Dental hygiene is a vital component of whole-body health. Poor oral health can lead to infections that travel through the bloodstream and cause heart disease, diabetes and other issues.
Dental hygiene school can be demanding and fast-paced, with little downtime over holidays and breaks. Learning techniques that fit your learning style can help you stay energized and focused.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is a routine of brushing and flossing teeth and using mouthwash to keep the gums clean. It also includes regular dental visits for cleaning and checkups. Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other problems that can lead to serious health issues.
A person’s oral health is important because the mouth is the entry point for food as it travels down the digestive tract and because germs in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body. For example, infections in the mouth can cause heart disease, and infection in the upper respiratory tract can lead to pneumonia. The mouth is also a mirror of the general health of the body. Diseases in other parts of the body often show up first in the mouth.
Brushing
Brushing removes food particles that bacteria convert into acids, which harm enamel and cause cavities. It should be done twice a day, for two minutes each time. Dentists recommend brushing before and after eating to remove acid and bacteria that builds up during the day and during sleep when saliva production is reduced.
Dental hygienists recommend using toothpaste with fluoride, which strengthens the enamel layer and makes teeth less vulnerable to decay. When selecting a toothpaste, look for one with the ADA seal of acceptance.
Regis College offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and provides the necessary knowledge to become a professional dental hygienist who will work for the advancement of oral health care and enhance the lives of individuals in a variety of settings.
Flossing
Flossing removes plaque and food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach. This helps prevent gum disease, cavities and bad breath.
Using a clean section of floss, place it between each tooth hugging the base of one side of your teeth and gum line in a “c” shape. Gently glide the floss up and down, sliding slightly beneath the gumline to help remove plaque or food debris.
Using too much force can cause injury or bleeding to your delicate gum tissue. Infrequent flossing can leave behind significant amounts of plaque and food residue, increasing the likelihood for dental problems. In addition to brushing and flossing, other important oral hygiene practices include rinsing with mouthwash, tongue brushing and routine dental visits. These habits along with a balanced diet keep your smile healthy.
Routine Dental Visits
Dental visits are an important part of routine oral care, along with brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits allow dentists to catch problems early, such as tooth decay or gum disease, before they become serious and painful.
When patients go to a dentist for a routine checkup, they should expect more than just an exam and cleaning. Dentists will also likely take X-rays of the mouth, which give them a view of the inside of the teeth and can help detect problems that are not yet visible to the naked eye.
The general recommendation is to visit a dentist every six months, but this varies by patient. Some may need to visit more frequently while others can get away with visiting less often. The decision should be made by a dentist who can assess each individual patient’s oral health needs.
Nutrition
In addition to brushing and flossing, the food you eat plays an important role in oral health. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages like cookies, chips, and soda to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Eating nutrient-rich foods provides the vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums. Calcium, a key component of strong teeth and bones, is available from low-fat dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified foods. A well-rounded diet also contains essential vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamins C, K, and A; minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium; and protein, which is important for saliva production and digestion. Using saliva tests and providing nutritional counseling are effective methods of identifying dietary contributors to oral disease and caries risk. Dental hygienists can provide educational materials such as food charts, food labels, and models of dietary requirements to help patients adopt healthier lifestyles.