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Blog, Dental advices
During your visits to the dental hygienist, we’ve probably asked you the question, “Do you brush your teeth 3 times a day?”. Although this question may seem trivial, there are reasons why it is asked. Indeed, it is essential to brush your teeth thoroughly to eliminate dental plaque and thus preserve your oral health.
« Good oral hygiene is essentially about removing plaque »
Swiss Society of Dentists.
Plaque is a material that sticks to the teeth when they are not properly maintained. It is initially white and becomes more yellowish as it thickens. It is made up of salivary proteins, food remains, and bacteria that secrete toxins.
Plaque can cause various inconveniences:
It can also affect general health, such as when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause heart, joint, or kidney problems, etc.
Don’t hesitate to discuss this with your dental hygienist during your next dental scaling.
The foods I eat often contain sugar, even those that do not taste sweet. The bacteria naturally present in my mouth and form dental plaque transform this sugar into acid. This acidity will then attack the enamel of my teeth. This is how cavities develop.
Also, plaque causes an inflammatory process resulting in bleeding and redness of the gingiva (gingivitis) and even bone loss in my jaws (periodontitis).
Inflamed gingiva – Healthy gingiva
Mechanical action is the most effective way to remove plaque. In addition to dental scaling at your hygienist, make sure you brush your teeth 3 times a day after meals. It is also essential to floss once a day, along with the use of brushes or other hygiene aids. This will remove plaque from between the teeth as it forms.
If the dental plaque is not removed, it will harden and become tartar, which can only be removed by dental scaling.
« The external and internal surfaces should be brushed up to and including the gum line. You should check your cleaning technique in a mirror. The toothbrush should have a short, narrow head and should be replaced as soon as the bristles begin to deform. »
Swiss Society of Dentists
Buy a plaque stain (plaque developer) from a pharmacy to reveal plaque. It is then easy to identify and remove it with effective brushing.
You can also ask your dental hygienist for a plaque stain at your next visit. She will then be able to guide you in the right gestures to obtain an efficient brushing.
Our hygienists are your dental coaches; ask them for advice.
