Oral and dental hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your mouth healthy and clean by following regular and correct brushing and flossing routines. This helps to prevent the formation of plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the hard surfaces of teeth, leading to dental decay and gum disease.
Dental hygiene is the name given to the regular maintenance of your teeth and gums, in order to prevent dental problems. Basically, it means a systematic approach to caring for your teeth and gums and is something that involves both you and your dentist.
Ideally, this routine should be carried out on a daily basis to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. This can take the form of brushing the teeth twice a day, and flossing, as well as dental cleanings. A dental cleaning is undertaken by your dentist or dental hygienist and is more commonly known as a ‘scale and polish’.
Good dental and oral hygiene helps to:
- Prevent the formation of plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the hard surfaces of teeth. This can lead to further dental and oral problems, such as tooth decay, tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis or gum disease.
- Improve quality of life by preserving speech and eating functions, as teeth will last longer and one can avoid the embarrassment of bad breath or missing or unsightly teeth.
Regular professional cleaning combined with looking after your teeth and gums well at home. A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.
