A quick once-over with your toothbrush isn't the answer to oral hygiene or to keeping that beautiful smile. Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular visits to your dentist, is the first line of defense against the buildup of plaque and eventual periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene also guards your general well-being and health.
Dental plague, a clear sticky film composed of food debris and other substances, continuously forms on the surface of the teeth. It is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. If plaque is not removed it hardens into a rough, porous deposit often known as calculus. Thus, dental plaque plays an important role in dental decay and causes periodontal disease, along with other gum diseases. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting 10% of the world's population. Over time, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If left unchecked, this inflammation can destroy the fibers that anchor your teeth to the jawbone. Once these fibers are gone, bone loss follows. Without fibers and bone, your teeth will become loose and will eventually be lost forever. Proper brushing can help reduce this risk of gum disease.
Brushing your teeth should be part of your daily routine. Brushing helps remove plaque and food. Each tooth's surface should be brushed thoroughly: the front, back, and top. Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush that is not worn out or frayed. Tilt the brush until the bristles are at a 45-degree angle with the teeth. Be sure to use enough pressure to make the bristles splay out slightly and move your toothbrush back and forth in short strokes. Finish by brushing your tongue and rinse mouth thoroughly. Brushing, however, doesn't reach some areas of your teeth. Only by flossing can you rid your teeth of plaque.
Flossing cleans between teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. It also helps to control bad breath.
