World Oral Health Day is celebrated in March !
Oral health is directly related to the overall health of the body. Studies show that oral diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and even pregnancy complications. Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your health as a whole and its maintenance is based on two main pillars:
1. Oral Hygiene
2. Regular dental visits
1. What is Oral Hygiene?
Set of practices and care that aim to maintain the health of your mouth. It includes cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue and involves the use of specific products, such as toothbrushes, dental floss and mouthwash .
Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, contributing to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile.
When not performed properly, bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, favoring the development of cavities and periodontal diseases.
Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, stained teeth, and even tooth loss.
2. The Importance of Visits to the Dentist
It is essential to have regular check-ups, usually every 6 months, to remove tartar and plaque to maintain a healthy smile and prevent gum disease and the appearance of new cavities, thus avoiding more complex and expensive treatments.
A dentist is a professional trained to assess the health of teeth and gums, identify oral problems in their early stages and perform preventative treatments. They can also provide guidance on the best way to maintain oral hygiene, recommend suitable products and perform cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening.
How to Perform Oral Hygiene Properly ?
For proper oral hygiene, it is necessary to follow some important steps:
a) a) Brush your teeth - all surfaces of the teeth, including the back, tongue and gums - at least twice a day, using a soft toothbrush (which should be changed every three months) and fluoride toothpaste. Do not rinse with water immediately after brushing to avoid removing the fluoride, but rather discard any excess toothpaste that remains.
b) b) Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth and below the gum line .
c) c) Use of mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and freshen breath. It can be used as a complement to daily oral hygiene, when indicated, but also to treat the symptoms of inflammatory and irritative conditions of the mouth (such as gingivitis and stomatitis). It is recommended that mouthwashes/mouthwashes be used before going to bed, as this will allow for longer contact with the oral cavity, which may enhance its effects.
Oral Hygiene in Childhood
From the moment the first teeth appear, it is recommended to start brushing your child's teeth with a children's toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste. As your child grows, it is important to teach them how to brush their teeth correctly, using an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste. In addition, flossing should be introduced as soon as the teeth begin to touch each other. Parents should also encourage healthy habits, such as avoiding excessive consumption of sugary foods and making regular visits to the dentist.
By establishing good habits early on, parents and caregivers can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems and can lead to serious complications, including severe pain, infections, and even early tooth loss.
Baby teeth play an important role in chewing, speaking and in the alignment of permanent teeth. If they fall out prematurely, there is a higher risk of dental development problems in the future.
Starting oral hygiene care early establishes a routine and familiarizes children with the brushing process, creating an awareness of the importance of oral health that can lead to good practices in adulthood.
Tips for effective oral hygiene in children
- Choosing a toothbrush according to your child's age
When the first baby teeth start to appear, they should be cleaned morning and night with a damp cloth (just with warm water, without any additional products). We do not recommend using a toothbrush before the age of 18 months, as the baby's gums are still very sensitive.
From 18 months onwards, you can start using a very soft children's toothbrush to gently clean the gums and baby teeth.
You will want to choose a toothbrush with a head small enough to reach all areas of your child's mouth. A smaller head allows better access to the back teeth and makes brushing easier and more effective.
Using colorful toothbrushes or those with the child's favorite characters makes the moment more appealing.
- How to choose toothpaste
It is recommended to choose a toothpaste that is specific to your child’s age group. Many brands of children’s toothpastes indicate the recommended age on the packaging. These toothpastes are formulated with ingredients that are gentle and safe for children, taking into account their specific needs.
Containing fluoride is important because it is an essential mineral in preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel. However, the amount of fluoride should be appropriate for age.
Children's toothpastes often come in different flavors to make brushing more enjoyable. Choosing a flavor that your child likes, such as strawberry or mild mint, will encourage them to brush their teeth with enthusiasm.
- How much toothpaste to apply
It is important to use only a grain-sized amount of toothpaste for children under 3 years old and a pea-sized amount for children between 3 and 6 years old. From this age onwards, the amount of toothpaste should cover the surface of the brush.
- How to brush your teeth
Teeth should be brushed after each meal (at least 3 times a day) for at least 2 minutes. A proper brushing technique is essential to ensure effective oral hygiene in children.
Some tips include:
· - Use gentle, circular movements: brushing should be gentle to avoid damaging the gums, but firm enough to remove plaque;
· - Brush all areas of all surfaces of the teeth, including the back, tongue and gums.
- Oral elixir
The use of mouthwash is not recommended in very young children, especially those who have not yet learned to spit properly, a skill that tends to develop by the age of 6.
For children who are already doing this properly, there are children's mouthwashes available on the market. These products are formulated with gentle ingredients in age-appropriate concentrations and with pleasant flavors, such as red berries, banana and bubble gum.
Oral Hygiene in the Elderly
This phase requires special care, due to the natural changes that occur with aging. It is common for older people to have greater tooth sensitivity, gum recession and reduced saliva production, which can increase the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an adequate oral hygiene routine and make regular visits to the dentist to assess oral health and carry out preventive treatments.
Conclusion
It is essential to maintain an adequate oral hygiene routine, make regular visits to the dentist and adopt healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, because oral health has a direct impact on the general health of our body.
Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your health as a whole.