Basics of Oral Hygiene Part 1

woman brushing teeth, Royal Denta toothpaste and toothbrushes in the foreground

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health, as several serious conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and premature birth, can be linked to oral health.

Which toothbrush should you choose? Manual or electric?

A toothbrush with soft or extra soft (soft or extra soft) bristles should be used, as firmer bristles can damage tooth enamel and gums, especially if the brushing technique is incorrect.

For individuals who brush their teeth too hard, it is recommended to consider using an electric toothbrush. Many models have a built-in pressure sensor that warns against excessive pressure.

Additionally, an electric toothbrush helps to clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively, such as the back teeth, which helps reduce the risk of gingivitis and bleeding.

For example, Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are equipped with a pressure sensor, brush head replacement reminder technology, and sonic technology that removes up to 10x more plaque compared to manual brushes.

The toothbrush or brush head should be replaced every 3 months.

Toothpaste choices

Choose a toothpaste that supports gum health. Dentists recommend using pastes containing fluoride and xylitol, as these strengthen the teeth and help prevent the formation of caries.

Apteq-toothpaste-with-fluoride-xylitol

In cases of poor oral hygiene, where gums are red, swollen, and bleeding, a toothpaste that inhibits bacterial growth and strengthens the gums serves as first aid. For example, Royal Denta Gold toothpaste contains:

Royal Denta Gold Toothpaste
  • Hydroxyapatite, which remineralizes tooth enamel, reduces sensitivity, and protects gums from inflammation.
  • Chitosan, which neutralizes the acidic environment in the mouth, reducing gum irritation and inflammation.
  • Green tea extract, whose antioxidant properties protect the gums from oxidative stress. Regular consumption of green tea helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.

It is important to monitor the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) of the toothpaste, especially when using an electric toothbrush.

Learn more about abrasivity in this post.

Whitening toothpastes may be used occasionally, as they are too abrasive for continuous use. Long-term use of whitening toothpaste damages tooth enamel by scratching the surface, which can result in teeth becoming dull.

For teeth whitening, you should consult a dentist to find a suitable procedure.

Correct brushing techniques

The basic rule is that teeth should be brushed twice a day (morning and evening) for at least 2 minutes. Morning brushing is recommended immediately after waking up and before eating to ensure it is not forgotten. If brushing after eating, you should wait 30–60 minutes for the mouth’s pH level to recover, so there is no longer a risk of damaging the enamel. After eating, you can rinse your mouth with clean water or chew a xylitol product (chewing gum or pastille), which stimulates saliva production and balances oral acids.

A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient for brushing. The toothbrush bristles should be aimed at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and the tooth crown, and the toothbrush should be moved with steady strokes. Brushing should conclude with the cleaning of the chewing surfaces.

When using an electric toothbrush, it is sufficient to hold the brush in the correct position and glide it tooth by tooth along the dental arch.

Incorrect brushing technique can cause gum and tooth sensitivity.