The practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems and bad breath is dental hygiene or oral hygiene. The removal of dental plaque and tartar from teeth, which cause cavities, gingivitis and gum disease is known as teeth cleaning. Gum disease causes at least one third of adult tooth loss.
It is always recommended that teeth be cleaned at least twice a year, professionally. Tooth scaling, tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar is built up, followed by a fluoride treatment all constitute teeth cleaning.
Tartar build up which is one of the root causes of all dental problems can be prevented through good dental hygiene. Oral hygiene involves frequent brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss prevents buildup of plaque producing bacteria. For a good dental hygiene, massaging of gums is essential.
The food and drink that are taken in play the most important role in dental hygiene. Vitamin D strengthens the teeth. Vitamin B that is present in bread and cereals and vitamin c present in fruits and vegetables contribute to healthy gum tissue. Magnesium and zinc present in non-vegetarian foods are also needed for teeth.
The pH level in the mouth should be stabilized to just above 7 to prevent tooth being exposed to acid. Milk and cheese raise the pH value in the mouth and also contain calcium and phosphate essential for remineralisation. Fibre rich foods help to increase the flow of saliva and thus help to prevent cavities.
Starch is not an ideal food for the bacteria because enzymes should convert it in saliva first. Therefore containing foods starch and sugar are commonly associated with dental cavities. Sucrose, glucose and maltose are equally likely to cause cavities. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the teeth are exposed to low pH levels. So, frequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar should be discouraged. Even fresh fruit and fruit juices contain sugar and acids that lower the pH level. But carbonic acid found in soda water is not associated with dental cavities. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities enormously. Sticky sweet foods may reduce the pH in the mouth.
Therefore it is important to clean the teeth at least twice a day preferably with a fluoride toothpaste using toothbrush, which removes any food sticking to the mouth. The dental plaque coating the teeth surface can be removed by regular brushing and the use of dental floss. Chewing gum may help in cleaning and removing particles between and around the mouth but is not recommended for teeth in poor condition. Smoking and chewing tobacco easily invite multiple dental hazards.
Mouth wash or mouth rinse improves dental hygiene. Dental gums also improve dental health. Retainers can be cleaned in mouthwash or denture cleaning liquid but they should be soaked in cleaning solution or brushed regularly to keep them extremely clean.
Related Articles
Reasons for Dentists Recommending Dental Crowns
By: Lesley Lyon | 01/02/2008 | Dental Care
A major advantage of crowning a tooth over restoration is that crowns give much more protection against future fracture or recurrent decay. Read on to various types of dental crowns and why do doctors recommend them.
Understanding Dental Implants
By: Lesley Lyon | 01/02/2008 | Dental Care
A dental implant is the artificial tooth root replacement of a missing tooth and is made from surgical grade titanium alloy. Read on to learn when and why we should go for dental implants.
Dental Insurance is No Longer for Rich and Famous Alone
By: Lesley Lyon | 01/02/2008 | Dental Care
Of late, dental insurance has become a necessity in everybody’s healthcare system. A well planned dental insurance can protect us from sudden expenses arising out of dental illness. Read on for tips to choose the right dental insurance plan for you.
Most Common Teeth Whitening Procedures
By: Lesley Lyon | 01/02/2008 | Dental Care
Teeth whitening is recommended for those who have had no treatments done like filling to their teeth. Generally, there are three methods available for teeth whitening namely whitening toothpaste, bleaching at home and over the counter strips. Read on to know the most common teeth whitening procedures.
Major Advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure
By: Lesley Lyon | 01/02/2008 | Dental Care
Laser teeth whitening is a technique used by most of the dentists to bleach or whiten the teeth. Healthy teeth play a greater part in keeping good health. Tooth whitening by laser is one of the most common methods adopted by many people since it is efficient, quick and painless.
Keeping Oral Health of Children
By: S. Geetha | 30/09/2007 | Health
Oral hygiene is very important in children as poor oral hygiene may lead to poor health and other kind of dental diseases. This article explains how to maintain oral health of children.
Why Dental Insurance is a Must
By: S. Geetha | 30/09/2007 | Health
The need for Dental insurance is very crucial as people are becoming aware of the fact that the costs involved in taking care of the teeth and gums are very expensive. Read on to learn various types of dental insurances that will help reduce costs of dental care.
Dental Insurance – an Overview
By: S. Geetha | 30/09/2007 | Health
The amount of money spent on dental procedures and dental care is on the rise. The author discusses how one can reduce the costs of dental care by choosing the right and affordable dental insurance plans.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
List of dentist or oral surg. that have BIT implants
By: Ric Sullivan | 23-07-2008
Hi, how do I get a list of oral surg. or whomever, who I can get BIT dental implants in Denver, CO. How much do they cost.
