Requirements for dental care products. This will help you ensure proper care for your teeth and gums. oral care

oral hygiene

Individual hygiene procedures in the oral cavity vary depending on the age and dental status of the child, adolescent and adult. In each specific situation, an optimal set of oral hygiene products is required.

There are different opinions about the age at which a child should be taught to brush their teeth and oral cavity regularly. Most dentists recommend starting at age 2. However, in the Republic of Bashkortostan, 30% of children in this age group have teeth affected by caries. Therefore, it is important to start oral care from the moment your baby is born and after every meal.

A child trained in regular oral hygiene from infancy will move on to independent use of a toothbrush and toothpaste easier and earlier than their peers. Oral care during the neonatal period is important just as in all other stages of a child's life, since during this period, microbial contamination of the oral cavity of newborns by the microflora of parents and their relatives occurs due to kisses, licking of the nipple, spoon by adults. The following oral care recommendations for children under 2 years of age should be followed:

after each meal, clean the baby's mouth with a soft terry cloth soaked in warm boiled water or with a baby toothbrush for toothless jaws;

Treat the nipple that has fallen out of the child's mouth with boiled water, and do not lick it;

do not lick the baby spoon before feeding the baby;

after the eruption of the first milk teeth, use children's toothbrushes with very soft bristles;

up to 2-2.5 years, do not use children's toothpastes, as they can cause a strong vomiting;

in the presence of enamel hypoplasia, burdened antenatal period, you can use Infa-dent toothpaste based on breast milk;

after using the brush, it must be washed in warm boiled water, but not treated with boiling water, as it deforms the synthetic bristle fiber.

For children from 2 to 4 years old, a different set of oral hygiene products is recommended for oral care and caries prevention:

children's hygienic brush with soft bristles, atraumatic head and large handle with molded rubber plastic;

children's therapeutic and prophylactic toothbrush;

children's therapeutic and prophylactic toothpaste with a fluoride compound or a calcium component, a mild abrasive, without strong antiseptics;

oral care is carried out by the child under the supervision of the parents;

After each meal, rinse your mouth with boiled water.

For children of preschool age from 4 to 6 years old, accustomed to individual oral hygiene on their own, but under the strict supervision of their parents, the following SGPR are recommended:

children's prophylactic toothbrush with soft bristles, brush wear indicator, large handle;

children's therapeutic and prophylactic paste of anti-caries action (with a fluoride compound or a calcium component), with a soft abrasive, without strong antiseptics;

flosses with a fluoride component;

mouth rinses from the age of 6 without strong antiseptics, non-alcoholic with a dispenser or a measuring cup;

chewing gums without abrasive components, with sweeteners such as xylitol are recommended for children from the age of 6, to be used after meals for a short time.

As the child develops and grows, the teeth of the temporary bite are replaced by permanent teeth. By the age of 12-13, the formation of a permanent bite ends.

Epidemiological studies conducted in the republic show that the prevalence of caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren is 82%, the intensity of the lesion according to the KPU index is 2.7. Based on the foregoing, a small percentage of schoolchildren can use hygienic toothbrushes and pastes as oral hygiene products. The optimal selection of oral hygiene products for most children is the following:

teenage prophylactic toothbrush of medium bristle hardness, indication of the degree of bristle wear; the size of the head of the toothbrush should correspond to the size of 2-3 teeth;

therapeutic and prophylactic toothpaste with a fluoride component (the same as for adults), a calcium component, without strong antiseptics;

use flosses with a fluoride component after each meal;

non-alcoholic mouthwashes with a fluoride component, herbal extracts;

chewing gum with a sweetener only after meals, for a short time;

toothpicks are used when it is not possible to use other interdental tools.

In the case of periodontal diseases, the set of SGPR includes:

prophylactic toothbrush in the acute stage with soft bristles, during remission and recovery - medium bristle hardness;

toothbrushes with very soft bristles of the "Sensitive" type for use in the area of ​​​​inflammation;

therapeutic and prophylactic anti-inflammatory toothpaste containing extracts of herbs and plants, triclosan, chlorhexidine, for the period of treatment;

treatment-and-prophylactic paste of the "Sensitive" type for hyperesthesia of the teeth and in the postoperative period during the excision of hypertrophied periodontal tissues;

non-alcoholic mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine, triclosan, for the period of treatment;

flosses are used during the period of exacerbation with caution;

chewing gum is not desirable to use in inflammatory and inflammatory-dystrophic processes in the periodontium;

balms and tonics for gums have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect;

single-beam toothbrushes with a rounded brush field;

irrigators to use in the "soul" mode.

