Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is the concept of caring for your teeth, tongue, and gums.

Taking care of your mouth properly begins at infancy. It is important to care for your baby's gums and teeth once they begin to come in. Using a wash cloth is recommended for cleaning your baby's new teeth and just a minimal amount of toothpaste until your baby is old enough to spit the toothpaste back out.

Brushing your teeth properly helps to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Good dental hygiene doesn't stop with brushing your teeth properly. To prevent bad breath it is recommended that you brush your tongue also. To care for your gums experts recommend messaging your gums and gently brushing them with a toothbrush while cleaning your teeth.

Even with good oral hygiene at home, you should still visit a dentist to have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year.

"If you're fighting an infection where you have pus beneath the gums and swollen gums, it's going to tax the immune system." — Dr. Warren Jesek — Herald & Review

“It seems that certain bacteria found in patients with periodontitis have also been detected in the artherosclerotic plaque of the heart vessels. Periodontitis in itself can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, which further increases the risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream.” — Dr. Poulos — FOX News

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any Dental Hygiene program.

• Google News: Dental Hygiene Search
• Washington Post: General Assembly Expands Dental Care for Poor Children (April 17, 2008)
• HealthDay: Health Tip: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy (November 14, 2007)
  • At least twice a day (and after meals when you can), brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Floss at least once each day. If possible, floss after every meal to remove food particles from between teeth. Get a new toothbrush at least once every three months, or whenever the brush's bristles become frayed and worn. Limit sugary meals, drinks and snacks. Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup
• WebMD: Colgate Warns of Fake Toothpaste (June 14, 2007)
• FOXNews.com: Hanging by a Thread: Flossing Your Teeth Can Save Your Life (February 27, 2007)
• The New York Times: A Gender Gap in Dental Hygiene (May 18, 2004)