Oral health is the practice of keeping the mouth and the teeth clean to prevent dental problems; most commonly, dental cavities, gingivitis and bad breath. There are also oral pathologic conditions in which good oral hygiene is required for healing and regeneration of the oral tissues. These conditions include periodontitis and dental trauma such as subluxation, oral cyst, and following wisdom tooth extraction.
Cleaning of teeth
Teeth’s cleaning is the removal of dental plague and tartar from teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.
Tooth decay is the most common global disease. Over 80% of cavities occur inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces where brushing cannot reach. Food left trapped after every meal or snacks and saliva or fluoride have no access to neutralize acid and remineralise demineralised teeth, unlike easy-to-reach surfaces, where fewer cavities occur.
Therefore, through careful, frequent brushing with a toothbrush, combined with the use of dental floss can prevent accumulation of plagues on the teeth.
Examples of oral diseases
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease (periodontitis)
- Oral cysts
- Noma
Care of the mouth (teeth and tongue)
- The use of toothbrush with toothpaste combined with the use of floss to prevent accumulation of plague on the teeth.
- Gum care – massaging the gums with toothbrush bristles is recommended for good oral health
- Oral irrigation – It is a way to clean teeth and gums recommended by some dental professionals.
- Eating of good diet (food) and drinking of health drinks.
- The use of fluoridated solution for example water.
- Oral health education
Prevention of oral diseases
- Avoid smoking and chewing of tobacco.
- Fluoridation of water
- Regular brushing of the mouth and tongue
- Avoid the use of hard drugs that can cause discolouration of the teeth.
