Dental hygiene

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Dental hygiene is an essential daily practice for maintaining a healthy mouth and effectively preventing dental diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Yet, many people are still unaware of the best practices to adopt. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your dental hygiene and maintain a dazzling smile and impeccable oral health. Dental hygiene is an important aspect of oral health. You can find all of our oral health advice in our central article.

Why is dental hygiene so important?

Dental hygiene is crucial because it allows you to regularly remove dental plaque, a soft and sticky deposit formed mainly by bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If this plaque is not properly removed, it gradually hardens to form tartar, leading to gum irritation, cavities, and, in the longer term, periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Good dental hygiene acts directly as a preventative measure, protecting your mouth from daily aggressions.

Essential techniques and tools for good dental hygiene

For optimal dental hygiene, there are several essential good practices:

Brushing teeth

Brushing your teeth is the central pillar of your dental hygiene. It should be done at least twice a day, ideally after each meal. To brush your teeth properly, use a soft toothbrush with a small or medium head, allowing you to easily reach all areas of the mouth, even the most difficult to access. The recommended method is to make gentle circular movements at the gum level and then vertical movements on the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth for about two minutes. We obviously have several articles that cover this topic in more detail:

The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day

How long should you brush your teeth?

How to maintain your toothbrush

How to brush your teeth properly

We also wrote an article on how to avoid bleeding gums right here: Bleeding Gums

Choosing toothpaste

Toothpaste also plays an important role in daily dental hygiene. Choose a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity or gum problems, you may want to choose a specific toothpaste rich in soothing or antibacterial agents tailored to your situation.

Tongue brushing and tongue scraping

This practice isn't necessarily widespread in France, but it's essential for fighting bad breath. It involves brushing your tongue. You can also use a tongue scraper to do this. We've written two articles on this topic, which you can read right here:

brushing the tongue

the tongue scraper

Using dental floss and interdental brushes

Flossing complements brushing, allowing you to reach spaces between teeth where brushing can't always effectively remove plaque. It's recommended to floss once a day, preferably in the evening before bed. Interdental brushes, available in several sizes, are also an excellent complement, especially for people with wider interdental spaces or orthodontic appliances.

Our specific article on the benefits of dental flossing right here: dental floss

Mouthwash: an ally not to be neglected

Mouthwash is a valuable supplement that helps reduce bacteria in the oral cavity, prevent gum inflammation, and keep breath fresh. Choose a mild antiseptic mouthwash if your goal is simply to improve your daily comfort, or opt for a therapeutic formula prescribed by your dentist if you have a specific problem like chronic gingivitis. We wrote an article on how to make your own mouthwash: making your own mouthwash

Dental hygiene and eating habits

Good dental hygiene also requires a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in refined sugars, which are responsible for the rapid proliferation of cariogenic bacteria, as much as possible. Also, limit your consumption of acidic foods like sodas or certain fruit juices, which can erode enamel and weaken your teeth in the long term. Instead, favor foods rich in fiber, like raw vegetables, which stimulate salivation and naturally contribute to clean teeth.

Regular visits to the dentist: essential to complete your dental hygiene

No dental hygiene routine is complete without a regular visit to your dentist. A visit every six months is generally recommended for a thorough checkup and professional cleaning. These appointments allow the dental professional to detect potential dental or gum problems early and provide you with personalized advice to optimize your oral hygiene.

Practical tips for maintaining good dental hygiene on a daily basis

Here are some simple tips that will help you integrate good habits over the long term:

  • Change your toothbrush every three months or whenever it shows signs of wear.
  • Never share your toothbrush to avoid bacterial contamination.
  • Remember to brush your tongue too, a breeding ground for bacteria that often causes bad breath.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and neutralize oral acidity throughout the day.

By following these dental hygiene tips rigorously on a daily basis, you will protect your teeth and gums for a long time, while enjoying a dazzling smile and better overall health.

If you are interested in this subject, discover our more specific articles:

If you found this article on dental hygiene interesting, we invite you to consult:

Our article on the anatomy of teeth: dental anatomy

Our article on dental care: dental care