People knew that they needed to brush their teeth after eating several thousand years ago. But until about the 20th century, only a few people could boast of healthy teeth. Most of the population did not pay due attention to oral hygiene. And in the arsenal of those who did take care of their teeth, there were not many cleaning devices.
Today, stores offer a variety of oral care devices and products. However, most people only use a toothbrush, although flossing also has its fans. According to the Dental Association, a toothbrush can remove about 30-40% of plaque. A regular toothbrush does not remove plaque from interdental spaces and hard-to-reach places. For oral hygiene to be truly effective, it is necessary to use several tools to clean your teeth. One of such devices is the Waterpik irrigator, you can buy it in St. Petersburg or another city in our stores.
Toothbrush
Despite the fact that a toothbrush by itself is not able to completely clean teeth of bacteria and plaque, it should be used daily. The hardness of your toothbrush should match your teeth type. If thin enamel is brushed daily with hard bristles, this will result in big problems with your teeth. It is better to consult your dentist regarding the type of brush hardness. A toothbrush can be used for no more than 3 months, after which it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
There are traditional and electric toothbrushes.
Dentists often hear the question - which brush to choose? The answer depends on how much time you spend brushing your teeth. You need to brush your teeth for 3 to 5 minutes, spending time on each tooth. Many people brush their teeth on the go, resulting in little benefit from brushing. An electric toothbrush is better at removing plaque and can clean your teeth in just 2 minutes.
Basic oral hygiene products
The main means of oral hygiene primarily include toothbrushes, the varieties and configuration of which we will consider below:
Toothbrushes
There are two types of these devices: conventional (manual) and electric. Regardless of what type of toothbrush it is, one of the main criteria for choosing it is the bristles.
Bristles by degree of hardness
- Hard (super hard). It is used strictly on the recommendation of a dentist and is especially suitable for people susceptible to excessive tartar formation. In addition, stiff bristles may be suitable for cleaning dentures;
- Medium hardness. It is considered a classic option, suitable for almost everyone without any restrictions. It is also well suited for the care of orthodontic structures and dentures;
- Soft. Recommended for use by children, as well as people suffering from bleeding gums and increased sensitivity of tooth enamel;
- Super soft. The use of such toothbrushes may be recommended by the attending physician based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
The bristles of toothbrushes are
- Natural. Made from animal guard hair. The main disadvantage of such bristles is their rapid wear and tear;
- Synthetic. Made from safe synthetic materials. It is distinguished by its long-term preservation of its qualities and ease of processing, guaranteeing the removal of contaminants after use.
In addition to the above, it is worth paying attention to the configuration of the bristles:
- Beveled with a slope. Allows you to most thoroughly remove plaque, including from the distant molars;
- Multi-level bristles. Allows you to remove food particles and plaque not only from the surface of the teeth, but also from the interdental crevices;
- Collected in bunches. Allows you to increase the coverage area, which also includes the necks of the teeth.
In addition to the main selection criteria listed above, it is also worth paying attention to the size of the cleaning head and its mobility. Movable heads are suitable for people who should avoid excessive pressure on teeth, gums, or orthodontic structures installed in the oral cavity to avoid damage.
Choosing an Electric Toothbrush
In addition to the main criterion, which is bristles, when choosing an electric toothbrush, you need to pay attention to:
- The shape of the cleaning head. They are round and elongated;
- Ability to change speed modes;
- Possibility of changing the direction of rotation;
- Mode type: ultrasonic, sonic, or ionization.
It is worth noting that it is advisable to use an electric toothbrush only after prior consultation with a dentist, who will help you choose the most suitable option.
Regardless of the type of toothbrush, replacement with a new one is carried out no later than 3 months from the start of use. Manual brushes must be completely replaced, and for electric brushes, the cleaning attachment must be replaced.
Toothpastes
All toothpastes are divided into three main groups:
- Hygienic. Designed for everyday oral hygiene;
- Therapeutic and prophylactic. The composition of such pastes includes components,
- Specialized. The use of this type of toothpaste is prescribed by the attending physician and is necessary to maintain the therapeutic effect achieved by the main treatment. The composition of such pastes includes medicinal components;
- Whitening. Pastes with a whitening effect contain abrasive particles and can whiten enamel by 1-1.5 tones. However, long-term use of whitening toothpastes is not recommended due to the risk of enamel damage.
Having a preventive and not pronounced therapeutic effect. As a rule, herbal preparations or formulations enriched with fluorine and calcium are used as specialized additives;
Dental floss
Even the most modern toothbrush cannot get into the spaces between your teeth. But it is in these places that pieces of food get stuck, which then become a habitat for billions of bacteria. If you do not clean food from the interdental spaces, sooner or later caries will form in these places. Dental floss, or floss as it is also called, is a simple and at the same time very effective device for cleaning the spaces between teeth.
In pharmacies you can find various modifications of floss for cleaning teeth. Depending on the width between the teeth, you can select the optimal width floss. Floss can be waxed or unwaxed. Wax-impregnated dental floss is perfect for those who are just starting to use this device. However, non-waxed floss does a better job of cleaning the surface of the tooth. Use dental floss with caution to avoid damaging your gums. Most doctors recommend flossing daily before bed.