Special attention should be paid to hygiene measures in the process of orthodontic treatment. As a result of deterioration in the self-cleaning of the oral cavity, the accumulation of soft plaque in the places of retention, increased deposition of tartar, inflammation can occur in the periodontal tissues and metabolic processes in the hard tissues of the teeth are disturbed, accompanied by a predominance of demineralization and the occurrence of initial caries.

It is advisable to prescribe the following oral hygiene products:

therapeutic and prophylactic pastes with a fluoride compound or a calcium component, pastes with anti-inflammatory action, containing antiseptics, extracts and oils of herbs and plants, salt components;

in practice, the system of periodic replacement of hygiene products, which mainly affects the hard tissues of the teeth and periodontal tissues, has justified itself. Within 10 days it is recommended to use fluoride-containing toothpastes that increase enamel resistance, in the next 10 days - anti-inflammatory (salt or herbal supplements) pastes that affect periodontal tissues, end the monthly cycle - 10-day brushing of teeth with calcium-phosphate-containing pastes that strengthen crystal lattice of enamel;

orthodontic toothbrushes having a V-shaped groove in the center of the brush field, into the depth of which Angle's arc can be easily placed, braces;

ultrasonic brush Ultrasonex;

brushes for cleaning interdental spaces;

single-beam brushes designed for additional cleaning with crowded teeth, the presence of orthodontic structures in the oral cavity;

use flosses with a fluoride component after each meal if the patient has removable orthodontic appliances;

mouth rinses with a fluoride component, herbal extracts.

Patients in the process of orthodontic treatment need to brush their teeth 2 times a day (in the morning after breakfast, in the evening before going to bed) for 3-5 minutes, thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of the teeth and interdental spaces. Rinse your mouth with boiled water after each meal. Much attention must be paid to cleaning the orthodontic apparatus, which, like teeth, must be cleaned in the morning and evening. Removable orthodontic appliances should be cleaned with highly abrasive tooth powder. At the same time, care must be taken when freeing from plaque, saliva sediment of those surfaces that are adjacent to the oral mucosa.

For the care of removable orthodontic appliances, Block Yrug Company Inc. created pills with bioformula "Corega Junior". Thanks to a special combination of active ingredients, they clean and color stubborn deposits, do not adversely affect the materials from which orthodontic appliances are usually made, and provide reliable protection against caries and bad breath.

The choice of oral hygiene products is not as simple as it seems at first glance: universal pastes and brushes do not exist, and preparations and brush configuration that are inappropriate in composition can not only be ineffective, but also harm teeth and gums. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is recommended to visit the dentist first. At the consultation, the doctor will give advice and help you make the right choice, assessing the condition of the oral cavity.

Assortment of oral hygiene products

The main oral hygiene products are toothpastes, mouth rinses, toothbrushes, brushes and dental floss. Their main task is to remove plaque and prevent its re-formation.

Toothbrushes

To buy a quality brush, you need to pay attention to such criteria as the shape of its head, the comfort of the handle, as well as the length and stiffness of the bristles.
It is better to give preference to brushes with different levels of bristles: they help to clean your teeth even in the most inaccessible places. As for the stiffness of the bristles, there are three levels: soft, medium and hard - depending on individual preferences and characteristics of the teeth and gums.
Vibrating electric toothbrushes are considered more effective than regular toothbrushes as they remove plaque better and massage the gums.

Store your toothbrush in an upright position with the head
up, and change to a new one - 3-4 times a year. After every cleaning
The toothbrush should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

Options: electric toothbrush Oral-B Vitality 3D White Luxe (estimated cost - 1100 rubles); Philips HX1630 electric toothbrush (estimated cost - 869 rubles); toothbrush Aquafresh 3-Way Head (estimated cost - 120 rubles).

Toothpastes

All toothpastes, depending on the composition, are divided into therapeutic and prophylactic and hygienic, and can also be divided into age categories: for children, adolescents, adults and for people using dentures.

Hygienic toothpastes
Hygienic toothpastes do not contain special therapeutic and preventive additives and have only a cleansing and refreshing effect, but now they can hardly be found on sale, since most manufacturers include various additives in oral hygiene products.

Therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes
They contain biologically active additives: vitamins, plant extracts, salts, trace elements and other useful substances. Designed for everyday oral care and prevention of various diseases: caries, periodontal disease, non-carious lesions, diseases of the oral mucosa and other dental health problems.
Such pastes can be anti-inflammatory, whitening, removing plaque from coffee and tea, anti-caries, saline, for sensitive teeth, and some of these products combine a number of therapeutic and prophylactic properties.

Options: R.O.C.S toothpaste “A taste of pleasure. Chocolate and mint "(estimated cost - 200 rubles); BLANX Med toothpaste (estimated cost - 418 rubles); toothpaste "PARODONTOL" cedar (estimated cost - 37 rubles).

Mouthwashes

Many manufacturers, as additions to their pastes, produce rinses, which include active ingredients. They prevent inflammation of the gums, the formation of plaque on the teeth and the appearance of caries, and also give fresh breath. To achieve optimal results, it is better to choose a rinse aid of the same company and line as the paste. Rinse your mouth every time after brushing your teeth, as well as after meals.

Options: mouthwash "Asepta Fresh" (estimated cost - 130 rubles); rinse for gums with extracts of oak and fir bark "Forest Balsam" (estimated cost - 62 rubles); mouthwash Organic SPLAT (estimated cost - 135 rubles).

Brushes and dental floss (floss)

The need to use dental floss and brushes is a rather controversial issue for many people. Dentists believe that such additional dental care products are needed, as they help remove plaque and excess food in the most inaccessible places - interdental spaces. However, they must be used very carefully so as not to damage the teeth and gums.
Dental flosses are round and flat with various impregnations or waxed, and brushes differ in size, diameter and stiffness of the bristles.

Options: dental floss Trisa Dental floss super-tape Waxed (estimated cost - 109 rubles); dental floss Jordan Floss "Easy Glide" whitening (estimated cost - 156 rubles); brushes Paro Isola (estimated cost - 150 rubles).

Flosses and brushes are suitable for those who have fairly large interdental
gaps. If they are too small, use these
means are not recommended, as they can damage the gums.

Braces care products

For those who straighten their teeth with braces, special care products are recommended: V-shaped toothbrushes, single-bundle brushes and brushes. They help to effectively clean the orthodontic structure itself, as well as the area between the teeth and the arch from food debris. These tools are often sold in bracket cleaning kits, along with instructions for use.

Options: bracket set President (estimated cost - 650 rubles); orthodontic toothbrush Colgate ORTO (estimated cost - 89 rubles); cleaning kit for braces Piave Dental Care (estimated cost - 488 rubles).

Denture care products

Fixed dentures should be cleaned with a soft brush that has a massaging effect and does not injure the mucous membrane. For removable and partially removable dentures, more rigid double-sided brushes are made: zigzag bristles are designed to treat the outer surface of the prosthesis, and a small rounded one is used to clean the inner surface adjacent to the oral mucosa. Dentures also need to be soaked weekly in solutions using special cleaning tablets.

Options: Fittydent cleaning tablets for cleaning removable and partially removable dentures (estimated cost - 200 rubles); effervescent tablets for cleaning dentures LACALUT dent (estimated cost - 295 rubles); brush for cleaning removable dentures Fuchs (estimated cost - 150 rubles).

Expert: Alesya Aleshkina, orthodontist
Katerina Kapustina

A dazzling smile adorns every person. But for this, it is necessary to provide thorough care, everyday care and choose means for caring for your teeth.

Dental care products are very effective in preventing caries, gum inflammation, but despite this, a dentist must select them for you, as teeth can be very sensitive and require individual care.

If you brush your teeth incorrectly, do not use additional dental care products, do not consume foods that contain all the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy teeth, you can get problems, such as caries, as well as.

This article will tell you how to properly care for your teeth and avoid problems.

Proper dental care

Many people don't brush their teeth properly. Brushing your teeth prevents tooth decay, inflammation of the gums and mouth, and eliminates bad breath.

1) The toothbrush should be held along the gum line. The movements of the toothbrush should be from top to bottom, you need to thoroughly clean each tooth.

2) It is also necessary to carefully clean the inner surface of the tooth from the bottom up.

3) Now you need to clean the chewing surfaces of the teeth, move the toothbrush back and forth.

4) With the tip of the brush, clean the inside of the front teeth, the movements should be circular.

Remember to brush your teeth for about three minutes. In the morning we clean and in the evening after eating. Try to always rinse your mouth after you eat. And as you know, be sure to change the brush after three months.

