Dental hygiene is the process of keeping your teeth and mouth clean and healthy by following a correct brushing and flossing routine. The third and possibly most important factor is maintaining regular visits to the dentist every six months for dental check ups.
Brushing and flossing help to prevent the build up of plaque on the enamel surface of teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacterial substance that releases enamel damaging acid causing tooth decay and gum disease. The purpose of dental hygiene is to use good brushing and flossing techniques to remove this plaque and prevent it turning into harder, immovable tartar. This will result in healthy, debris-free teeth surrounded by healthy pink gums that are not sensitive and a mouth that smells nice.
Teeth that are not clean and healthy are often prone to painful or bleeding gums, bad breath, yellow or brown stains on the teeth and teeth that become loose over time. These are all quite unpleasant conditions that can be easily remedied with better dental hygiene. Ignore these problems and they become worse and can eventually lead to painful periodontitis, tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.
In addition to brushing and flossing it may be necessary to use mouthwash or fluoride to protect your teeth but it is only recommended to use these products under advice from a South East London dentist. The dentist can also advise patients which toothpaste is most suitable to use and what brush is most suited to your teeth. Seeing a dental hygienist can also help to improve the overall quality of your dental heath.