Dental Hygiene in Teens

 

It is crucial to develop effective oral hygiene habits at home to prevent further oral health issues, ensure the success of treatment, and maintain long-term overall health.

 

We often emphasize that 80% of maintaining oral health depends on your daily routine, while the remaining 20% involves professional assistance.

 

You will receive customized instructions for oral hygiene practices that specifically cater to your mouth. It is essential to diligently follow and apply these instructions.

 

In case you have any doubts or confusion regarding the proper utilization of the recommended devices, please feel free to seek clarification at any time.

 

To remove plaque and food particles from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, it is recommended to use either floss or interdental brushes. Perform this cleaning routine once a day, ensuring thoroughness.

 

For flossing, gently maneuver the floss between your teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Carefully move it up and down against each tooth.

 

When using interdental brushes (tepes), insert the brush into the spaces between your teeth, performing three straight strokes, followed by three strokes to the right and left. Rinse the brushes with water after cleaning each tooth. Replace the brushes every 2-3 days.

For cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth, large gaps, and challenging areas like wisdom teeth or fixed orthodontic appliances (braces, wires, retainers, etc.), we recommend using a soft-bristled single tufted brush, preferably the Wisdom brand.

 

To effectively utilize this brush, position it towards the gumline and employ gentle agitating movements along the gumline. It is advisable to incorporate this practice into your oral hygiene routine once or twice a day. Remember to replace the brush every three months to maintain its effectiveness.

 

Toothbrushing Instructions

For manual toothbrushing, position the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline. Make gentle circular motions, spending approximately 3-5 seconds on each surface of the teeth. It is recommended to brush twice a day. Additionally, replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles begin to lose their shape.

 

When using an electric toothbrush, similarly angle the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline. Hold the brush still but gently, allowing the brush head to do the work. Spend 3-5 seconds on each surface of the teeth. Remember to replace the brush heads every 2-3 months for optimal performance.

 

Toothpaste:

It is recommended to use a toothpaste that contains a fluoride concentration of at least 1450ppm. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste without rinsing your mouth to maintain the fluoride concentration. If you have sensitive teeth, you can use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne sensitive. For individuals with particularly sensitive teeth, apply toothpaste topically to the sensitive areas before bedtime.

 

Mouthwash:

Mouthwashes should be used at a separate time from brushing. It is important to note that mouthwashes do not remove bacterial plaque from the teeth, but they may be recommended in specific situations such as during orthodontic treatment or when there is evidence of enamel decalcification.

 

Tongue Cleaning:

Avoid using your regular toothbrush to clean your tongue as this can transfer bacteria from your tongue to the brush. Instead, purchase a “tongue scraper” specifically designed for this purpose. Clean your tongue twice daily to remove bacterial coatings and help prevent bad breath.

 

Disclosing Tablets:

Disclosing tablets provide a quick and easy self-check method by coloring the plaque. The two-tone effect indicates both new and old plaque. With a pleasant fruit flavor, these tablets help you identify areas that require better oral hygiene.

 

To use them effectively, brush your teeth first, and then use the disclosing tablets. Observe which areas have been missed or have remaining plaque. Concentrate on cleaning these areas for a few days, and then repeat the process to assess if your brushing technique has improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i practice good oral hygiene?

In addition to twice daily teethbrushing with a soft toothbrush and flossing you can take your dental hygiene to the next level by:

  • Using dental products that contain fluoride
  • Limiting snacks that are high in sugar
  • Eating a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables
  • Avoiding tobacco

How often should I use mouthwash?

Cosmetic mouthwashes freshen your breath, maintain a healthy teeth colour and contain fluoride to help fight cavities. Therapeutic mouthwashes treat conditions such as gingivitis, tooth sensitivity and inflammation. Prescription mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate which kill bacteria that causes bleeding, inflammation and plaque biofilm formation.

Why are my gums bleeding?

Gums bleed when they are inflamed. This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposits known as tartar or calculus. This requires professional scaling by your dentist to remove it.

It is important even if your gums bleed they are still brushed to keep the mouth clean otherwise the bacteria build up in the mouth will make gum inflammation worse. After a few days of thorough cleaning, your gums should begin to stop bleeding. You should call Smile Hub Dental Clinic on 01-5253888 or Book Online Now to arrange a dental check-up.

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    Smilehub Dental Clinic, Bayside Medical Centre, Bayside Shopping Centre, Sutton, Dublin 13