Did you know that good dental health can actually prevent heart diseases? According to American journal of Preventive medicine individuals with tooth loss have greater risk of getting heart diseases.

And as per Indian Dental Association (IDA), oral infections and improper oral hygiene can lead to many complications like stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems and premature births in case of pregnant women.

So what constitutes proper dental hygiene? Here, let’s talk to a dentist to know more.

Good Dental Practice

Dr Rashmi TN, the practicing dentist in a clinic in Bangalore, says that dental caries (tooth cavities), gum diseases, and bad breath, are the most common oral diseases that people come to see the dentist. Though genes and tooth anatomy contribute to dental problems, Dr Rashmi stresses that many of these oral infections can be averted by following proper oral hygiene, a balanced diet and a regular visit to the dentist.

‘Brushing, flossing and massaging techniques comprise good dental practices’, says the dental practitioner.

Brushing Of Teeth

As far as brushing is concerned, the right brushing technique is to clean all the sides of teeth with short back and forth vertical strokes. 

  • Tilt the brush at 45 degree angle against the gum line for effective cleaning.
  • Cover the areas where the teeth and gums meet, and make sure you brush the outside and inside surfaces of upper as well as lower teeth. Tilt the brush for greater reach of inner surfaces of teeth.
  • Always brush for a minimum of two to three minutes, so that each tooth gets brushed correctly.
  • Brush twice a day and brush gently.
  • Use a toothbrush with medium bristles for effective teeth cleaning.

‘Soft and ultra soft brushes are only recommended for people with lot of gum problems or abrasive teeth’, says Dr Rashmi.

‘And there is no right or wrong tooth paste. Most of them contain fluoride and do not contribute to effective cleaning of the gums. It is the mechanical action of the brush and its angle which determines the cleaning of the teeth’, adds the dentist.