Oral Hygiene | Properly take care of your teeth| Products in Market

Question: How to properly take care of your teeth?

1. choose Fluoride TOOTHPASTE

Why fluoride toothpaste? Reduces risk for cavity and makes enamel strong.

FLUORINATED TOOTHPASTE decreases enamel solubility by acids and also improves remineralization.

Always do toothbrushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Use peanut-size toothpaste only.

3m Clinpro 5000 1.1% toothpaste (it's more expensive than the other toothpaste available in the market but it is worth buying)

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-Enafix toothpaste (less cost than 3m clinpro).

-GC Tooth Mousse toothpaste

2. Use Fluoride Mouthwashes

Fluoride mouthwashes are oral hygiene products that contain fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. These mouthwashes are used to supplement regular brushing and flossing and can help strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth against acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.

Fluoride mouthwashes come in different concentrations and formulations and can be used by both children and adults. They are typically recommended for people who are at high risk of developing cavities or who have a history of dental problems.

Few examples of Fluoride mouthwashes-

-Flurosid Mouthwash STIM

APF (Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride) mouthwash

- Fluoritop ICPA

3. Correct brushing technique

The modified Bass technique is a toothbrushing method that is often recommended by dentist for effective plaque removal and maintaining good oral hygiene. This technique involves the following steps:

1. Try holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.

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2. Gently brush back and forth in short strokes, about the width of one tooth.

3. Using a gentle circular motion, brush the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.

4. Angle the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes to clean the backs of your front teeth.

5. Always brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

The modified Bass technique is designed to remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line and tooth surfaces, helping to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush

and fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging your gums and teeth.

Also, Change your toothbrush every month or in two months or when you see bristles spreading away.

Additionally, it is recommended to brush for two minutes twice a day and to floss daily for optimal oral health.

watch the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRI4mlhOFo to know what type of toothbrush to use, how to keep Angulation of Brush, what is the ideal Timing of Brushing, what is the Movement of Brushing.

4. Flossing daily.

Flossing daily is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene.

While brushing can clean the surfaces of your teeth, it cannot effectively reach the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline where food particles, bacteria, and plaque can accumulate. This is where dental floss a small thread slides and removes the food particles, plaque, and so bacteria.

Flossing helps remove this plaque buildup and prevents gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Watch the video to learn how to floss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAp2FeO4hCI

5. Use of Mouthwashes

Mouthwash is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene.

While brushing and flossing can help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, mouthwash can help reach areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush or floss.

Mouthwash works to freshen breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, promote healing, and provide an extra layer of protection.

Some of the mouthwash that can be used on a daily basis

-Chlorhexidine

-Hydrogen peroxide

-Betadine

-Salt water rinses

6. Use of Interdental Brushes/Toothpicks.

Interdental brushes and toothpicks are small, pointed brushes and tip that are designed to clean the open and tight spaces between your teeth and along the gumline.

They are particularly useful for people who have small to large interdental spaces.

Some Interdental brushes and toothpicks-

-Tepe Interdental brushes

-Dr. Barman's Toothpick

Watch the video for

How to use interdental brushes? and How to use interdental toothpicks?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFc3xc3JtOg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGAeIR8vpfU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4KIsopfWP4

7. APPLY Gum paints

Gum paints are liquid solutions that are applied topically to the gums using a cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush. They are designed to help relieve pain, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums, which can be caused by gum disease, gingivitis, or other oral health issues.

Gum paints benefit in relieving pain and inflammation, reducing bleeding from gums, fighting infection, Soothes oral tissues, and promoting healing and good oral hygiene.

Some Gum Paints widely used-

-TAN-X Gum paint

-HiOra-GA Himalaya Gum Astringent

-Pyosan Gum Paint

-Sensoform Gum paint

-STOLIN Gum Astringent

-Zingisol Gum Paint

8. Fluoride application treatment

Fluoride Treatment every 6 months from a nearby Dentist.

Fluoride application by the dentist is a common preventive dental treatment used to protect and strengthen teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be found in water, food, and some dental products.

When applied to the teeth, fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel, which can help reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health issues.

9. Routine X-Rays

Tell your Dentist to take 5 x-rays (upper/ lower right and left back teeth from canine to the last molar) of yours every quarterly or 6 months or yearly (depending on the caries activity level) to keep a track of caries activity.

10. MUST Brushing at night

It is a super important oral hygiene routine, no matter what you eat or drink. Mouthwash cannot be a substitute for brushing. Brushing is a must. You can do Clean Brushing (without toothpaste). Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEqDNAJbwmY

11. Restrict eating between meals.

Avoid eating toffee/ chocolate/ milk/soda/pizza/burger/chewing gum/or any sugary food or drink in between your meal if you are willing to take care of your teeth.

But Why?

The bacteria in your mouth convert the sugars into acid and with prolonged exposure to sugar there is an increase in acid production, which decreases saliva production which can reduce the natural cleaning and protective properties of saliva, also the opportunity for the saliva to naturally neutralize the acids in your mouth decreases.

To minimize the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems, it is recommended first to restrict yourself in eating toffee/ chocolate/ milk/soda/pizza/burgers/chewing gum/or any sugary food or drink in between your meal and secondly if consumed during meal times always do toothbrushing and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.

12. Stop habits

Stop drinking acidic Coke, lime, or any fizzy drinks.

Completely stop tobacco, paan, smoke, cigarette, and similar.

Important Note:

You need to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, as soon as you do it you will see a change.

Get your fillings completed before it reaches deep. It will save not only your tooth from getting super decay but also save your money which you will be spending on the future high-end treatment.

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)