In order to maintain an amazing oral hygiene and diagnose possible issues, consistent check ups with your dentist are necessary. Apart from regular visitation, oral homecare routines are another vital component of reducing dental issues.

The foremost reason for tooth loss is from periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) – which is entirely avoidable in most cases. To avoid periodontal disease, daily self-cleaning and biannual cleanings by a professional can eliminate majority of plaque and bacteria caused by disease. Even more, having well-maintained teeth will leave you with a fresh and dazzling smile!

Below are the most beneficial oral hygiene aids for homecare:

Interdental Cleaners

In addition to dental floss, interdental brushes are recommended by majority of periodontists and hygienists. Interdental brushes come in several shapes and sizes; they involve soft, tiny bristles that gently and efficiently clean the contours of teeth in between the gums.

Dental Flosses

Dental floss is generally used twice daily after your teeth are thoroughly brushed. Dental floss is a widespread form of subgingival and interdental (below the gum) cleaner that is sold in an array of flavors and styles. Dental Floss is composed of thin nylon fibers or polyethylene ribbons that eliminate food fragments and plaque from between the teeth. However, it is important to floss gently since vigorous motions may cause soft tissue damage and bleeding.

Mouth Rinses

After brushing the teeth, there are two essential forms of mouth rinses that may be used: One effective method to temporarily suppress bad breath is through over the counter cosmetic rinse. The second method is a therapeutic rinse that may sometimes require a prescription. According to research, majority of dentists are skeptical about cosmetic rinses as they fail in minimizing plaque. Nonetheless, the FDA regulated therapeutic rinses have shown to decrease bad breathe, plaque, and cavities.

Oral Irrigators

Oral irrigators, similar to water jets, remove harmful bacteria and food particles by spraying water from tiny jets into the gum pockets. They have proven to successfully decrease the risk of gum disease but should never be replaced with brushing and flossing. Biannual cleanings by a professional are suggested in removing greater debris.

Rubber Tip Stimulators

Rubber tip stimulators encourage blood flow to the gums and effectively remove plaque from the surrounding gum area. At least once a day, the stimulator is traced lightly near the outer and inner gum line. Tap water will easily remove plaque on the tip of the rubber stimulator. It is important to store the stimulator in a cool, dry area and replace the worn tip with a new one.

Tongue Cleaners

Tongue cleaners are special devices that are designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi and food debris from the tongue surface. Studies reveal that a tongue scraper is more efficient at eliminating toxins and bacteria from the tongue than a toothbrush. Brushing and flossing do not remove bacteria from the tongue, they only release and move debris around. The tongue scraper actively gathers toxins from the tongue and removes them from the body. Brushing teeth should be priority to using a tongue scraper to avoid the ingestion of bacteria and fungi.

Toothbrushes

The varieties of toothbrushes available are endless. Electric toothbrushes brushes are more effective in extricating plaque and removing food particles from around the gums and teeth due to the vibrating motion of the brush. Similar results may be achieved with a manual tooth brush, but more effort is needed to do so.

Keeping the toothbrush clean is necessary to keeping the mouth clean. Worn bristles on manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months as they become ineffectual over time. The medium and hard bristle varieties are more damaging to the gums, but soft bristles gently preform without harming to gum. Teeth should preferably be brushed after each meal, or minimally twice each day. A suitable sized ADA approved toothbrush allows  proper cleaning to all the teeth.

Please ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions about oral hygiene aids.