Oral hygiene rules
Regular teeth cleaning
You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and ideally after every meal. The brush movements should be directed from the gums along the outer or inner surface of the teeth towards their cutting edge. Movement across the teeth can gradually lead to thinning of the enamel.
For hygienic purposes, it is recommended to brush your teeth in the same sequence and at an even pace.
Timely replacement of hygiene products
Toothbrushes must be changed at least once every 3 months. This is due to the fact that pathogenic bacteria remain on the surface of the bristles, which during each procedure are again transferred to the oral cavity and can cause inflammation.
Regular visits to the dentist
Even in the absence of toothache or other unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to visit the dental clinic at least once a year.
The doctor will conduct a preventive examination and, if necessary, prescribe the necessary hygienic or therapeutic procedures.
Description of the irrigator
This modern device is also designed for cleaning interdental spaces and hard-to-reach areas. Its action is to direct a stream of water to areas that require cleaning. An irrigator is quite an expensive thing, but its use can effectively clean teeth from stuck food, plaque and bacteria. Unlike dental floss, a brush for cleaning teeth or a toothpick, it is impossible to damage the gums with an irrigator. Using an irrigator is absolutely safe for enamel and gums. Modern irrigators are the best alternative to all devices for cleaning hard-to-reach places between teeth.
The importance of proper oral care
The need to take care of your oral cavity is obvious. The purpose of hygiene procedures is, first of all, the prevention of caries, periodontal disease and other diseases that can lead to tooth loss. Irregularity of procedures leads to the fact that plaque remains on the surface of the enamel, and food debris accumulates in the gaps, which rot and create a comfortable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, bad breath appears and gum disease develops.
If plaque remains on the teeth for a long time, it mineralizes and turns into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. The stone causes deformation and thinning of tooth enamel, making it more sensitive and painful.
But proper oral hygiene is important for more than just dental health. According to doctors, there are more than 60 diseases that are directly or indirectly the result of dental problems. Among them:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- rheumatism;
- digestive problems;
- kidney disease;
- skin rashes;
- nervous disorders.
Therefore, systematic and competent hygiene of teeth and gums is important for the overall health of the body.
Why you need to use all hygiene products
It may seem that maintaining oral hygiene can be limited to using only one hygiene product. This is a big misconception. All dental hygiene products are complementary, but not interchangeable. Each product is in its place - a toothbrush is used in the morning and afternoon, dental floss after meals, a mouthwash for general strengthening of teeth and gums and freshening the mouth.
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of useful dental hygiene products; you just need to decide which ones are right for you, based on the condition of your teeth and gums. Our dentists will help you with this. All you need to do is make an appointment.
How to take care of your mouth
Sanitation of the oral cavity
What is rehabilitation? This is a set of procedures where planned treatment of all affected teeth is carried out - a radical solution to oral problems. If necessary, rehabilitation measures are taken for the gums. Sanitation is useful for everyone, but it is especially worth undergoing the procedure when preparing for pregnancy, planned surgical operations, or before a long departure.
What does rehabilitation include?
- The doctor carefully examines the oral cavity and identifies the problem.
- X-ray diagnostics are carried out
- After this, he draws up a plan of procedures and announces the cost.
- Then the doctor begins dental treatment
- After this, he carries out measures for the gums
Ideally, if you visit your dentist regularly, the cleaning will go quickly. If the situation with your teeth is quite difficult - multiple caries, pulpitis and periodontitis - you will have to visit the clinic more than once.
Advice! Visit your dentist for preventive examinations at least twice a year. And if your teeth are quite problematic, then four. The doctor will monitor any changes in time and immediately eliminate them. Such measures reduce the likelihood of developing caries complications several times!
Teeth cleaning
Dental care is divided into two types - professional and home. First, about what professional hygiene is:
- Complex cleansing procedures in the dentist's office
- The complex includes ultrasonic cleaning, soft plaque removal, enamel polishing and fluoridation
- Prevention of caries and gum disease
- Teeth are cleaned from all sides, even in hard-to-reach places
Everyone, without exception, needs professional hygiene; it will help maintain healthy teeth. It is recommended to carry it out 2 times a year. In addition, plaque practically does not settle on a smooth polished surface.
When talking about home cleaning, it is important to understand three questions:
- How long to clean
- How to clean
- How to clean
How long to clean?
Brushing with a toothbrush should be regular - morning and evening. Moreover, it is advisable to practice hygiene after breakfast in order to keep your teeth clean for as long as possible. Evening teeth brushing assumes that after it you will not eat any food.
On average, it is recommended to spend 2-3 minutes on the procedure. This is enough to go over all surfaces of the teeth.
What to clean with?
The hygienist at the clinic will help you choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste. The manufacturer Curaprox, for example, deserves special attention: these brushes are distinguished by a large number of bristles made of a unique fiber. Toothpaste is prescribed depending on your needs and problems - there are pastes to strengthen enamel, against gum inflammation and for general action. Consult a specialist!