Toothpaste - No. 1 dental care product

Which toothpaste to choose?

1) The most important cleaning function is performed by abrasives. That is, the more abrasive particles in the pastes, the better you brush your teeth.

However, too large abrasives are also bad; they will erase tooth enamel. Therefore, look in the toothpaste for the degree of abrasiveness of the RDA, if you have sensitive teeth, choose no more than twenty-five units, if you have normal healthy teeth -70 80 RDA.

2) The next component of toothpastes is fluoride. He prevents teeth from caries, strengthens tooth enamel and prevents their destruction. The label usually says sodium fluoride and may also say sodium monofluorophosphate.

Of course, fluoride has its advantages, but it can lead to dental fluorosis - this is the appearance of yellow spots on the teeth. And if it accumulates in the body for a long time, then this threatens with bone fragility, thyroid diseases.

Therefore, when using pastes with fluorine, you need to know:

• that the amount of toothpaste should not be a large pea, do not put the paste on the entire toothbrush, take a little;
• do not keep the paste for more than three minutes on the teeth and swallow.

3) If the gums bleed and are inflamed, you need to choose pastes that contain triclosan, chlorhexidine, metronidazole. But they should be used only when the process is exacerbated, they cannot be used for a long time; they will disrupt the microflora of the mouth and will kill not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial ones.

4) For daily use, choose a paste that includes natural herbs sage, oak bark, propolis.

5) If you have very sensitive teeth, choose pastes with strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, these pastes are marked “sensitive”.

If you are advised to massage your gums, then you need to choose a brush with soft and long bristles. If the teeth are tightly set and caries often occurs, you need to choose oblique or multi-level bristles or use th.

Dental floss and mouthwash are effective dental care products.

Dental floss should always be at hand, it is an indispensable and very important component of oral hygiene. It cleans the interdental spaces from food and prevents caries.

As soon as you have eaten, use dental floss, take about 30 centimeters of floss, wind it around the tips of your middle fingers and gently insert between your teeth. With a gentle movement of the hand, remove plaque from the side surfaces of the teeth. A new floss should be used for each gap of teeth. Do everything with light movements, otherwise the gums will be injured.

Rinses are also very important for the oral cavity, they
relieve inflammation of the gums and prevent the formation of plaque. But please choose a rinse aid that does not contain alcohol.

It is very good when there are antiseptics in the composition: tea tree oil, eucalyptus extract, propolis. They do not disturb the beneficial flora. If you have sore gums, you need to use a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, triclosan.

Tooth rinse should be used 30 minutes after brushing your teeth and applied in two-week courses.

You can also make your own mouthwash at home. You will need a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda. You need to use the entire glass. This mouthwash keeps your teeth white.

You can also rinse your mouth with sage, chamomile, they have an antibacterial effect. After rinsing, refrain from eating or drinking.

Of course, nutrition plays a huge role in dental health. It should be balanced, contain proteins,
carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins.

Sugar is the main enemy of teeth, it promotes the growth of bacteria. You need to exclude candy cakes sweet soda jam.

You need to include foods that are good for your teeth more often in your menu.

1. they are rich in calcium.
2. Cod liver butter yolk these products contain vitamin D, which is known to all for the absorption of calcium.
3. Cheese - neutralizes acid that is detrimental to teeth. As a prevention of caries, after eating, you need to chew a piece of cheese.
4. Oatmeal contains phosphorus, calcium, which strengthen tooth enamel.
5. Raw fruits and vegetables are very useful - carrots, pears, apples. Fibrous foods rich in fiber are needed for healthy gums, strengthening and cleansing of teeth, and stimulates blood circulation.
6. Include in your diet fish and seafood (mackerel, herring, sea kale) they have a lot of fluoride, which strengthens teeth and prevents caries.
7. Caries is not the only reason to visit a dentist, be sure to visit a doctor if your gums bleed, your teeth react to cold and hot, if you notice tartar.

Once a year, be sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist's office.

Conclusion: if you follow the simple rules of dental care, visit a dentist once a year, include the right foods in your menu and of course brush your teeth correctly and use dental care products, then you will avoid caries, gum disease and other dental diseases and oral cavity.

A large share in the range of sanitary and hygienic products is occupied by means for caring for teeth and oral cavity. The oral cavity is the beginning of the digestive tract and serves to introduce various nutrients of organic, vegetable and synthetic origin into the body. Food particles remain in the oral cavity, and the influence of the microenvironment in it leads to their decomposition and further adverse consequences in the form of diseases, unpleasant odors, damage to teeth, etc.

