Oral and dental health is an important part of our overall health, vital functions and life quality.
Despite this, due to numerous economic, social ve cultural factors in our country, oral and dental health services can’t reach the society as required. While the frequency of a dental visit is 5 years in developed countries, this rate decreases to about 0.7 in Turkey.
The oral and dental problems which aren’t taken into consideration before the pain gets unbearable are the cause of irreversible disorders in our bodies.
There are two main diseases frequently encountered in oral and dental health which are the major causes of teeth loss;
- Tooth decay
- Inflammation of the gingiva
The food particles accumulating on and between the teeth due to poor cleansing produce bacteria. These accumulations form the bacterial plaque. When you move your finger on the surface of your teeth, if there is a slippery feel, then your bacterial plaque has formed and should immediately be cleaned with a brush. This transparent, sticky and slippery layer is the main cause of tooth decay and gingival inflammations. As it is not noticed easily with the eye, it is a very dangerous and insidious enemy.
Bacterial Plaque is transparent, therefore it is an insidious enemy which can’t be detected with the eye
The plaque layer in the same mouth which has been made visible by special dye techniques
By brushing our teeth adequately, the bacterial plaque will be completely removed. But after the brushing process, the bacterial plaque will start to form again. This is the main reason why brushing once a day is not sufficient. The brushing process should preferably be performed at least twice a day; after breakfast and before going to sleep. Thereby, the developing bacterial plaque will be eliminated from the mouth before causing any harm.
After you finish brushing, move your fingers on the surface of your teeth. You will notice that they have become matte and the slippery feeling has been lost. Now you can comfortably go to sleep.
The microorganisms which are reproduced within the bacterial plaque form acid by breaking up carbohydrates (sugary foods). And this acid decays the tooth by commencing from a small dot and increasing over time. During further phases, inflammation and loss of tooth become a current issue. The decays that aren't cured cause inflammations on the nerves of the tooth, and that can be the cause of inflammations and illnesses in other organs of the body.
Bacterial plaque which has not been removed leads to formation of calculus by deposition of saliva
The dental calculus and acids which are produced by the bacterial plaque induce the formation of gingival inflammation. The first sign of the gingival inflammation is bleeding. It further makes itself noticeable by color changes, deformities and malodor. Keep in mind that teeth loss seen due to gingival inflammation is considerably more than of those caused by tooth decay.
The only way to protect yourself from tooth decay and gingival inflammation is oral and dental care...
Wherever you look, you will see a different brushing technique. In reality, every brushing technique which serves the plaque removal without harming the teeth and gingiva is fine. Namely, if you are able to remove all the plaque from all the teeth surfaces, if you are able to massage your gums with the brush, you will continue to possess healthy teeth and gums...
The brushing technique which is performed by placing the brush at a 45° angle at the tooth-gum junction and done with circular and vibrational movements may be suggested as the easiest way for an efficient and effective cleaning. But it should be kept in mind that the bristles of the tooth brush will not be able to penetrate between the teeth and therefore brushing alone will not be sufficient leading to the fact that the plaque residing between the interfaces of the teeth can only be removed with the aid of a dental floss.
You should note that one of the greatest opulences that a person may have during a lifetime is to be able to smile, chew and speak with their natural and healthy teeth.
There is a famous saying, perhaps it is the one which perfectly renders the importance of teeth brushing;
"You don't have to brush all your teeth.. Just the ones you want to keep"
If you ask me, you should also do like that… You will be comfortable, don't worry...
The information contained in the site is to inform about dentistry and treatment methods.
This information is definitely not a substitute for the physician to examine the patient for medical purposes or to make a diagnosis.