Why should you entrust the choice of a toothbrush to a specialist? Surely you are used to just going to a hardware store and buying a brush of the color you like. But bristles that are too hard can damage periodontal tissue, and bristles that are too soft can do a poor job of removing plaque. The doctor will choose the best option for you.
How often should you change your toothbrush? It is recommended to buy a new brush every three months. But if, before this time, the bristles have spread out on it or any other defects have appeared, you should also think about replacing it.
How to clean?
Correct movements with a toothbrush ensure thorough cleaning of the enamel and prevent injury to the gums. Which is correct?
- We start from the front surface of the teeth - go through both the upper and lower rows at once
- We make sweeping movements from top to bottom
- We move on to the inner part of the dentition - you need to work with the same movements
- The final part is processing the chewing surface
If you visit a hygienist, he will definitely show you using special models how to properly care for your teeth. Remember the main thing is that you cannot make sawing movements with the brush back and forth - in this case, the plaque will “clog” between the teeth more strongly, and there is also a risk of injuring the gums.
Irrigators – what are they and why?
An irrigator is an indispensable oral care device that performs several unique functions:
- Cleans interdental spaces
- Massages gums
- Eliminates plaque along the gingival margin
Water is supplied from a thin nozzle under pressure when you press a button - due to the pressure, it copes with the hygienic task perfectly. It is advisable to use the irrigator every day - it is good for the gums, and it is also an additional prevention of caries. Moreover, you can load not only water into the device, but also, for example, antiseptic liquids. They reduce gum inflammation.
What attachments does the irrigator have?
- Standard for cleaning interdental spaces
- To clean the tongue - once a week
- For gums – removing plaque from periodontal pockets
- Brush attachment for polishing enamel
There are usually several standard attachments in a set, and they are marked in color - for each family member. As a result of using an irrigator, you can get rid of not only plaque, but also eliminate bad breath.
An irrigator is an excellent solution for taking care of children's teeth. They are often lazy to brush their teeth, but working with an irrigator seems something fun to many of them, and oral care begins to arouse genuine interest.
You can get to know this device in more detail by watching our video. The hygienist of the MediLine clinic will talk about what types of irrigators are available, and will also demonstrate how to use the device to effectively take care of your dental health.
What else can I do to keep my teeth and gums healthy?
The condition of teeth and gums largely depends on nutrition, so this is also an important part of caring for them. Try to include more healthy foods in your diet:
- Carrots and apples.
Massage the gums, promote proper blood circulation - prevention of periodontal diseases
- Dairy products and greens.
Rich in calcium, which strengthens enamel
- Fish.
Contains phosphorus that is beneficial for teeth
- Onion.
Vitamin C and phytoncides to strengthen gums
- Pumpkin.
A natural “whitener” for teeth that also makes them stronger
- Sea kale.
Beneficial for its rich iodine content
All these components are necessary for the complete saturation of dental and periodontal tissues with important microelements.
Additional hygiene products
For perfect oral care, it is recommended to use additional hygiene products. After eating, it is advisable to use special rinses or at least rinse your mouth with water. You should also use dental floss once a day, or preferably a small interdental brush - this is the best tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, because this is where a large number of bacteria accumulate. Moreover, the area of the side surfaces is as much as 40%!
The hygienist will help you choose the right brush according to the distance between your teeth. The instruments differ from each other in the density of the bristles, diameter and length. A specialist will show you how to properly clean them.
Caries in the contact area - between the teeth - is one of the most common problems. It is almost invisible during visual inspection, and is not felt at all, since this area is not involved in the chewing process. That's why it's so important to pay special attention to this area!
To summarize: the basic principles of oral care
- Entrust the choice of toothbrush and toothpaste to the doctor
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day - morning and evening
- Use mouthwash, dental floss, brushes
- Carry out daily procedures with an irrigator
- Conduct examinations and professional hygiene 2 times a year
- Choose foods that are healthy for your teeth and gums
If you still have questions, you can always contact your dentist. A specialist will help you understand how to properly care for your teeth and gums so that they remain healthy and beautiful.
Epikurova Anna Andreevna
Dental hygienist
Work experience: 3 years
There are also additional oral hygiene products. These include:
- floss (dental floss), toothpicks;
- oral irrigators (before choosing the best irrigator, be sure to study the main characteristics of the models);
- means for cleaning the tongue: scrapers, scraper brushes;
- Mouth rinses, oral deodorants, teeth whiteners;
- denture treatment powders/denture treatment tablets;
- foam for oral hygiene (foam dissolves plaque well and is indispensable where it is not possible to use standard oral hygiene products; just hold the foam in your mouth for 20–30 seconds and spit).
The unique, multifunctional device JETPIK JP200-Elite combines an electric sonic toothbrush, irrigator and dental floss. The components and the device itself are stored in a convenient plastic container, which is ideal for traveling or storing in a small bathroom.
Oral hygiene is important not only for the prevention of caries, but also for free, comfortable communication with others. Stained yellow teeth and bad breath will not make anyone attractive. Aesthetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and expensive laser teeth whitening will not make sense without basic hygiene procedures.
Publisher: Expert magazine about dentistry Startsmile.ru
