Good oral hygiene habits are essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. In turn, by having oral health we favor the performance of the functions of chewing and digestion of food. 

First of all, we must be clear about the concept of oral health, which is the absence of any disease or injury that affects the integrity of the teeth, gums and other structures that make up the oral cavity.

These diseases, besides producing pain, also affect the chewing function, the phonation of words and the digestion process (which begins with the chewing of food and the formation of the bolus), etc.

This is why it is important to learn and maintain proper oral hygiene habits that are adapted to our needs, systemic and oral condition, etc. The good news is that to achieve the above you can put into practice the following tips and recommendations:

• It is necessary to brush our teeth when we wake up, after every meal and before going to sleep. It is recommended that we brush for at least 2 minutes, use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to have better access to the back teeth. Tooth brushing should be done by exerting light pressure on the teeth to remove food debris. Care should be taken that this pressure is not excessive since it can damage the dental enamel and gums.

• We must not forget to use dental floss, since it is the fundamental complement after tooth brushing. It should be used after every meal or at least once a day before going to bed to remove food debris that is trapped between the teeth and at the gum margin and that cannot be removed by the bristles of the toothbrush. In addition to the above, we can use a mouthwash, which is indicated to eliminate bacteria and help control dental plaque and dental calculus deposits.

• We must keep in mind that a proper tooth brushing technique helps prevent the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which cause inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums. If we observe that our gums bleed when brushing or spontaneously, this is due to inflammation caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. This is a condition that, if not treated in time, can lead to the destruction of the structures that surround and support the teeth.

• Since oral health is reflected in the general state of the whole organism, lifestyle changes should also be made when necessary: it is essential to drink a good amount of water during the day and we should also avoid the consumption of food containing high amounts of sugar, since it is the main cause of the development of dental caries (which is enhanced by poor oral hygiene). At the same time, consuming very acidic foods too often can erode and weaken tooth enamel.

• Smoking should be avoided because the heat, the smoke produced and the substances released are harmful to the health of oral tissues.

• Bad breath can result from the accumulation of food debris and bacterial deposits on the teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks, or by oral or systemic diseases. It can be treated by practicing proper brushing technique, flossing and visiting the dentist periodically for a thorough dental cleaning.

• In those patients who clench or grind their teeth when sleeping it is necessary to use mouthguards, which prevent wear and loss of dental tissue (which in advanced stages causes pain and sensitivity when chewing and / or ingesting hot or cold drinks) and reduce the tension of the muscles involved in chewing.

• With respect to people who suffer from dental anxiety, it is recommended that they go to a dentist who is academically well trained and with whom they feel comfortable and can establish effective communication.  Likewise, it is important not to postpone visits to the dentist since it is preferable to treat conditions when they are beginning to develop and therefore the treatment to be performed is less invasive and complex.

• And last but not least, we should visit the dentist at least twice a year, so that they can evaluate our oral health status and perform preventive treatments such as a dental cleaning or restorative treatments like removing tooth decay.