When you take care of your teeth and gums, you can prevent cavities or gum disease so you can feel good, talk, and eat properly.

Oral Care and Oral Hygiene are all actions aimed at preventing and removing bacteria located in the oral cavity that adhere to the surfaces of the teeth, tongue, gumsDental Prostheses, Crowns, Orthopedic Appliances, Orthodontic Appliances and fixed or removable retainers.

This care includes having a healthy diet low in sugars and carbohydrates, as well as seeing the Dentist regularly..

How are oral diseases generated?

In the mouth there is a large community of microorganisms that feed on the carbohydrates we consume; they adhere to the oral surfaces. and they affect them, causing the following:

• Gum Inflammation (Periodontitis)
• Dental caries
• Bad breath
• Dental Calculations
• Bleeding and Pain in the Gums
• Dental Pain
• Abscesses
• Infections

When there is a proliferation of microorganisms in the oral cavity, they can disperse through the bloodstream and lodge in vital organs. such as the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, respiratory system and as a consequence, it can cause diseases, damage and destruction of these organs.

Oral Care: steps to follow

It is important to maintain good Oral Care and Hygiene, not only to look healthy, but to also allow you to speak and eat properly.the steps for good care are as follows:

• Oral cleaning three times a day: Tooth and tongue brushing, use of dental floss and mouthwash

• Eat a balanced diet: avoid sweets, sugary soft drinks and foods rich in carbohydrates.

• Professional cleaning: go to the dentist every 3, 6 or 12 months

• Use a protective bale or splint: it serves to avoid dental wear due to the involuntary force that we generate during the night (Bruxism)

• Replacing missing teeth: this avoids overloading other teeth

• Look after Dentures or dental appliances: they also need care to ensure their proper functioning

Brushing Technique and use of Dental Floss

To have good oral care and hygiene, the correct brushing technique and the use of dental floss must be taken into account. Below is an explanation of how they should be performed:

• Correct brushing technique

1. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the bristles of the brush
2. Place the toothbrush on the free edge of the gums, parallel to the teeth with the bristles facing the gums and tilt it at a 45 degree angle
3. With light pressure and keeping the bristles under the gum tissue, make small sweeping movements from the surface to the edge of the teeth from top to bottom
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 three times in the same dental area and when finished you should move to the next dental area, until all the external and internal surfaces of the teeth have been cleaned.
5. On the inside of the front teeth, place the toothbrush vertically with the bristles slightly penetrating the gums and use the bristles on the tip of the brush performing the movements described above.
6. The chewing surfaces of the molars are brushed in a circular manner and the tongue should be brushed

The total time of Tooth Brushing should be approximately 2 minutes.

Regarding the use of Dental Floss, the following steps are recommended for correct hygiene:

1. Use Dental Floss before starting Tooth Brushing
2. Take about 45 cm of Dental Floss, wrap it around your middle finger, leaving 3 to 5 cm to work with.
3. Hold the Floss between your thumbs and index fingers to slide it between your teeth, hugging it around to the gum tissue.
4. The Floss should enter below the gum and move the Floss away from the teeth to remove it
5. Use sections of clean floss as you progress from tooth to tooth

Finish using a mouthwash Alcohol-free if diluted in water for 30 seconds and when spitting it out, do not rinse your mouth with water.

It is worth saying that maintaining an adequate Dental Care and Hygiene It is part of the healthy habits that allow us to improve our personal image, increase confidence when interacting with others and have a healthy smile.