Your oral hygiene is a key indicator of not only your existing, but also your future oral health. The creation of a healthy oral hygiene routine at a young age, and the continuation of this routine into adulthood, will play a huge role in ensuring in the health and aesthetics of your teeth in years to come, as well as how often and how invasive your dentist visits are likely to be.

What is a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine?

A healthy oral hygiene routine is a combination of a good at-home regime, and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleans and hygiene services.

Your at-home routine should focus on:

Brushing: You need to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque, stains and bacteria and safeguards your teeth, mouth and gums from infection and decay. You need to brush every section of your teeth, as well as using the brush to clean your tongue, gums and cheeks. A proper brushing motion involves moving the brush around in small, circular motions without pushing too hard. If you brush your teeth too hard you can wear away the enamel of your teeth and cause your gum line to recede.
Flossing: Flossing is vital in removing food particles and bacteria from in-between your teeth. A tooth brush cannot access these points and there is clear correlation between tooth decay and gum disease and a lack of flossing. You only need to floss once a day and the best time to floss is at night just before bed. Don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed a little when you first start flossing, you should only be concerned if this lasts more than a couple of weeks.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash isn’t a silver bullet, but swishing after brushing can kill germs and freshen breath for a healthy smile boost. Use it for 30 seconds, don’t swallow, and avoid rinsing for 30 minutes to maximize benefits.
Diet and Lifestyle: Your diet plays a big part in your oral hygiene. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage your oral hygiene while sugary and acidic foods and beverages can damage teeth and gums and open you up to infection and decay.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dentist visits are key for healthy teeth. They can spot cavities and gum problems early, preventing them from turning into bigger issues. Aim for checkups and cleanings every six months, but talk to your dentist about the right schedule for you.

Why is Oral Hygiene Important?

Oral hygiene is vital for several reasons, impacting both oral and overall health. Here are the key points:

Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Regular brushing and flossing remove plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Reduces Risk of Systemic Diseases: Poor oral health is linked to serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to these issues.
Enhances Overall Health: Good oral hygiene can prevent complications like endocarditis, a heart infection caused by oral bacteria. It also supports better diabetes management and reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Improves Quality of Life: Maintaining oral health ensures the ability to eat, speak, and socialize without discomfort, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.
Saves Money and Time: Preventive care like regular dental check-ups can reduce the need for costly and extensive treatments in the future.

What Are the Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene?

Here are the signs of poor oral hygiene:

Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent foul odor caused by bacterial buildup.
Bleeding Gums: Indicative of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
Tooth Decay: Visible cavities and toothaches from plaque accumulation.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Yellowish deposits on teeth and gum line.
Mouth Sores: Ulcers or infections from poor hygiene practices.

Our Oral Hygiene Procedure

You should also visit your dentist every six months for a professional scale and clean. A professional clean will remove the plaque and tartar that your at-home regime can’t get rid of by using sophisticated tools and treatments. This clean also gives your dentist a chance to check up on your teeth and pick up on any small problems before they become disasters.

Your biannual trips to the dentist are also vital opportunities for your dentist to educate you on improving your at-home oral hygiene routine. We can tell if you’re brushing too hard, too softly or if you need to change your flossing technique. These trips to the dentist will be enormously helpful in preventing you from having to go through large scale dental treatments and they will save you money in the long run. Most private health care providers even provide you with two free visits per year, so it’s also a way to get the most out of your private health care fees.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene, please get in touch with our camberwell family dental in Melbourne.