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What is good
oral hygiene?
GOOD ORAL HYGIENE results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy.
This means:
• Teeth are clean and free of debris.
• Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when brushed or flossed.
• Bad breath is not a constant problem.
How is good oral hygiene practiced?
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that you can
take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and
other dental problems. These include:
• Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily
• Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals
• Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
• Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist recommends it
• Making sure that your children less than 12 years old drink fluoridated
water or take a fluoride supplement if you live in a non-fluoridated area
It takes more than just brushing
OK, so you know about brushing and flossing. But there are other
steps you should take if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some
people assume they will lose their teeth as they age, but that doesn’t have to
happen. Joan Gluch, Ph.D., director of community health at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, suggests these steps to keep your
teeth and your mouth healthy.
Understand your own oral-health needs
“Everyone’s mouth is different,” Gluch says. “Talk to your dentist or dental
hygienist about special conditions in your mouth and the ways your general
health affects your mouth.” Changes in your health status should lead you to
a dental office. “For example, pregnant women will have special oral-health
needs,” Gluch explains. “Or, if you start taking a new medication that can dry
your mouth [as more than 300 common drugs do], you should ask your dentist
or dental hygienist about how that will affect your mouth.”
Commit to a daily oral-health routine
Based on discussions with your dentist or dental hygienist, come up with
an effective oral-health routine that’s easy to follow and takes your situation
into account. For example, if you are taking medication that dries your mouth,
you may want to use fluoride every day. Pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and people in orthodontic treatment
also may want or need special daily care.
