Individual oral hygiene. Personal oral hygiene products. Faculty of Postgraduate Education

Even the most expensive toothbrush and toothpaste are not a guarantee of high-quality plaque removal. Unfortunately, most future people are not sufficiently familiar with rational methods of oral hygiene, this leads to the fact that soft plaque is transferred from the surface of the teeth into the interdental spaces. In addition, there is a danger of wedge-shaped defects (loss of hard tooth tissue in the cervical area of ​​non-carious origin), gums may be damaged, and the lingual and palatal surfaces of the teeth are not cleaned at all.

It is advisable to brush your teeth according to a certain pattern. Visually, each jaw is divided into 6 segments: two frontal segments, which include incisors and canines, followed by premolars and molars (chewing teeth).

Teeth cleaning begins from the front side of the molars on the right or left of the upper jaw and continues to the opposite side, then cleanses the chewing surface of the teeth and ends on the palatal surface of the teeth. In the same sequence, brush the teeth on the lower jaw. All surfaces of the teeth of each segment of the jaw must be brushed with at least 10 paired brush strokes. A total of 400-500 paired movements. The average time for brushing your teeth should be 5-7 minutes.

You should brush your teeth twice a day: in the morning after meals and in the evening before bed. The bristles of the brush should be directed at an acute angle to the surface of the teeth. It is more rational to start brushing your teeth with sweeping movements, which allow you to ideally clean the front and palatal or lingual surfaces of the teeth. The chewing surfaces of the teeth are cleaned with reciprocating horizontal movements. Finish cleaning with circular movements of the brush along the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth.

During the planning period, and then throughout pregnancy, it is advisable to use toothpastes with a high fluoride content to strengthen teeth (so-called “fluoridated” toothpastes). The spaces between the teeth should be cleaned with a special silk floss to remove all food particles, because... they lead to infection and gum disease. It is enough to brush your teeth with floss once, preferably in the evening before going to bed.

Mouth rinses include dental elixirs. Elixirs are an auxiliary hygiene product designed to deodorize and refresh the oral cavity during morning and evening brushing of teeth, as well as after meals. All dental elixirs, as well as toothpastes, can be divided into two groups: hygienic and therapeutic and prophylactic.

Hygienic elixirs usually consist of a water-alcohol solution to which aromatic oils, menthol, and dye are added. They are intended for rinsing the mouth to cleanse it of food debris, deodorize and aromatize. The composition of therapeutic and prophylactic elixirs may include sodium fluoride; it can be recommended as a caries preventive agent. St. John's wort infusion has an antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. All therapeutic and prophylactic elixirs are used to rinse the mouth 1-2 times a day, morning and evening after brushing your teeth. The solution must be intensively filtered (passed) between the teeth to obtain maximum effect.

The health of our teeth and gums directly depends on proper oral hygiene. The importance of daily hygiene procedures is difficult to overestimate, but it is often easy to underestimate and pay with the loss of teeth even at a young age. So the statement of dentists that one of the most effective and at the same time simple ways to prevent dental diseases is proper and regular dental and oral hygiene in children and adults is more relevant than ever. We should not forget that hygiene procedures should not be limited to just brushing your teeth at home.

Preventive oral hygiene is a comprehensive measure that includes daily brushing of teeth and visiting a hygienist at least once a year. The fact is that in order to maintain teeth and gums in a healthy condition, it is necessary to promptly and efficiently remove dental plaque, as well as thick plaque on the tongue. Food debris and soft plaque can be removed with a toothbrush and toothpaste. But the removal of tartar (mineralized dental deposits) is carried out by a dentist using special means and instruments, for example, Air Flow. In this regard, comprehensive oral care implies individual and professional hygiene.

Individual oral hygiene

Individual oral hygiene is most effective if you follow certain rules on how to brush your teeth. As you know, there are many ways - each of them is correct and complete, it all depends only on our personal preferences. But it is still advisable to listen to the following recommendations from dentists:

• Always start brushing your teeth with the same row of teeth;
• adhere to a certain sequence of teeth cleaning so as not to miss any area;
• Carry out cleaning at the same pace in order to maintain the required duration of cleansing.

