth should last at least 3 minutes. However, do not rub them too hard, as you can damage the enamel. Try to act neatly to cover all cracks and crevices. People and children who do not like to brush their teeth for a long time can use electric toothbrushes. They make about 3000 revolutions per minute and do not require special cleaning methods. They are expensive, but much more durable than conventional brushes and at times more efficient.
The most effective way to maintain oral hygiene is cleaning your teeth after each meal. If this is not possible, then at least rinse your mouth after eating at least twice a day, i.e. after breakfast and after dinner. It is better if they are special rinsers, which have antibacterial agents. During the day after each meal, rinse your mouth with water or a special liquid. Use your optimum pH in the oral cavity, which will help prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
You can also chew an elastic band containing xylitol. Experts confirm that immediately after eating, the elastic band is able to remove plaque and food remnants from the teeth. True, to give teeth white and cure for caries, no gum is capable of this advertising move.
Which toothpaste to choose?
The effectiveness of cleaning can be improved by using appropriate pastes and powders for teeth. Modern toothpastes contain all the necessary components and substances, the effectiveness of which is clinically proven. Remember that the names of all components that make up the paste must be placed on the package.
There are strong pastes, disinfectants, refreshing breaths and protecting from tartar. They include so-called abrasive materials that help remove plaque (eg, calcium carbonate, silicates), and foaming agents to remove debris from hard-to-reach places. All toothpastes also contain fluorine (for example, sodium fluoride, calcium fluoride, fluorine amine). The market offers a variety of pastes, with different tastes and compositions. Preventive pastes containing fluoride are the most popular. They accelerate the process of including calcium from the saliva in the enamel of the teeth. But be careful - fluoride in large quantities is life-threatening! Carefully read the label of the paste you are buying. Medical pastes with a fluoride content of more than 1500 micrograms. daily use is contraindicated! Especially dangerous it can become for children - for them there is a special children's toothpaste.
Whitening toothpastes can remove stains on teeth that result from the use of certain foods, such as coffee, tea, medicines containing iron. Pigments, also contained in cigarette smoke, often cause the appearance of yellowish spots on the teeth. Whitening pastes contain in their composition silica, pyrophosphates or a combination of pyrophosphate with polymers. They are very popular, as more and more we are interested in brilliant white teeth. After consulting a doctor, you can also use dental gels. Persons who are especially interested in the full brilliance of their teeth can perform a special cosmetic operation - teeth whitening.
There are also many toothpastes that have a complex composition and are curative. They remove plaque from the teeth, protect them from decay, prevent discoloration and provide fresh breath. Such pastes are not expensive, they can be used only after consulting a doctor. However, their effectiveness (with proper quality) is indisputable.
Did you know?
Dentures should be cleaned in the same way as we clean and "natural" teeth. Various companies also offer cleaning and disinfectants, intended only for dentures. However, the fundamentals of proper oral hygiene for dentures have not yet been canceled.
Children's teeth are not children's problems
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, tooth decay is a disease of more than 95% of Russian children. Teeth undergo disintegration and disease in more than half of children under 12 years old. Even the youngest children under the age of three already have tooth decay and tooth decay. The reason is simple - ecology, malnutrition and lack of oral hygiene.
Sweets are the main enemies of children's teeth. There are, however, among them and useful "delicious". Chewing gum without sugar with xylitol has a wide practical effect, because it can not be used as a habitat for bacteria. Also, the chewing gum neutralizes the acid in the plaque and helps restore the pH to a level that is safe for enamel.
Auxiliary means of hygiene of the oral cavity
There are many good drugs in support of oral hygiene. They help in the fight against harmful acid, tartar, are able to prevent gingivitis, protect the teeth from periodontal disease, provide an optimal pH in the oral cavity and leave a lasting fresh fragrance. These include lotions and various mouthwashes. They contain special substances that help to solve specific problems with the teeth or mouth. You can buy them in pharmacies, in stores, as well as in dental offices.