Careful oral hygiene is a matter of course for most people. Even the youngest learn how to brush their teeth properly and are regularly presented to the dentist. Beautiful and healthy teeth are the reward for regular care and prophylaxis.
What is oral hygiene?
Daily use of a toothbrush and toothpaste is one of the basics of healthy oral hygiene. If brushing is often forgotten, tooth decay occurs very quickly. The term oral hygiene includes all preventive measures that are intended to prevent the development of diseases of the teeth and periodontium. These range from regular tooth brushing and professional prophylactic measures in the dentist’s office to fluoridation of drinking water. The most important is individual prophylaxis, which is divided into basic and intensive prophylaxis. Basic prophylactic measures include a healthy diet and daily tooth cleaning. For most people, these simple hygiene measures alone are not enough; they need professional intensive prophylaxis, which can only be performed by trained specialists. In order to be able to detect pathological changes in the teeth and gums at an early stage, two preventive examinations per year are recommended.
Function, effect and goals
Diseases of the teeth and periodontium are caused by dental plaque and its metabolic products. Bacteria and other microorganisms can colonize on the plaque. In the case of a high-sugar diet, the microorganisms produce acids that cause tooth decay. Other bacteria that also settle on the plaque provoke the immune system and gingivitis develops. Soft plaque from food residues and bacteria can be removed with a toothbrush by thorough brushing and rinsing. That is why regular brushing is the most important part of oral hygiene, which not only provides fresh breath, but can effectively prevent most diseases of the teeth and periodontium. The layers of food residues, microorganisms and their metabolic products can additionally absorb minerals. This mineralization of the plaque causes tartar to form. Tartar can no longer be removed with a toothbrush. Hard plaque and unsightly discoloration, such as that caused by smoking or drinking tea, must be removed by the dentist or by specially trained staff in the dental practice. This professional dental cleaning should be performed at intervals of about six months and is an important addition to personal oral hygiene.
Typical products and agents
Optimal oral hygiene consists of daily tooth brushing and regular check-ups by the dentist. The most important instrument for oral hygiene is the toothbrush. Whether you choose the classic manual toothbrush, which comes in different hardnesses and shapes, an electric toothbrush or even an ultrasonic toothbrush is a matter of personal taste and budget. The cleaning performance of manual and toothbrushes is considered by experts to be about equal. Ultrasonic toothbrushes need a special toothpaste because they have a different cleaning principle. They clean very thoroughly and gently. Dental floss is suitable for cleaning the interdental spaces. If the spaces are larger, interdental brushes are used. Toothpaste for manual and electric toothbrushes is available in a wide range. Mouthwashes and mouth rinses ensure fresh breath. Some products advertise an antibacterial effect. This lasts only about half an hour.
Diseases, risks and dangers
A bright smile is the best business card, but this can only show those who have healthy and carefully maintained teeth. The health of the teeth is endangered above all by caries and periodontitis. While caries damages the tooth and causes severe pain in its advanced stages, the inflammation and gradual destruction of the periodontium goes unnoticed for too long in many cases. Although most patients find the treatment of caries very unpleasant, the pain ensures that the dentist is visited. Only in particularly difficult cases does the tooth have to be extracted, leaving an unsightly gap. More problematic than caries is periodontitis, which leads to the destruction of the periodontium.Initially, the inflammation caused by plaque is noticeable by swelling of the gums and bleeding gums. Later, connective tissue and bone substance is lost. As a result, the teeth become loose and complete loss is imminent. Periodontitis also leads to deterioration of general health. The risk of occurrence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatism and for premature births is increased by periodontitis.
