What is oral hygiene and why is it important?

With an increasing number of people losing teeth due to poor oral hygiene, we at Byfleet Dental strongly recommend regular dental hygiene treatment as it is essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. With regular visits to our dentist in West Byfleet, accompanied by looking after your teeth at home, you can be certain that the appearance of your teeth and your oral health will improve significantly.

dentist in West Byfleet
Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining a clean and disease-free mouth. It is essential for healthy teeth and gums and involves brushing twice daily and flossing. In addition to this, it is important to visit your dentist in West Byfleet regularly for hygiene appointments and dental exams. Oral hygiene is a form of preventive care which if followed correctly, can prevent the development of oral health problems such as gum disease, cavities, tooth loss and other oral health issues. It is also linked to whole-body health as certain oral diseases or infections that you may develop from poor oral hygiene can spread bacteria to other areas of your body leading to other health issues. It is therefore vital to keep your teeth and gums healthy as a part of long-lasting overall health.

Signs of poor oral hygiene

There are multiple signs that may indicate you have poor oral hygiene. The most common signs include bleeding gums which is caused by a build-up of plaque at the gum line; this often leads to other oral hygiene issues such as gingivitis or even periodontitis. Tooth decay is also a major sign of poor oral hygiene and is often caused by insufficient brushing and flossing of the teeth which leads to a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Tooth decay can also be caused by drinking beverages with high sugar content and regular snacking. Other signs that indicate poor oral hygiene include chronic bad breath (halitosis), loose teeth, mouth sores that do not heal, regular tooth ache, swelling of the jaw and infections such as gingivostomatitis which is caused by certain bacteria and viruses.

How to improve your oral hygiene

In order to maintain or improve your oral hygiene, your dentist in West Byfleet may advise you to carry out several precautionary measures. The most important and obvious way to improve your oral hygiene is to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush. Flossing once daily also prevents any oral hygiene issues as it targets the spaces between your teeth that toothbrushes cannot reach. It is also important to brush your tongue which holds a lot of bacteria; in doing so you can remove the bacteria that harbours on the surface of your tongue thereby preventing halitosis and leaving your mouth smelling fresh and clean. Using an antibacterial mouthwash helps remove harmful oral bacteria and washes away any food and debris while also reducing the build-up of plaque. Furthermore, regular visits to your dentist is essential for good oral health as this allows your teeth to get a thorough clean using professional tools, and dental exams can target any issues before they become a problem.

Posted on 03 May 2023 by Byfleet Dental