Dr Yusuf Da Costa

Hyde Road
Parkwood Estate
Tel: 021 705 1350

The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene And Preventive Care

Oral hygiene and dental care is commonly known as the process of maintaining your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy all at the same time to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, plaque, cavities and also bad breath. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth, flossing, cleaning the tongue, and visiting your dentist frequently.

Brushing the teeth regularly is a good preventive care, because it helps remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. When brushing, remember that it must be performed with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least three times a day, and if possible, after every meal and snack. An effective brushing is one that cleans each outer tooth surface, inner tooth surface, and the flat chewing surfaces of the back teeth. More so, brushing the tongue along with the teeth is very important, as it can remove bacteria and fungi that can lead to serious dental problems and bad breath. Finally, keep in mind that the toothbrush also wears out and must be replaced after three months of constant use.

Habitual brushing is no doubt an important part of oral health, but of course, this can’t be enough as there are some areas of the mouth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach. That is the reason why flossing is best recommended, as it can reach between the teeth and clean all areas of the teeth. At the same time, it also helps to strengthen the gums. One good alternative to flossing is called interdental brushes. Several oral health specialists promote interdental brushing because it is gentler on the gums. For good dental hygiene, teeth whitening and oral hygiene products such as mouthwash can protect the teeth and gums against periodontal disease.

It has been said that practicing oral hygiene can also be influenced by lifestyle and diet choices. This is true. In fact, both smoking and chewing tobacco are proven to be really damaging and harmful to oral health. Some foods can be detrimental too, like those that are high in sugar, especially sucrose or table sugar, as it contributes to the formation of cavities as well as tooth decay.

Dr Y Da Costa

ydacosta@iburst.co.za

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