Oral hygiene is the best means of prevention of cavities (dental caries),
gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental disorders. It also helps to prevent
bad breath (halitosis). Oral hygiene is necessary for all persons to maintain
the health of their teeth and mouth. Healthy teeth have less cavities. They are
clean and have minimal or no plaque deposits. Healthy gums are pink and firm.
Oral hygiene consists of both personal and professional care. Dental
X-rays may be performed as part of routine professional examinations.
Careful brushing and flossing help to prevent
build-up of plaque and calculus (tartar). The teeth should be brushed at least
twice daily and flossed at least once per day. For some people, brushing and
flossing may be recommended after every meal and at bedtime. Consult the dentist
or dental hygienist if instruction or demonstration of proper brushing and
flossing techniques is needed.
Special appliances or tools may be
recommended to supplement (but not to replace) tooth brushing and flossing.
These include special toothpicks, toothbrushes, water irrigation, or other
devices. Initially electric toothbrushes were only recommended for persons who
have problems with strength or dexterity of their hands, but many dentists are
now recommending them to many other patients in order to improve their dental
home care.
Fluoride-containing, or anti-plaque (tartar control)
toothpastes or mouth rinses may be recommended by the dentist or dental
hygienist.
Dentures, retainers, and other appliances must be kept
extremely clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in
a cleansing solution.
PROFESSIONAL CARE 
Regular tooth cleaning by the
dentist or dental hygienist is important to remove plaque that may develop even
with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a
patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes scaling and
polishing. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and
remove deposits from the teeth.
Many dentists recommend having the teeth
professionally cleaned every 6 months. More frequent cleaning and examination
may be necessary during the treatment of many of the dental/oral disorders.
Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may
include yearly, select dental X-rays. See also dental plaque identification
procedure and removal.
Good oral hygiene prevents, and is vital to the
treatment of, many of the dental and oral disorders. Good oral hygiene results
in healthy teeth and mouth. So contact our dentist or dental hygienist to
schedule routine dental cleaning and examination. or to receive instructions and
demonstration of proper brushing or flossing techniques is needed
