Dental caries and periodontal disease can be prevented by a successful dental hygiene program. A good dental hygiene program should include the following:

1. Proper regular tooth brushing techniques.

2. Proper eating habits and good diet.

3. The use of fluoride water and other fluoride-containing substances like toothpastes and mouthwashes.

4. Regular visits to the dentist including a thorough dental check-up and prophylaxis.

All these can provide optimum oral health, free from dental caries and periodontal disease.

A well balanced diet and the limited consumption of foods that contribute to dental decay are the first steps to a successful dental hygiene program. Our mouth is naturally inhabited by acid forming bacteria. These bacteria feed on starches and sugars. Acid is formed when bacteria act on starch or sugar. The acid formed causes enamel degradation, which is the starting point of any dental caries. For this reason, it is important to minimize and if possible, avoid foods that are rich in sugar and starch. Examples of these foods are richly filled pastries, doughnuts and peanut butter. These foods are particularly harmful because these tend to stick in the tooth surfaces. Sweetened canned fruits with heavy syrup, citrus-flavored candies and sweetened fruit juices are also high in sugar content. Chewing gums, breath sweeteners and carbonated beverages are harmful not because they contain large amounts of sugar but because of the frequency with which they are ingested. Artificially sweetened foods, drinks and chewing gum are better options.

Regular brushing of the teeth using the proper techniques is the next step in following a good dental hygiene program. It is advised to brush the teeth two or three times a day but if you are keen on keeping to a good dental hygiene program, it is always better to brush after every meal and after taking any food in between. A good brushing technique will remove the food particles lodged in between the teeth and in the natural pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This can also remove the plaque that sticks to the teeth surfaces. Removing the food particles will also prevent foul breath or halitosis. Halitosis, however, can also be caused by several other factors including a badly decayed tooth, eating certain types of foods like garlic and onions and infections of the tonsils, sinuses or throat. Using dental floss to remove food particles trapped in between the teeth is also a very important part of a good dental hygiene program. Dental floss can remove food particles lodged in between the teeth that sometimes even a good tooth brushing technique cannot accomplish.

Sometimes ill fitting, old and worn out dental appliances like dentures, orthodontic appliances and bridges can be the source of gum irritation. These dental appliances should also be taken cared of in a similar way to natural teeth. All removable dental appliances should be removed after every meal or snack and should be cleaned with a special brush. Don't let food particles accumulate in these appliances. Rinse the appliance with running water when it is impossible to clean it thoroughly with a brush so that food particles can be removed. Soak the appliance overnight once or twice a week in a solution of sodium hypochlorite. This solution helps remove stains on the dental appliance.

The use of fluoride water is another important factor in maintaining good dental hygiene. Most U.S. water systems today are already treated with fluoride. It has been observed that the use water treated with the right amount of fluoride can actually help prevent dental caries. Fluoride is found to strengthen the enamel. Fluoride can also be topically applied to the teeth to children ages 13 and below. There are also toothpastes and mouthwashes available in the market today that contains fluoride.

The last step in maintaining good oral hygiene is the regular visits to the dentist. This should start around the age of three. A visit to the dentist after every six months is recommended. Your dentist will have all the knowledge on how you can maintain good oral hygiene. He or she will be able to recommend to you any steps or procedures necessary to maintain and continue enjoying good dental health.

Michael Russell Your Independent Dental guide