Maintaining dental hygiene is an integral part of overall health. Plaque control is an essential part of maintaining dental hygiene. Plaque control is the regular removal of microbial plaque and the prevention of its accumulation on the teeth. Plaque is a combination of microbes, saliva, food, and a few proteins which form a layer on the tooth surface. This microbial plaque is the primary etiology of periodontal diseases as it is related to dental caries. Daily plaque removal is critical to the long-term success of all periodontal and dental treatment. WHY SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH? When brushing your teeth, you help to remove food and plaque — a white adhesive that builds up on your teeth and contains germs. After eating food or sugary snacks, acids that are produced by bacteria attack the enamel causing cavities. Retained plaque can also harden into tartar after mixing with calcium components, making it difficult to keep teeth clean. The formation of tartar in your gums leads to inflammation that causes gum disease. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T BRUSH YOUR TEETH? Sleeping without brushing your teeth regularly is unlikely to cause long-term problems. However, if you skip brushing your teeth regularly, even in the mornings, you may increase your risk of dental problems and complications. The most common problem that occurs due to not brushing often enough is the accumulation of plaque and cavities. Bacteria in plaque can cause damage to your teeth, causing erosion. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cavities. If the plaque persists for a long time, you are at risk of developing gingivitis, a type of early gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation in your gums, making them painful and often bleeding. When gingivitis gets worse, it can lead to periodontitis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis causes your gums to move away from your teeth. This can lead to bone loss, which eventually leads to the tooth falling out.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends everyone brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. It is recommended to follow this pattern: ● Floss your teeth ● Brush your teeth ● Rinse with mouthwash The ADA suggests brushing teeth at least for 2-3 min. An average adult brushes for 30-45 seconds, which doesn’t help eliminate the bacteria and plaque. It is recommended to use a tongue cleaner to clear off food accumulated on the tongue. This helps not only in improving dental hygiene but also in getting rid of bad breath. WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN AND INFANTS? Brushing and maintaining dental hygiene should start as young as 6 months of age when the baby’s first tooth erupts. Silicone finger brushes or gauze cloth can be used along with water to keep teeth clean. When the child is above 3-6 years of age, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste can be used to brush teeth. WILL BAD ORAL HYGIENE AFFECT OVERALL HEALTH? The answer is yes. Studies showed a close association between dental hygiene and systemic diseases. Bacteria from the oral cavity often find their way into the respiratory system, giving rise to respiratory problems and lung disorders. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to bacterial endocarditis, when bacteria find their way from oral ulcers into the bloodstream, thereby reaching the heart. These conditions are often seen in people with poor periodontal health and elderly individuals. Plaque accumulation due to poor manual dexterity in the elderly and physically challenged leads to periodontitis, making it a freeway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Recent studies also proved a close association between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s, which is a chronic disease.

TIPS FOR EVERYONE TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE BRUSHING Not everyone knows what’s the correct way to keep their pearly whites clean. So, let’s have a look at a few tips to keep in mind while brushing: GET YOUR BRUSHING TECHNIQUE RIGHT: A single brushing technique will not suit everyone. An individual with healthy gums is advised to follow one method, whereas an individual with receding gums or periodontitis needs to follow a different way of brushing. Consult your dentist to evaluate your dental situation and ask for a suitable brushing technique. FLOSS BEFORE BRUSHING: People always do it the other way around. Flossing brings out the gunk present between your teeth, and flossing after brushing might leave some of the gunk over your tooth surface. So, flossing before you brush cleans the interdental area of teeth, and brushing effectively eliminates any residue lodged on the teeth. EXPECTORATE: Do not rinse too much after brushing. It is the fluoride in your toothpaste that helps act against caries, and rinsing too much eliminates the fluoride that is deposited on the teeth, thereby making you susceptible to caries. It is always advised to expectorate or spit the toothpaste rather than rinsing it too much. SELECT THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH: It is always recommended to choose a soft toothbrush as it is less abrasive on the tooth surface and prevents surface abrasion of the tooth. The type of bristles is mentioned at the top of the toothbrush pack. Check for soft bristles before buying. Toothbrushes with crisscross bristles are proved to be more effective than normal ones. Electric toothbrushes are a better option for the physically challenged and elderly with compromised manual dexterity. Also, electric toothbrushes with their programmed movements are proven to be better at plaque removal than manual ones. Following the ADA guidelines for brushing, choosing the brush, toothpaste, and flossing can also contribute to good dental health. If you have any questions or concerns about how to brush properly at any time, be sure to ta