Dental Hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems, most commonly, dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal (gum) diseases and bad breath. Therefore Importance of Dental Hygiene in our day to day life can not be denied.

Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of a plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good  Dental Hygiene every day.

What is plaque? Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including where toothbrushes can’t reach. Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you might not realize can cause harm. Starches—such as bread, crackers, and cereal—also cause acids to form. Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding. This can lead to gum disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and teeth may become loose or have to be removed.

How can I get rid of plaque? The best way to remove plaque is by brushing teeth and cleaning between your teeth every day.  Brushing teeth removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily. Use an antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease. We must always keep in mind Importance of Dental Hygiene and practice good oral hygiene.

How do I brush and floss my teeth?  The American Dental Association recommends the following techniques for brushing teeth and flossing your teeth. This reflects a great deal of Importance of Dental Hygiene in our life.

 Brushing Teeth:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.

• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. • Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.

• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, confirming the floss to the shape of the tooth.

• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.

• Repeat this method for the rest of your teeth. This procedure is an Importance of Dental Hygiene process.

Is there anything else I can use to clean my mouth?  A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing teeth and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Always talk to your dentist about any new products you are interested in trying. Not everyone should use a fluoride mouth rinse. For instance, fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. Always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with your dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.

While dealing with the Importance of Dental Hygiene, we find Oil pulling as an ancient Ayurvedic ritual where you swish oil (like coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil) around in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit it out.

Dr. Bruce Fife, whose written an entire book on oil pulling, says the oil acts like a cleanser.

“When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.”

People who practiced Oil Pulling has affirmed that the most noticeable effects of practicing this method are whiter teeth, healthier gums, and more clear skin.

When done on daily basis, this practice is incredibly effective for the following which enhances the Importance of Dental Hygiene.

• Brightening & whitening teeth
• Healthier gums
• Removal of mucus
• Boosting the immune system
• Preventing bad breath
• Increasing energy
• Having a clearer mind
• Decreasing headaches
• Clearing the sinuses
• Alleviating allergies
• Better sleep
• Clearer skin
• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Decreasing inflammation
• Improving the lymphatic system
• Improving PMS symptoms

• Drink 1 cup of water on an empty stomach.
• Melt 1-3 tsp. of organic, cold-pressed vegetable oil (I like coconut oil the best) in your mouth or over very low heat in a double boiler.
• Swish through your mouth for 20 minutes while you’re busy doing something else. The first few times my gag reflexes reared themselves and it was a little difficult keeping the oil in my mouth, but I persisted and by the third day it was fine. If you have this problem too, I recommend sticking with it.
• Spit into trash, compost or outside in the grass (just not in the sink – we don’t want to clog the pipes).
• Swish water through your mouth to rinse.

So practice Oil Pulling method and appreciate the Importance of Dental Hygiene. It costs nothing and there is no fear of any side effects or problems.