Oral hygiene
It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath.
[5][6][7] Data from human oral microbiology research shows that a commensal microflora can switch to an opportunistic pathogenic flora through complex changes in their environment.
This has been verified by various excavations done throughout the world, in which chew sticks, tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones and porcupine quills have been found.
In the Muslim world, the miswak, or siwak, made from a twig or root, has antiseptic properties and has been widely used since the Islamic Golden Age.
[20] Dental sealants, which are applied by dentists, cover and protect fissures and grooves in the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing food from becoming trapped and thereby halt the decay process.
[21] Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above.
[27] Routine tooth brushing is the principal method of preventing many oral diseases, and perhaps the most important activity an individual can practice to reduce plaque buildup.
[30][31][32][33][34][35] Many oral health care professionals agree that tooth brushing should be done for a minimum of two minutes, and be practiced at least twice a day.
[39] However, in terms of preventing gum disease, the use of toothpaste does not increase the effectiveness of the activity with respect to the amount of plaque removed.
[28][citation needed] Population studies shown that regular tooth brushing is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases[40] and better blood pressure profile.
The tooth brush is arguably a person's best tool for removing dental plaque from teeth, thus capable of preventing all plaque-related diseases if used routinely, correctly and effectively.
Oral health professionals recommend the use of a tooth brush with a small head and soft bristles as they are most effective in removing plaque without damaging the gums.
[43] Sonic or ultrasonic toothbrushes vibrate at a high frequency with a small amplitude, and a fluid turbulent activity that aids in plaque removal.
They consist of a handle with a piece of wire covered in tapered bristles, designed to be placed into the interdental space for plaque removal.
[1] Steps of using a tongue scraper: Some dental professionals recommend subgingival irrigation, also known as water flossing, as a way to clean teeth and gums.
[57] The sponge is used to moisten and clear the patient's mouth of debris or thickened saliva in situations where conventional toothbrushing is not an option.
Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugar intake can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
[69] Regular vomiting, as seen in bulimia nervosa and morning sickness also causes significant damage, due to acid erosion.
[citation needed] People with intellectual disability have increased risk of developing oral health problems like gum diseases or dental decay than the general population.
Therefore, studies have been conducted to assess different interventions to improve the knowledge and skills of the people with intellectual disabilities and their carer.
[72] Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic mouthrinse that should only be used in two-week time periods due to brown staining on the teeth and tongue.
[74] As mentioned earlier, sodium hypochlorite, a common household bleach, can be used as a 0.2% solution for 30 seconds two or three times a week as a cheap and effective means of combating harmful bacteria.
Keeping the retainer in a plastic case and rinsing it beforehand considered to help reduce the number of bacteria being transferred back into the mouth.
[80][81] While undertaking the braces treatment, it is recommended to use a small-sized or specialized toothbrush with a soft head to access hard-to-reach areas.
[84] Regular flossing is as important as brushing, and helps to remove any plaque build-up, as well as smaller food particles that are stuck in your braces or between your teeth.
[88] People suffering from mental health disorders can have problems arising due to neglect of daily care of oral hygiene.
For example, the problems that may arise are dry mouth, dental caries, jaw pain, oral cancer, and periodontitis (also called gum disease).
[89] In a twenty-five-year study, it was found that people suffering from mental health disorders have a 2.8 times increased chance of losing their teeth.
[92] At a National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, a survey of about 150 questions was asked to a group of about 17,000 people.
She found that these individuals struggle with chronic oral pain and that is a stressor that decreases serotonin levels causing their mental health disorders to be a bigger challenge.