Of course, you need to pay attention to your teeth brushing technique. If, for example, you brush your teeth across the dentition, the enamel will wear off over time. Therefore, individual oral hygiene must be carried out in compliance with the technique of brushing teeth (you cannot even make circular movements - they must be perfectly round). But in our version they are more oval. Therefore, due to non-compliance with this important rule, the enamel by about 35 years of age is severely damaged, if not completely erased. However, if you use an ultrasonic brush, everything said above is not relevant for you. In addition, do not forget that cleaning the tongue with special scrapers is a necessary component of oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene products

Oral hygiene products are a kind of multicomponent system, which includes a variety of natural and synthetic substances intended for both preventive and therapeutic effects on the oral cavity as a whole.

Basic personal oral hygiene products:

• toothpastes, gels, tooth powders;
• toothbrushes;
• chewing gum (therapeutic and prophylactic).

It is recommended to choose toothpastes depending on the presence of certain problems or specific tasks. If you have had dental implants, your best choice would be toothpaste for implants. To lighten the enamel surface, you should pay attention to whitening pastes. But to strengthen teeth, restorative products are suitable, for example, Theodent or Swiss Smile Crystal toothpaste with theobromine.

There are also additional oral hygiene products. These include:

• floss (dental floss), toothpicks;
• oral irrigators (before choosing the best irrigator, be sure to study the main characteristics of the models);
• means for cleaning the tongue: scrapers, scraper brushes;
• mouth rinses, oral deodorants, teeth whiteners;
• denture treatment powders/denture treatment tablets;
• foam for oral hygiene (foam dissolves plaque well and is indispensable where it is not possible to use standard oral hygiene products; just hold the foam in your mouth for 20–30 seconds and spit).

The unique, multifunctional device JETPIK JP200-Elite combines an electric sonic toothbrush, irrigator and dental floss. The components and the device itself are stored in a convenient plastic container, which is ideal for traveling or storing in a small bathroom.

Oral hygiene is important not only for the prevention of caries, but also for free, comfortable communication with others. Stained yellow teeth and bad breath will not make anyone attractive. Aesthetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and expensive laser teeth whitening will not make sense without basic hygiene procedures.

Educational elements

Purpose of the lesson: Study and master oral care techniques.

Key terms: oral hygiene, methods of brushing teeth, tongue, standard method of brushing teeth.

Control questions:

5) Control of the initial level of knowledge

6) Interview on the topic

a) oral hygiene algorithm.

b) methods of brushing teeth

c) use of floss, flossettes, flossstick, tape

d) using a toothpick

d) use of an irrigator

f) mistakes made when caring for the oral cavity

3) Control of knowledge acquisition

Presentation of educational material

Oral hygiene is a set of measures, the most important component of which is brushing your teeth. According to WHO, 92% of the population does not know how to brush their teeth. Oral hygiene for most Russian children is limited to a set of empirical manipulations using a standard toothbrush and paste.

Teeth brushing algorithm

1) Wash your hands with soap.

2) Rinse your mouth with warm water.

3) Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with water.

4) Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste

5) Rinse your mouth.

6) Lather the working part of the toothbrush with soap or treat it with a special solution.

7) Place the toothbrush in the box with the head up

Options are possible depending on the age of the child, the type of toothpaste, the condition of the oral cavity, the preferences of the individual, etc.

Using a toothbrush

Toothbrush movements when brushing teeth:

· Vertical (sweeping) are performed along the axis of the tooth from the gums and are intended to remove plaque from the vestibular and lingual surfaces, partially the cervical area and interdental spaces, and gums.

· Horizontal (reciprocating) are designed to remove plaque from occlusal surfaces.

· Rotational (circular) are designed to remove plaque from fissures and pits, the cervical area and massage the gums.

When performing the stages of the standard method of brushing teeth in sequence, one is guided by the correct position of the brush in relation to the various surfaces of the teeth, the correct choice of the type of movements and the required number of movements on the surfaces of various groups of teeth.

There are many known methods of brushing teeth (Leonard, Bass, Fones, Reite, Charter, Smith-Bell, Stillman, Pakhomov, Bokoy).

Standard method of brushing teeth (Pakhomov G.N.). The dentition is conventionally divided into 6 segments (molars, premolars, incisors with canines). Cleaning is carried out with open dentition. The brush is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the tooth axis and, using 10 vertical sweeping movements, plaque is removed from the vestibular surface of the upper left molars. All segments of the upper jaw are cleaned one by one. The palatal surface is cleaned in the same way. On the lower jaw the sequence and types of movements are repeated. The chewing surface of the teeth is cleaned using back-and-forth movements.

Leonard method provides two types of movements: vertical and horizontal. The head is installed perpendicular to the axis of the tooth, and plaque is removed from the vestibular and oral surfaces using vertical movements from the gums. The occlusal surface is cleaned with reciprocating horizontal movements.

