The following are some of the most common oral hygiene aids for home use:
Dental Flosses
Among all the types of dental floss available, dental floss is the most common interdental cleaner as well as the most common subgingival cleaner (below the gums). In order to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, dental floss is made of either nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons, both of which are made of nylon filaments. In order to prevent bleeding and soft tissue damage, it is important to take great care when flossing with a floss holder so as not to cause any damage. It is generally recommended that you use floss twice a day after brushing your teeth.
Cleaners for the interdental space
As an alternative to using dental floss, many hygienists and periodontists recommend the use of interdental brushes. Despite their tiny size, these tiny brushes are soft on the gums and are very effective at cleaning the contours of the teeth in between the gums as well. There are a variety of shapes and sizes available when it comes to interdental brushes.
Mouth Rinses
Mouth rinses can be classified into one of two categories: cosmetic or therapeutic rinses. Cosmetic rinses can be purchased over the counter and temporarily stop bad breath while therapeutic rinses may require a prescription or cannot be purchased over the counter. In fact, the vast majority of dentists do not believe cosmetic rinses have any real benefits due to a number of studies that have shown that they do not significantly reduce plaque. There are, however, therapeutic rinses that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities on your teeth. It is generally recommended to use mouth rinses after brushing your teeth.
Rubber Tip Stimulators
In order to remove plaque from around the gum line and in order to stimulate blood flow to the gums, a rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool to use. At least once a day, the rubber tip stimulator should be traced gently along the outer and inner gum line of the mouth. It is possible to remove any plaque on the tip by rinsing it with tap water. The tip should be replaced as soon as it begins to wear, and the stimulator should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Oral Irrigators
A number of oral irrigators have been developed to clean debris under the gum line, such as Water Jets and Waterpiks. The gum pockets are constantly sprayed with water from tiny jets, which can assist in the removal of harmful bacteria and particles from the gum pockets. Generally speaking, oral irrigators have been proven to be effective in lowering the risk of gum disease if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, and should not be substituted for them. It is recommended that professional cleanings be performed at least twice a year in order to remove deeper debris.
Toothbrushes
There are a number of different types of toothbrushes available on the market today. A dentist will usually recommend an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush because electric brushes are much more effective than manual brushes when it comes to cleaning teeth. There is a vibrating or rotary motion that helps dislodge plaque and remove food particles that can build up around the gums and teeth as a result of the vibrations. By using a manual brush, you can achieve the same results as by using an electric brush, but it will take a lot more effort to do so.
Tongue Cleaners
In order to prevent the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and food debris on the tongue surface, tongue cleaners have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and food debris with special devices. A great number of systemic diseases have been found to be associated with the fungi and bacteria which colonize on the tongue, including halitosis (bad breath) and diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, strokes, and other neurological conditions. It is possible to make tongue cleaners with metal, wood or plastic, which are shaped according to the contours of the tongue and made of different materials. In order to prevent the ingestion of bacteria and fungi, it is important to clean the tongue prior to brushing it.
It is recommended that manual toothbrushes be replaced every three months because worn out bristles become ineffective over time. There is much less damage to gum tissue caused by soft bristle toothbrushes compared to medium and hard bristle toothbrushes. It is also important that you choose an ADA approved toothbrush of the appropriate size in order to ensure that you are able to clean all of your teeth properly. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day after each meal.
Please consult your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions regarding oral hygiene aids.
