5 Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

1. Dental Floss. Its purpose is to mechanically remove food particles that accumulate between the teeth and under the free gingiva (the triangle of gum between the teeth). At Zenha Clinic, we recommend using dental floss every day at night before brushing your teeth. There are various types of floss, specific for each patient and situation, such as for wider interdental spaces, the use of braces, or fixed prostheses on implants.

2. Soft Brush. Choosing the right brush is one of the most important aspects, which we often overlook. It’s not just about choosing the prettiest brush. Ideally, you should opt for an electric toothbrush, as it allows for more effective removal of food particles due to the oscillating movements it makes. However, whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush, always go for soft bristles. Despite the misconception that a soft brush isn’t effective enough, it can reach areas that wider bristles can’t without harming the gums or causing inflammation. It is important to change your brush or brush head every 3 months or after being sick (e.g., with the flu or COVID-19).

3. Appropriate Toothpaste. While the mechanical action of the brush is undoubtedly the most important, the ingredients in the toothpaste are also crucial. There are specific toothpastes for gum bleeding, cavities, sensitivity, etc. You should consult your dentist to determine the best toothpaste for you, but in general, look for toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1400-1500ppm. There are often questions about whitening toothpastes, which act in two ways: mechanically or chemically. The former use microabrasions that can remove some extrinsic stains when brushed on the surface of the teeth, but they can also scratch the surface of the teeth and cause gum inflammation or recession. The latter are, for example, charcoal-based pastes, which dissolve certain stains chemically. However, these are meant only for certain stains/pigments, not actual teeth whitening. Therefore, avoid these types of toothpaste.

4. Brushing Technique. Whether using a manual or electric toothbrush, the brush should be angled at 45 degrees towards the gums. Why? To ensure proper cleaning of the gumline without injuring it. With manual brushes, you should make circular movements, not just scrub horizontally with force. Be mindful of the pressure you apply, as excessive force can lead to gum and tooth wear. With electric toothbrushes, the brush does the circular movements for you. It’s also very important to brush your tongue with back-to-front movements, as if you’re sweeping. After brushing, simply spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing your mouth with water. Why? Because you want the beneficial components in the toothpaste to act for as long as possible.

5. Regular Check-ups Every 6 Months. To maintain good oral health, you should have check-ups at least twice a year to monitor your hygiene. During these visits, we perform scaling and removal of dental stains, as well as checking for potential cavities and oral lesions.