Oral Hygiene Training

How does tooth decay occur?

Your mouth is home to whole communities of bacteria that recycle your food and drink. These bacteria can cause tooth decay in the mouth - by feeding on the sugars found in the food and drinks we think we consume - then leaving behind waste in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque. This plaque allows it to stick to your teeth for longer until it produces acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Bacteria that form near the gums in the plaque also produce toxic products that enter the gum tissue and cause gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, a more serious disease with bone and tissue loss in the teeth.

Most of the food you eat causes the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you may not realise can cause harm. Starches also cause acids to form. Dental plaque created from bacteria also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender and susceptible to bleeding. If the gums are left untreated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and the teeth may need to be extracted.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush slowly back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth with gentle up and down movements.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Tear off the dental floss and wrap it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, bring it into a C shape against a tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.
• Bring the floss towards the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side to match the tooth shape.
• Hold the floss firmly against the tooth. Gently rub the gum side of the floss, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down movements.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
• Use mouthwash for additional protection.
  In addition to daily brushing and flossing, mouthwash can improve the hygiene of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouthwashes reduce the activity of bacteria and plaque that cause gingivitis and gum disease.
• Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums:
• Reduce the daily amount of sugary drinks.
• Drink plenty of water with sugary drinks to wash away food, sugar and acids.
• Use straws to reduce the contact of sugary drinks with your teeth.
• Supplement (or replace) sugary drinks with milk, yoghurt or water.