Oral hygiene is not only the source of a beautiful smile, but it is also a major part of the process of obtaining and maintaining overall body health. Oral problems can have an impact on the rest of the body through the mouth, which is the entrance. For instance, gum disease has relationships with heart diseases, strokes, and pregnancy problems. Therefore, if the importance of your daily dental routine has ever been a question in your mind, the short answer would be: yes, it absolutely does.
It is not a big deal to keep your mouth healthy when you know and follow three simple steps: brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Individually, each one does a different job, and thus they complement one another to provide total protection from cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. Brushing removes plaque and small leftover food from the tooth surfaces, but it cannot reach all places. Flossing is the one that complements it, one that reveals the hidden pieces that are in the spaces between the teeth and just under the gums. Mouthwash offers a second line of defense, a source of bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot reach; as a result, the mouth feels clean and fresh.
And what about the order? Dentists do not fully agree on it. A few, like Dr. Todd Shatkin, say that one should start with flossing in order to remove the debris, then proceed to mouthwashing to rinse it off, and finally, brushing to distribute the toothpaste’s active elements. Dr. Vanessa Creaven claims that rinsing after brushing takes out those ingredients; hence, she prefers to brush last. Others still view brushing first as the most suitable method, followed by flossing and then rinsing. The main message, however, is that the order is not of great importance as long as one performs all three parts of the routine daily. As Dr. Catrise Austin remarks, the most important thing is the non-skipping of any part of the routine.
Your toothbrush is at the forefront of your defense, so the choice of the right one is very important. Manual toothbrushes are affordable and effective if used properly—with gentle circular motions and focusing on all surfaces. An electric toothbrush can make the job lighter, especially if you have braces or your hands are not very dexterous. Most individuals will be well served by a soft toothbrush as it is made of a soft bristle; therefore, neither your gums nor your teeth will be harmed. As far as the brush is concerned, the smaller the size and the more circular the shape, the easier it is for it to get into narrow spaces.
Flossing is definitely something you have to do, but the type of floss can be your decision. Waxed floss glides easily between tightly spaced teeth, while unwaxed floss is thinner and will give a feeling of a little more cleanliness if your teeth are not crowded. Dental tape is of a larger thickness, and it is the most suitable one for bigger gaps. If you have braces or you find it hard to use regular floss, water flossers and floss threaders are great substitutes. Whatever you pick, make sure your method is right—wrap the floss in a C-shape against each tooth, move it gently below the gumline, and use a fresh section for each tooth.
Mouthwash is the last step, but not all mouthwashes are similar. Cosmetic mouthwashes make your breath pleasant, but they do not remove the cause of the problems. Therapeutic mouthwashes include such ingredients as fluoride, chlorhexidine, or essential oils, which fight plaque, gingivitis, and cavities. Alcohol-containing rinses are good at first, but they usually come with a burning sensation and are not allowed for children, dry mouth sufferers, or anyone sensitive to alcohol. Non-alcoholic versions are just as effective for most people and are milder. No matter what you do, follow the instructions exactly—swish for the correct length of time, do not rinse with water, and do not eat or drink for half an hour after.
Some add-ons will literally take your oral hygiene routine to the next level. Tongue scrapers help remove bacteria and debris from the tongue, which is one of the main sources of halitosis. Interdental brushes are perfect for cleaning the area around orthodontic appliances, dental work, or if there are wider spaces between your teeth. Water flossers create a pulsating jet that cleans in between the teeth and under the gum, and those who have dental appliances or are physically challenged are the ones who love them the most.
Sometimes, your situation calls for a change in its treatment protocol. Dry mouth leading to the necessity to modify your regimen as well, such as avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, decreasing caffeine intake, and the use of moisturizing mouthwashes or saliva substitutes. Only a little child is allowed to use it under supervision and with strict rules. Alcohol-free, kid-friendly mouthwashes have to be used, and all products have to be kept out of the children’s reach. When you have braces or implants, use specifically designed brushes and flossing devices to clean around hardware and wires.
Generally speaking, the damage resulting from a small amount of swallowed mouthwash is close to zero in adults, and thus it is rare for them to feel any harm, but if a larger volume is ingested—especially if it includes alcohol or fluoride—it can be very damaging, even more so, for children. Never let children have mouthwash, watch them when they use it, and don’t ever consider it as a brushing or flossing replacement. If a child has swallowed a large volume of mouthwash, call the poison control center or get medical help at once.
The best oral hygiene routine is not only about what steps you have to do, but also about choosing the right appliances, doing it properly, and, most importantly, doing it every day without fail. Through minimal effort and with a positive outlook, not only can you retain your nice smile and have your breath stay fresh, but your whole body can even be in a better condition.