Therefore, means for the care of teeth and oral cavity are necessary for every person every day, since caring for them belongs to personal hygiene measures.

Oral hygiene products are divided into solid and liquid. Solid - powders, toothpastes (suspensions or gels); liquid products - elixirs, rinses, deodorants - fresheners, balms. They also include tooth whitening products, toothbrushes, brushes, flosses (threads), toothpicks.

Toothpastes are divided according to their purpose, and depending on the formulation, they are divided into hygienic (care) and treatment-and-prophylactic, containing certain drugs and special additives.

By foaming ability, toothpastes are foaming and regular.

According to their purpose, they are divided into universal (family) and children's.

Medical additives (anti-inflammatory, anti-stomatitis, saline, anti-caries, etc.) are introduced into therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes.

Dental elixirs, rinses, balms are designed for rinsing, refreshing and flavoring the oral cavity after brushing your teeth or after eating. These are water-alcohol solutions that contain mineral water, antiseptic, deodorizing, refreshing (menthol) and other additives.

Modern means for caring for teeth and oral cavity according to their purpose can be systematized into groups presented on

Classification of dental and oral care products

Means for mechanical cleaning of teeth include:

- toothbrushes;

— interdental means: toothpicks, dental floss (floss), tapes, brushes;

- toothpastes, powders;

- dental elixirs (rinses).

The main tool for mechanical cleaning of teeth are toothbrushes, the consumer properties of which include good

deep cleaning of tooth enamel from bacterial plaque, the possibility of soft massage of the gums, the absolute harmlessness of manufacturing materials.

Most modern toothbrushes have artificial bristles (nylon-612, ty-nex), as microorganisms accumulate in pig bristles. There are 5 degrees of hardness of toothbrushes: 1) very hard; 2) rigid; 3) medium; 4) soft; 5) very soft. Brushes are selected according to the degree of rigidity, depending on the age of the person and the condition of his gums. The most effective are brushes of medium and soft hardness.

The head of the brush can have dimensions for children of 18-25 mm, for adults - no more than 30 mm. The fibers are arranged in bundles in 3-4 rows. The height of the bristles is different: short in the center, and longer and softer along the periphery.

New modern brush models have an indicator (tufts of bristles are dyed with food coloring) that changes color as the brush is used. Discoloration of the bristles indicates the need to replace the brush. Some brushes have an indicator in the handle. For children, brushes are available with a rattle in the handle (with proper use, the brush makes a sound).

The range of toothbrushes includes electric ones, with the help of which the working part allows you to make circular or vibrating movements while brushing your teeth and massaging your gums. This is a brush "Braun Oral B PlaK Control Ultra timer D 9525" (Germany) with a timer; brushing time for at least two minutes. (as recommended by dentists).

Brush handles are made of plastic and rubber so that the brush does not slip in your hand.

Branded toothbrushes (Aquafresh from SmithKline Beecham; Reach Access, Interdental from Johnson & Johnson) have their own branded features that make it possible to distinguish them from fakes, for example, on original products, the brush has an even bristle cut or at 2 levels, but not zigzag; the location of the handles of the brushes at an angle to the head, and there is also a special place on the handle for the thumb.

Interdental products: toothpicks, dental floss (floss), tapes, brushes are designed to remove food debris between the teeth and in hard-to-reach places for the brush, as well as plaque from the side surfaces of the teeth.

Toothpicks are made of wood and plastic, they can be triangular, flat or round in cross section, sometimes flavored with menthol.

Dental flosses (flosses) can be waxed and unwaxed, round and flat, sometimes impregnated with menthol or fluorides, length 25-50 m.

Dental tapes have a wider web compared to the thread, the length is 20-50 m.

Toothpaste. To brush your teeth, in addition to toothbrushes, you need toothpastes or powders, which it is advisable to select with the help of a dentist, since the paste can be used both as a hygienic and medicinal product for the treatment and prevention of caries, periodontal disease, stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.

Toothpastes are multi-component mixtures containing finely divided soft abrasive powders (for example, chalk), anti-inflammatory substances (needle, pine, juniper extracts), drugs, baking soda for whitening, fluorine compounds for preventing caries, deodorizing fragrances for refreshing, superficially -active substances to create a stable emulsion of the components of the mixture in water. Toothpastes are regular and foaming; hygienic and therapeutic and prophylactic, containing certain drugs and special additives, children's and universal (family).

