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While routine dental exams are crucial for preserving optimal oral health and identifying potential dental issues, they are just one part of the equation. It’s equally important to incorporate daily oral care habits into your routine to prevent future dental problems.
Patient education offered by a Brookline general dentist and their team provides helpful insights about oral hygiene aids. Let’s explore some important oral hygiene aids that help improve oral health and general well-being.
| Oral hygiene aids are special dental devices that help clean your oral cavity. These tools help remove food residue and plaque, a bacterial film that causes tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis (bad breath). |
Exploring some basic oral care home aids
There are numerous types of oral hygiene aids, such as:
Toothbrush
- According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you are advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circular motion.
- You need to brush twice daily, and your manual toothbrushes require replacement every 3 months.
- Currently, electric toothbrushes are gaining traction due to improved precision and dexterity.
Dental floss
- This is a common interdental and subgingival cleaner.
- The floss is made up of nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons.
- Floss should ideally be used twice a day.
Interdental brushes
- These aids are used in conjunction with dental floss to clean the contours of your teeth in between the gums.
Tongue cleaner
- These are special devices that have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and food debris from the tongue surface.
- These tools are made up of metal, wood, or plastic and can significantly eliminate bad breath.
Mouth rinse
There are two types of mouth rinses: cosmetic and therapeutic rinses.
They help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities.
These are generally used after brushing.
Oral irrigators
- These are jet water sprays that are specially designed to clean the debris from below the gum line.
- Water is sprayed at a specific speed to eliminate food residue and bacteria.
Rubber tip stimulators
- These are excellent tools for removing plaque from around the gum line, which also improves the blood flow to the gums.
Utilizing appropriate oral hygiene aids is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath (halitosis). By incorporating these aids into your daily routine and following proper oral care practices, you can achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
