Just how good is your oral hygiene?

The quality of our oral hygiene is dependent on a number of factors working together, such as:

• Diet
• Oral cleaning
• Professional dental scaling and polishing
• Dental treatments
• Teeth grinding habits
• Lifestyle choices
• Dental check-ups

Diet - The types and combinations of foods we consume daily impact our oral health. For example, foods high in sugar and acid may cause excess plaque build-up and potential tooth decay. Beverages, such as wine, coffee and tea may discolour or stain teeth, not leaving the mouth looking fresh.

Oral cleaning - Whether or not we follow dentist-recommended oral hygiene practices impacts oral hygiene and health. Brushing teeth daily with proper teeth brushing technique after meals, before sleep and on awaking removes debris and plaque build-up from the teeth. Flossing daily after meals removes food that maybe trapped between teeth. Brushing the tongue removes plaque and bacteria from the surface. Proper oral cleaning keeps the mouth hygienic and fresh.

Professional dental scaling and polishing - Three to six-monthly appointments with the dental hygienist ensures debris is removed from oral structures that otherwise is not removed by home oral hygiene practice. Tartar build up may be scaled off and the teeth polished to make it harder for plaque to adhere to the surface.

Dental treatments - Receiving needed dental care prevents decline of oral hygiene and health. Following dentist guidance on how to care for dental braces, dentures and appliances prevents poor oral health.

Teeth grinding habits - Teeth grinding wears down the teeth and may make them harder to clean and more vulnerable to bacteria build-up or infection. By wearing a mouth guard and keeping it clean, oral hygiene is maintained for better oral care.

Lifestyle choices - Choices such as smoking and excess alcohol consumption may not only contribute to poorer oral hygiene, but weaken oral health. Smokers may develop plaque deposits faster, have yellowing teeth and smoker's breath. More regular dental check-ups and appointments with the dental hygienist may be necessary. Selecting to have protected sex may reduce chances of sexually transmitted diseases and infections that may cause decline of oral hygiene and health.

Dental check-ups - Having six-monthly dental check-ups allows the dentist to assess oral hygiene and health and screen for oral diseases, for treatment if necessary. Where dental appliances, such as braces, retainers or dentures, are worn, adjustments may be made and in-clinic cleaning may be provided.

Author Bio – The author is from Manchester, UK and enjoys writing articles on health, beauty and fitness. For more information on oral hygiene and braces, visit braces.org.uk.

By Jonny Webber