Oral Hygiene

Oral and dental hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your mouth healthy and clean by following regular and correct brushing and flossing routines. This helps to prevent the formation of plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the hard surfaces of teeth, leading to dental decay and gum disease.

What are the results of good dental hygiene?

A healthy-looking and odourless mouth, which comprises of:

• Clean and debris-free teeth.
• Pink gums that do not hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing.
• A mouth free from regular episodes of bad breath.

What is the purpose of dental hygiene?

Good dental and oral hygiene helps to:

• Prevent the formation of plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the hard surfaces of teeth. This can lead to further dental and oral problems, such as tooth decay, tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis or gum disease.
• Improve quality of life by preserving speech and eating functions, as teeth will last longer and one can avoid the embarrassment of bad breath or missing or unsightly teeth.

Prevention

• Regular visits to the dentist - at least every six months to monitor dental and oral health.
• Regular professional dental cleaning - fluoride treatments, sealant application and scaling to help to scrape off the hardened plaque (tartar).
• Diagnostic services - go for X-ray imaging and oral cancer screening.
• Treatment services - fillings, crowns and bridges to restore and retain teeth.