Classification of modern toothpastes

Gel-forming pastes have a high foaming ability, have a pleasant taste; different colors are due to dyes, but the cleaning power of such pastes is lower.

The most common are fluoride-containing pastes (series Colgate, Lakalut, Oral-B, Aquafresh, McLeans, New Zhemchug, etc.),

since fluorine increases the resistance of teeth to acids formed under the influence of microorganisms.

To reduce the formation of tartar, triclosan, which has an antibacterial effect, is introduced into the pastes. In addition, the components of toothpastes include other substances to strengthen tooth enamel, in particular calcium glycerophosphate, potassium nitrate, as well as enzymes, vitamins (groups B, A, E), trace elements, salts, antiseptics, herbal extracts (nettle, yarrow, chamomile, St. John's wort, cloves, ginseng root, calamus, sage, rosemary and myrrh, etc.), propolis.

Special pastes are produced for smokers to reduce the yellowness of the enamel.

Dental elixirs or rinses are designed to rinse the mouth. They improve the surface of the teeth, deodorize the oral cavity. Biologically active components are added to their composition, incl. sodium fluoride, tin fluoride, ksidifon, herbal extracts of sage, chamomile, echinacea, myrrh. Elixirs have anti-caries, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects.

Series of oral care products:

Brown Oral-B (Brown, Germany): various electric toothbrushes Brown Oral-B, Aquafresh (Glaxo Smith-Kline, Great Britain), Aquafresh toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, whitening toothbrushes (have crossed bundles bristles of medium hardness and length, rubber inserts between the bristles for polishing teeth), children's toothbrushes, toothpastes, including whitening, with mint, children's.

Blend-a-honey (Procter & Gamble, Germany): electric toothbrushes, toothpastes, including refreshing ones, with a blue and blue stripe with fluorine; bleaching; with mint flavor, with herbal extracts, etc.

Oral B (Oral B Lab., Ireland): toothbrushes, interdental brushes, toothbrushes for children, various dental floss, dental tape, toothpaste, including for children, mouthwash.

RICH (Johnson & Johnson, USA): toothbrushes (have wavy bristles), mint dental floss, dental tape, mint-flavored rinse.

Corident (KRKA, Slovenia): toothpaste for the prevention of caries, tartar formation, etc., mouth freshener - spray.

Astera (Aroma Cosmetics, Bulgaria): various toothpastes: family, with cedar oil, for smokers, whitening, with medicinal herbs, complex action, with vitamins, etc .; conditioner; toothbrushes (blue with silver ions, green, yellow).

Many people dream of a white smile. Healthy, strong teeth are the key to the normal functioning of the body. The absence of oral diseases (caries, gum disease) reduces the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, visiting the dentist is a rather unpleasant and expensive undertaking. To save the family budget, you need to learn how to properly care for your teeth on your own.

Keeping teeth and mouth clean

Dental care includes the following:

• brushing your teeth should be started from the smile zone, the brush should be directed from the gum to the edge;
• brush your teeth from the inside;
• clean chewing teeth with reciprocating movements;
• massage the gums in a circular motion with a brush;
• clean the tongue from root to tip (many brushes have a special surface for this procedure);
• clean the inside of the cheeks;
• rinse the mouth with clean water;
• clean the space between the teeth with a floss;
• use rinse aid.

hygiene products

Oral health is the result of a complex of measures and means. The usual devices for many - a toothbrush and paste - do not clean food debris from hard-to-reach places, so you should use floss and rinse aid.

With the right personal care products, each of us is not only able to keep our mouth clean at the proper level, but also turn daily procedures into pleasure.

Toothbrush

Oral care begins with a toothbrush. It is recommended to replace it every 3 months. Brushes differ in the origin of the bristles:

• Natural. Made from materials of natural origin. Bacteria and fungi can grow in them.
• Synthetic. Compensate for the disadvantages of natural.

According to the degree of hardness:

• Ultra soft. They are recommended for use with increased sensitivity of the teeth and bleeding gums.
• Soft. Suitable for cleaning children's teeth and for caring for the teeth of the elderly.
• Medium. Used for daily brushing of teeth without damaging the enamel and signs of gum disease.
• Rigid. Recommend for whitening yellow plaque and stone removal.

