The protection of collective oral health

health education aims to convince the importance of certain aspects of mouth care, and to make people, families and the population in general modify their behavior and acquire healthier habits.

Increasing the level of knowledge about oral health in the general population can be the first decisive step towards achieving lasting behavioral changes that will result in an optimal state of oral health.

How many times do we have to brush our teeth daily?

In general, if the brushing technique was correct, only once a day would be sufficient. However, to ensure proper dental hygiene it is advisable to do it two or three times a day, and with special care before going to sleep.

How often should we change the toothbrush?

The toothbrush must have active filaments capable of removing bacterial plaque. On average, the life of a brush should not exceed three months, since by then the filaments will be much deteriorated and will be ineffective.

Which toothbrush is best, one nylon or one natural bristle?

We must always brush with a brush of nylon filaments soft (never hard) and with rounded tips to avoid damaging the enamel; On the contrary, one should never use one of natural bristles, since they are more irregular and can retain bacteria. After using the brush, wash the brush thoroughly with water to remove any traces of toothpaste, bacterial plaque and food, and dry it to prevent moisture from becoming a suitable place for bacterial growth.

Are electric brushes advisable?

Yes, these brushes also serve to increase oral hygiene. In fact, recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of electric appliances is equal to or greater than manual brushing.

How much toothpaste should be placed in the brush?

With an amount equivalent to the size of a pea is enough; higher amounts only contribute to consuming more dentifrice tubes; Children can often swallow it with the consequent risk of fluoride poisoning (fluorosis).

What is dental floss and what is it for?

It is a silk thread that, properly used, completes the elimination of plaque in the spaces between tooth and tooth, where it is not possible to arrive with the brush. To do this, a piece of thread of 40 cm is wound in the heart fingers of both hands, leaving a few centimeters that are manipulated with the indices and the thumbs to clean the surface of the teeth. Then brush to remove any remaining plaque or food.

Do you have to rinse with water after brushing your teeth with toothpaste?

No, it is better to spit out the excess paste and not to rinse as this keeps the beneficial products of the toothpaste, like fluoride, for a longer time.

What qualities should a good toothpaste have?

It has to be a paste that helps to eliminate bacterial plaque, which contains fluoride to prevent decay, which is not very abrasive, because then it would eventually erode the surface of the tooth and if it also has good taste, the better.

Is fluorine only useful for children?

Fluoride is an element that provides an increase in tooth resistance against caries. Of course, children and young people benefit most from it, but it is also useful for adults, especially those with bare roots, such as adults and those with periodontal diseases, in order to avoid cavities In the dental roots. In addition, fluoride has a great desensitizing action. Occasionally and when the professional indicates it will be necessary to perform fluoridations to prevent cavities.

What is a fissure seal?

It is a very effective preventive measure that consists of covering the furrows, holes and fissures of the teeth with a resin that prevents the appearance of caries in those areas of maximum risk. It is very useful in children and young people, especially in newly erupted molars and in teeth with very marked grooves and fissures.

Are sweets the main culprit in the onset of cavities?

The lack of hygiene is the main cause of the onset of cavities, although the consumption of sweets is one of the important factors in its development, especially if sugary foods are taken between meals and before going to bed. If they are also sticky (biscuit, gum, cakes …) they are more dangerous because they stay longer in contact with the teeth facilitating the adhesion of the bacterial plaque to the enamel.

Should we prohibit children from eating sweets?

No, as long as the consumption of these foods is reasonable and attention is paid to oral hygiene.

In addition to the lack of hygiene and food is there another factor that triggers cavities?

Yes. There is personal predisposition. There are those who brush their teeth a little and do not have cavities and who, having an acceptable hygiene, is however more affected.

Do your teeth hurt with cavities?

In the early stages the decayed teeth do not hurt at all. Only when the injury gets closer to the nerve begins to bother with cold or sweets. Hence the importance of going to frequent periodic reviews so that the dentist can diagnose caries in its first moments.