Oral health is achievable, and it begins with us. The two predominant oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal disease are entirely preventable. Taking ownership of your oral and general well-being is key to maintaining a healthy smile.
The Role of Plaque
Plaque is the common culprit behind caries and gum disease. Its removal and prevention are the foundation of good oral health. In the UK, 82% of women and 67% of men brush their teeth twice daily, and 58% use additional products like mouthwash or floss. Yet, oral diseases are the most prevalent non-communicable disease in the world. Furthermore, periodontal disease affects over 50% of adults.
Why is this?
While regular brushing is essential, most people haven’t been shown how to brush effectively enough to eliminate plaque. Effective home care routines, focused on prevention, are critical to managing oral disease.
Tips for Effective Oral Hygiene
- Brushing Your Teeth
- Brush twice daily for two minutes, first and last thing each day.
- Brushing alone only removes plaque from three of five surfaces of the teeth.
- Cleaning Between Teeth
- Use interdental brushes once daily to clean interdental spaces.
- Floss only where interdental brushes don’t fit – floss is not effective for interdental cleaning.
- Beyond Brushing
- Specialised brushes such as The Precision Brush are ideal for implants, gum margins, and areas with gum recession.
Brushing Tips & Tricks
- Build a routine that fits your lifestyle.
- Stay focused; avoid multitasking while brushing.
- Use a mirror and good lighting for better visibility and control.
- Don’t rush – effective brushing takes time.
- Practise patience – it’s a skill that improves with time and effort.
The Role of Toothpaste & Mouthwash
- Toothpaste primarily delivers fluoride, which protects against cavities.
- After brushing, spit out excess toothpaste but don’t rinse – this retains fluoride.
- Toothpastes and mouthwashes do not improve oral health despite claims by the manufacturers Physical plaque removal is what works.
Diet & Lifestyle
- Limit sugar and acid intake to reduce dental caries and tooth wear.
- Avoid frequent snacking on sugary or acidic foods.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, and visit your dentist regularly.
Grinding, Clenching, & Mouthguards
Bruxing-teeth grinding or clenching – affects many adults and some children and can damage teeth, muscles, and joints. Stress often triggers bruxing, which may become chronic. If symptoms arise, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth and ease the strain. Consult your dentist for the best option.
Regular Check-Ups
Routine dental visits help detect and manage oral diseases, but self-care remains the most paramount factor to maintain oral health.
One of the main aims of regular visits to the hygienist should be awareness and education about how to continually improve home care. A coaching approach allows individuals to take greater control of their self-care.
References:
Chapter 8: Oral Hygiene. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-8-oral-hygiene#fn:35 (Accessed: 01 February 2025).
Sälzer, S. et al. (2020) ‘Contemporary practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease’, Periodontology 2000, 84(1), pp. 35–44. doi:10.1111/prd.12332