To maintain oral health and dental care, you can choose an electric toothbrush. It is more expensive than a regular brush, but it cleans the oral cavity better, without much effort. These brushes come with cleansing and whitening heads that need to be changed every 3 months.

Paste

When choosing toothpaste, it is better not to rely on advertised manufacturers. The high cost does not always indicate the quality of the product. Therefore, before buying a toothpaste, it is better to consult a dentist. After examining the oral cavity and determining the health of the teeth, the doctor will advise the necessary remedy. It is selected depending on the condition of the teeth and the goals pursued. Pastes are of the following types:

• Hygienic. They clean the oral cavity of food particles, eliminate plaque and give fresh breath. May contain whitening ingredients, herbal extracts and fragrances.
• Whitening. Well remove yellow plaque. It is not recommended to use more than 2 times a week - frequent use can lead to weakening of the enamel.
• Therapeutic and prophylactic. Recommended for people with bleeding, inflammation of the gums and caries. They are prescribed by a dentist based on diseases of the oral cavity. There are anti-caries, anti-inflammatory and desensitizing.
• Baby. As a rule, they do not contain fluorine, dyes and other chemical additives. Suitable for cleaning milk teeth.

Dental floss

Floss is a device for caring for teeth that can clean the space between them from food debris. Threads can be made from silk or synthetic fibers. There are several types of floss:

To properly floss your teeth, wind a little floss around the index fingers of both hands, leaving a space between them. Pull the floss and put it between your teeth. Press the floss against the surface of one of the teeth and move up and down. Clean each gap with a new thread, without touching the gum.

Irrigator

An irrigator is a special device, the cleaning effect of which is achieved due to the powerful pressure of water. It is a small harvester. Recommended for people with sensitive teeth and gums, when cleaning with conventional methods causes pain, as well as for those who have crowns or bridges. Cleansing with an irrigator is more effective, since a jet of water removes food debris and yellow plaque where it is impossible to clean with a brush (we recommend reading: how can you clean the tongue from plaque at home?). The device also massages the gums.

rinse aid

Rinses are good for freshening breath, enhancing the effect of other products and fighting diseases of the oral cavity. Their action is aimed at:

• reduction of bleeding gums;
• decrease in sensitivity;
• prevention of caries development.

When choosing a product, you need to study the composition for the presence of allergens. Rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing with a small amount of solution. Hold in mouth for 30 seconds. and spit.

Rules and principles of dental care

When brushing your teeth at home, you must follow the following rules for caring for your teeth:

• clean the tongue and the surface of the cheeks from the inside, as a large number of bacteria accumulate on them;
• maintain hygiene in the interdental space with floss and / or irrigator;
• do not add home remedies (activated charcoal and soda) to the paste - they destroy the protective layer of enamel;
• rinse the mouth with warm clean water after each meal;
• stop smoking and drinking coffee;
• use sugar-free chewing gums - they are good at removing food debris and freshening breath;
• do not abuse sweet foods and candies;
• visit the dentist for preventive examinations every six months.

The food you eat can also affect your dental health. Raw vegetables and fruits are known to be beneficial. Other healthy foods for teeth:

Apples, lemons and grapes increase the risk of tartar. Sugary drinks and foods high in sugar can cause harm.

Children's teeth: a memo to parents

The condition of the teeth depends on their cleaning in childhood, so the oral cavity of babies needs to be looked after from the moment the milk teeth appear. The first teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned, because all processes in the child's body pass quickly - the development of caries is no exception. This is due to the accelerated metabolism.

The enamel of milk teeth is much thinner than that of adults, so it wears out quickly and is subject to caries. Toddlers cannot take care of their own oral hygiene, so they need help.

Reminder for the care of milk teeth:

• The first teeth of the baby must be cleaned with a piece of gauze or a special silicone brush that is put on the parent's finger. The use of toothpaste is not permitted.
• At the age of 2-3 years, the child should have his own toothbrush. The bristle of the first brush should be artificial and soft. The size of the head should match the size of the teeth. Recommend around 18mm.
• The paste should correspond to the age of the child, it should not contain fluorine, artificial colors, triclosan. Children's teeth need to be brushed 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. The duration of the procedure is at least 3 minutes.
• You need to watch your child's diet. His diet should be balanced and varied. It is necessary to include products containing calcium, potassium, protein, phosphorus, fluorine, vegetable fiber. Do not give your child sugary drinks, chocolate, candy. Sugar, which is part of their composition, destroys enamel and promotes the formation of caries.