Teeth growing back
By: marty | 21-07-2008
Is there a dentist that is using the DNA to grow a persons teeth back. I seen this on CNN about 4 years ago and they said it would be about 5 years before it was something that a person have done.
And if yes, where can I go?
Free dental work
By: hen | 20-07-2008
Do any one know of a dentist or program that will provide free dental work. I have a gum disease and need four of my front teeth pulled and then I need a partial do any one know some dentist in or around charlotte nc.
How do I brush my dog's teeth?
By: NeverGiveUp125 | 20-07-2008
How do I brush my dog's teeth? I know to use only special dog toothpaste but is there a special way to actually brush the teeth?
Do I have to pay charges above the insurance company payment Toronto
By: larry stanley | 18-07-2008
does anyone know a dentist who wll work with the fees that my insurance company pays?
Texas dental laws
By: pbriggs | 17-07-2008
texas dental laws
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Dental Care Articles
Types of Health Insurance
By: SamRosy | 26/07/2008
These days health insurance has become a necessity. With the medical expenses rising higher, and paying them digs deep cracks in our pockets.
Choosing the Dentist That’s Right for You
By: Patricia Woloch | 25/07/2008
Whether it’s a painful cavity that needs a filling, the replacement of a tooth that’s been knocked out, or repair of broken, chipped, or crooked teeth, your confidence in your dentist’s expertise will make all the difference in the world.
Simple Home Remedies for Whitening Teeth
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008
There are many treatments to get whiter teeth. There are laser treatments, whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, gels, chewing gum, and even whitening markers just to name a few.
Finding the Right Lancaster Teeth Whitening System
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008
Everyone longs for healthy and white teeth. They enhance your natural beauty and increase your confidence. There are several ways to gain a brighter smile, but where does one even begin to start?
A Look at Home Teeth Whitening Kits and How You Save
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008
I would love to go in and have a quick one-hour laser whitening, but at this point in time I am too broke, so I turned to home teeth whitening kits for help. I am a college student and not surprisingly,
Teeth Have Roots?
By: Patricia Woloch | 25/07/2008
It may sound silly but it’s true. Your teeth need a good root structure just like your flowers do.
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Methods
By: Lyla Feldman | 25/07/2008
We all want a bright white smile. It is just a matter of how much you are willing to spend and what you are willing to do to get one. Some things are better left to the professionals to take care of and others can be treated at home. I have struggled with yellow teeth because I love red wine and grape juice. We are going to examine the pros and cons of the various whitening treatments available to you to obtain those pearly whites.
Brushing Prevents Heart Attacks
By: Sharon Bell | 24/07/2008
What’s the simplest way to prevent a heart attack? Just keep your mouth clean by means of brushing and flossing. Experts say this simple act could save your life.
More from Adam Boulton
World’s Cheapest Cars
By: Adam Boulton | 03/06/2008 | Cars
The much-awaited people's car from Tata Motors in India is supposed to be the world's cheapest car as of today. Check out here for all the available cheapest cars across the global market.
How Tata Nano Was Built
By: Adam Boulton | 03/06/2008 | Cars
Lots of engineering minds grouped together to produce the Tata Nano – which is an automobile marvel and a dream come true for those looking for the cheapest car. Read on to know the various factors that made an Indian’s dream a reality.
Tata Nano Online Booking
By: Adam Boulton | 03/06/2008 | Cars
Do you wonder how a car can be booked online? Check out here to know how the manufacturers of the world’s cheapest car are planning to take the process of buying the dream machine right at your desktop.
Tata Nano Features
By: Adam Boulton | 03/06/2008 | Cars
Despite its low price tag, Tata Nano may not lag behind when it comes to adhering to safety norms and in terms of all basic features. Read on to know the key features of the “People’s Car.”
Tata Nano – the People’s Car
By: Adam Boulton | 03/06/2008 | Cars
The Tata Motors of India has proved that it can indeed bring out the world cheapest car as promised as the whole world is waiting in much anticipation to welcome the real people’s car.
Tips for Preparing the Best Curriculum Vitae
By: Adam Boulton | 27/04/2008 | Careers
The curriculum vitae should account for the writer's full academic and career history describing the achievements and it is better to be typed or word-processed. Read on for a few useful tips to make your CV stand out in the crowd.
Benefits of Hiring Resume Writing Services
By: Adam Boulton | 27/04/2008 | Careers
Resume writing services assist in making a resume stand out from the crowd and help get interviews quickly. This article elaborates some key benefits of hiring such services to increase our chances of finding the right job.
Why Resume Cover Letter is Crucial
By: Adam Boulton | 27/04/2008 | Careers
A cover letter accompanies each resume and it is sensible to devote the needed time and effort to write effective cover letters because the cover letter may either assist in obtaining a job interview or result in having the resume rejected. Read to on to know how to draft a decent resume cover letter.
Health 
