Why is oral hygiene important, and why should you keep your gums healthy?
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the basis of modern dentistry for three reasons:
· Prevention is always healthier and cheaper than any treatment that a professional could provide.
· Oral hygiene is an inseparable part of maintaining general bodily hygiene.
· The body is one system, and when a disease spreads through one part of the body (gingivitis or caries), this can easily influence other parts.
Basic Terms You Should Know
Caries – A disease caused by germs, resulting in cavities. This common disease causes pain and tooth loss at a young age if not controlled. Although genetics has some influence, understanding and controlling the causes of the disease can result in keeping the teeth perfectly cavity-free.
Periodontitis – This is a disease caused by bacteria and partially influenced by genetics. It results in recession of the bone supporting the teeth, and eventually causes the healthy teeth to fall out. In addition, this disease can cause bad breath.
Healthy gums are achieved by cleaning properly and periodically visiting periodontists and dental hygienists.
Gingivitis – This is a situation in which a bacterial infection in the gums causes gum sensitivity and sometimes bleeding, either while brushing the teeth or spontaneously. Gingivitis can be linked to bad breath. Gingivitis is not connected to genetics, and it can be controlled by brushing and flossing.
Understanding the Process of Dental Caries
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease (having a few different causes). In order to treat this disease using preventative measures, we must be familiar with the various factors connected.
1. Bacteria – In the oral cavity, at any given time, there are over 500 different strains of bacteria. Most of the bacteria are not harmful to us, but under certain conditions in which we provide the bacteria with the proper environment for development, they will begin to damage the oral tissue (teeth, gums, soft tissue). Control of the bacteria may be obtained by using various types of mouthwashes, mechanic removal by brushing, and in rare cases, antibiotic treatment.
2. The human body – Salivation and the human immune system are the two most important defenses that the body uses to deal with the large amount of bacteria in the oral cavity. Our body can deal with most of the threat that periodontitis and caries pose on its own, using a healthy, functioning immune system. In some cases, when our immune system is weak, there are more problems in the oral cavity. When there is a problem with salivation in the mouth or changes in its makeup, we can also expect a deterioration of the condition of the teeth and gums. Brushing the teeth and a good flow of liquids through the oral cavity (by drinking ample quantities of water) can help the body maintain a stable status in the oral cavity.
3. Nutrition – Nutrition is possibly the easiest cause to control from amongst the various causes of caries. Many studies over the 20th century point clearly at sticky foods and sugary foods as causing caries (“holes in the teeth”); when these are consumed, caries are almost unpreventable.
4. Time – Every tooth decay or disease is a process which develops over time. Therefore, visits to the dentist periodically are crucial. In cases when dental caries or periodontitis are severe, visits are recommended every 3-6 months; however, when the causes of the diseases are properly managed (control of the bacteria, proper cleaning and nutrition), a yearly check up is sufficient.
When we understand the causes of dental caries, we can point to factors which we can control to influence the disease’s development:
1. Proper nutrition and sufficient drinking.
2. Brushing the teeth and using dental floss.
3. Treatments by a dental hygienist.
4. Periodic examinations by the dentist.
Proper hygiene is meant to prevent caries and gum diseases and includes brushing the teeth and using dental floss.