Daily oral hygiene is the basis for healthy teeth and gums, while the care of the teeth consists mainly in the right cleaning procedure and technique. Monika Urblíková, a dental hygienist from the Žará polyclinic, explained that tooth cleaning techniques can change according to the patient’s state of health, the position of the teeth, or the skill of the patient.
According to her, evening cleaning should be more thorough and starts with cleaning the interdental spaces with an interdental brush. Dental floss is used to clean the areas where the teeth touch. A single-bundle brush can help in hard-to-reach places. Subsequently, the teeth are cleaned with a toothbrush and paste, it is important to clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth and not to forget the tongue.
“Evening cleaning should be the most thorough, because saliva production in the mouth naturally decreases during the night and bacteria can multiply faster. If a person misses the interdental spaces, that’s where tooth decay or gingivitis most often occurs.” explained Urblíková.
At the end of the evening hygiene, it is advisable to use remineralization paste or foam to strengthen tooth enamel. Morning cleaning mainly consists of using a toothbrush and toothpaste, while people should devote more time to evening cleaning.
It is important to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Especially people who often consume acidic foods or drinks should pay more attention. After eating, it is advisable to wait approximately 30 minutes, because acids from food temporarily they soften the enamel surface and immediate cleaning could mechanically damage it.
The length of cleaning is individual and depends, for example, on the presence of orthodontic appliances, implants or dentures, but also on the treatment of gingivitis. Properly cleaned teeth have a smooth surface after passing the tongue, but according to Urblíková, this does not necessarily mean that the interdental spaces are also thoroughly cleaned. The level of oral hygiene is checked during dental hygiene using the bleeding index or color detection of dental plaque.
“People often come to dental hygiene only when they have a problem. Prevention is much easier. Regular dental hygiene helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.” pointed out the dental hygienist. In general, it is recommended to undergo dental hygiene once every six months. In patients with increased tooth decay or gum disease, it may be necessary more often, approximately three to four times a year.
