Regular dental visits and exams are crucial and are offered by the family dentist in Pacific Beach, San Diego for optimal oral health. However, this may not be sufficient since visits and exams happen only once in six months. It is important to incorporate daily oral care habits into your routine for persistent oral health to prevent future dental problems.
Oral hygiene practices at home are equally beneficial in promoting oral health. Let’s explore some important oral hygiene aids that help improve oral health and general well-being.
| Oral hygiene aids are special dental devices that help clean your oral cavity. These tools help remove food residue and plaque, a bacterial film that causes tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis (bad breath). |
What are the common oral hygiene aids used at home?
Numerous types of oral hygiene aids can be effectively used at home to improve oral health. These include:
Toothbrush
- According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you are advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circular motion.
- You need to brush twice daily, and your manual toothbrushes require replacement every 3 months.
- Currently, electric toothbrushes are gaining traction due to improved precision and dexterity.
Dental floss
- This is a common interdental and subgingival cleaner.
- The floss is made up of nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons.
- Floss should ideally be used twice a day.
Mouth rinse
- There are two types of mouth rinses: cosmetic and therapeutic rinses.
- They help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities.
- These are generally used after brushing.
Interdental brushes
- These aids are used in conjunction with dental floss to clean the contours of your teeth in between the gums.
Tongue cleaner
- These are special devices that have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and food debris from the tongue surface.
- These tools are made up of metal, wood, or plastic and can significantly eliminate bad breath.
Oral jet irrigators
- These are jet water sprays that are specially designed to clean the debris from below the gum line.
- Water is sprayed at a specific speed to eliminate food residue and bacteria.
You must know the essential oral hygiene aids and how to use them properly to maintain ideal oral health and improve your quality of life. These aids also help prevent common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath (halitosis). By incorporating them into your daily routine and following proper oral care practices, you can achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
