March 28, 2022

Health and oral hygiene: prevent oral diseases

Oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, are a serious public health problem, since they affect a large part of the population, influencing their levels of health, well-being and quality of life.

Oral hygiene is essential for the prevention of these conditions.

As in the skin and intestine, also in the mouth there are permanent bacteria, in the form of a transparent film on the surface of the teeth and gums, the bacterial plaque.

Of soft consistency, it is easily removed with the help of a toothbrush and dental floss. Saliva also constitutes a barrier, as it contains enzymes that destroy bacteria.

In the absence of oral hygiene, the bacterial plaque ends up hardening, giving rise to tartar, and the bacteria remain longer in the mouth. These use some nutrients, especially sugars, producing acids that contribute to the demineralization of teeth.

The consecutive action of these acids results in the deterioration of the enamel and eventually the appearance of caries. The gums also suffer: they become red, swollen and bleed, a phenomenon known as gingivitis.

Several studies have been carried out linking oral health with some serious pathologies, namely those of the cardiovascular nature, although the exact relationship remains to be established.

Among the main affections of the oral cavity are: cavities, halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis and periodontitis, tooth sensitivity, canker sores and xerostomia (dry mouth).

The prevalence of oral cavity problems is still quite high: according to WHO data (World Health Organization), 60 to 90% of school-aged children and almost 100% of adults have cavities; Severe periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss, affects 15 to 20% of adults between 35 and 45 years old, and about 35% of the population between 65 and 74 years old do not have natural teeth.

But what is oral hygiene anyway?

Oral hygiene consists of a set of behaviors that must be adopted to keep the mouth healthy:

- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and do not eat within two hours after brushing, one of which must be before going to bed;

According to the General Directorate of Health, a correct brushing of teeth should follow the following steps:

Put the fluoride toothpaste (use fluoride toothpaste 1000-1500 ppm that removes bacterial plaque and promotes remineralization of the teeth, making them more resistant) on the brush.
Tilt the brush towards the gums and make small horizontal or circular vibrating movements with little pressure.
Brush 2 teeth at a time, making approximately 10 movements (or 5 for children up to 6 years old).
Brushing in sequence: start with the outer surface (on the cheek side) of the last tooth on one of the jaws and continue brushing until you reach the last tooth on the opposite side.
Brush the tongue side surfaces in the same sequence.
Proceed in the same way on the other jaw.
Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with back and forth motions.
Finally, you can brush your tongue and spit out excess toothpaste, without rinsing with water. Thus, the fluorides in the toothpaste act longer on the teeth.

- use a adequate toothbrush , which must be replaced every three months;

- Use dental floss daily , in order to remove food residues and bacteria from the spaces between the teeth and between them and the gums (dental floss should be used before brushing so that the protective action of the toothpaste lasts longer);

- Make balanced meals , with a decrease in the amount and frequency of sugar intake;

- Restrict tobacco and alcohol consumption ;

- Visit the dentist regularly (ideally every six months, but never more than a year apart) and consult with a health professional on which products are most suitable for correct oral hygiene.

My Pharma Spot Advice:

Opt for a soft toothbrush that won't hurt your gums, like the Elgydium Clinic Soft Toothbrush 15/100 - Ref: 6695965 .

The choice of toothpaste should suit your teeth and mouth: if you have sensitive teeth, you should use a toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive teeth such as Bexident sensitive teeth paste75ml, Ref: 6575894 It is Bexident Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash - 250 ml, Ref: 6575910 .

If you suffer from sensitive gums with a tendency to bleed, you will find that regular use of Parodontax Original Gum Protection Toothpaste - 75 ml, Ref: 6347179 it will make all the difference. If you don't like the taste, you can always opt for Parodontax Extra Fresh toothpaste - 75 ml, Ref: 6347187 .

Complement the treatment with the mouthwash Parodontax Mouthwash for daily use 0.06% - 500 ml, Ref: 6933226 .

O Elgydium Caries Prevention - 75ml, Ref: 6593772 it should be used in cases with a tendency towards cavities, but it never replaces a visit to your dentist!

If you want to whiten your teeth, use specific treatments such as Vitis Whitening whitening toothpaste - 100 ml, Ref: 6922716 It is Vitis Whitening whitening mouthwash - 500 ml, Ref: 6934679 .

If you are looking for a general toothpaste, know that Apivita Total Toothpaste - 75 ml, Ref: 6336164 is the ideal choice, with natural actives.

Complete your daily routine with flossing: Sensodyne expanding dental floss -50 m, Ref: 6777912 . If you have slightly wider spaces between your teeth, where you feel that food is lodged after each meal, do not use the typical toothpick, as this damages the enamel.

Use brushes instead, such as Interprox Plus SuperMicro interdental brushes 0.7 mm - 6 brushes, Ref: 6115501 . These come in different sizes, so you'll have to find the one that's right for you.

Other common and treatable oral pathologies are halitosis (bad breath), which arises due to the production of gas by the bacteria found in plaque.

In these cases, you can use, in addition to the oral hygiene routine, the Halitaspray oral spray - mint aroma - 15 ml, Ref: 6802520 or the Halita tongue cleaning brush- 1 unit, Ref: 6794602 . Both remove the bacteria responsible for bad odor, one chemically and the other physically, respectively.

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is usually the result of external factors such as drugs or other treatments. O Dentaid Xeros moisturizing oral spray - 15 ml, Ref: 6875104 , it stimulates the natural secretion of saliva and reduces this problem.