Fones method carried out with closed dentition. The toothbrush is placed perpendicular to the axis of the tooth and performed in a circular motion, while simultaneously cleaning the vestibular surfaces of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. The lingual and chewing surfaces are also cleaned with circular movements.

Charter Method Designed for both cleaning teeth and massaging gums. It is an additional therapeutic measure for inflammatory periodontal diseases. The toothbrush is placed at an angle of 45° to the tooth axis with the bristles towards the cutting edge of the tooth. When performing light circular movements, the bristles penetrate into the interdental spaces. After three or four movements, the toothbrush is moved to a new group of teeth and the entire process is repeated. This method is recommended for school-age children who have certain manual skills. Cleaning is carried out under the supervision of a dentist.

Self-controlled teeth brushing method (Bokaya V.G.). Before cleaning, the teeth are stained. Vestibular and oral surfaces are cleaned with vertical movements with maximum grip of the gums. The vestibular surfaces are cleaned with the jaws closed in a direct bite, grasping the gums up to the transitional folds. The patient monitors the quality of cleaning by checking the presence of dye every five movements. Maximum grip on the gum ensures thorough removal of plaque and massage, while the mucous membrane acts as a dispenser for the force of cleaning movements.

A large number of methods for brushing teeth indicates the urgency of the problem. It is difficult to imagine the existence of a simple and effective method of brushing teeth that is universal for everyone. It is impossible to use a single method for adults and children, with a healthy oral cavity and its pathology, in the absence or presence of “orthodontic” problems. At the same time, compliance with certain generally accepted basic principles will optimize the process of removing plaque.

It should be noted that the clinical effectiveness of toothbrushes is to a lesser extent determined by their design features. More important factors are careful instruction in oral hygiene and proper brushing technique.

To evaluate the effectiveness of individual oral hygiene and

To motivate the patient to improve the quality of teeth cleaning, controlled dental brushing (CDB) is carried out by the individual under the control of the hygiene index in the presence of a specialist.

Controlled teeth brushing is an integral part of a set of measures for hygienic education and upbringing (GO&E) of a child. Dental hygienists are currently engaged in developing knowledge and skills in oral hygiene among the population. However, if necessary, a dentist can participate in the process. CCH is carried out in several visits.

KChZ methodology

On your first visit A complete dental examination of the patient is carried out, the data is recorded in the medical record. In the presence of an intraoral camera, the patient is shown the identified dental “problems”, including existing microbial plaque. To enhance the effect, you can stain the plaque. The video presentation is accompanied by detailed explanations. The hygiene index is determined if no more than 5 hours have passed since brushing your teeth.

On the second visit the child brings used items and oral hygiene products. The specialist evaluates the condition of the toothbrush, floss, the characteristics of the toothpaste and their compliance with the condition of the patient’s oral cavity. The child, in the presence of his parents (if possible, without their participation in the conversation), talks about individual oral hygiene. After this, teeth are cleaned with the determination of GI before and after manipulation. The hygienist sits nearby as an observer and records all deficiencies, but does not interfere with the process. The effectiveness of brushing teeth is assessed by the difference in GI scores. When indicated, adequate items and means of oral hygiene are selected and training in the rules of oral care is carried out.

On the third visit the child comes with a new toothbrush (floss, flossstick, scraper) and toothpaste (rinse, spray). The CCR is being carried out and corrections are being made. In the future, the frequency of visits is determined by the hygienist individually.

Individual quality control of cleaning teeth is carried out by the patient or parents. For this purpose, special dyes are used: a solution of basic fuchsin, erythrosine, Schiller-Pisarev, Lugol, erythrosine containing tablets. Tablet preparations at home are preferable, as they are more hygienic and stain the entire plaque. It is better to conduct the KChZ in the evening if parents have free time.

Using floss

Flossing is a procedure for cleaning interdental spaces and contact surfaces of teeth using floss. The thread is used after each meal, usually 2-3 times a day.

Flossing technique:

Wash the hands;

Cut the floss 20–30 cm long;

Fix the ends of the floss on the middle fingers, winding it around one much larger fragment;

Using your index fingers and thumbs, the floss is carefully inserted into the interdental space;

Covering the neck of the tooth in the form of a half-loop, carefully move the thread away from the gums with sawing and vertical movements;

Renew the working part of the thread by moving the loops on your fingers;

At the end of the procedure, discard the floss;

Wash the hands.

Using a flosset or flossstick is much more convenient, easier, and helps develop the habit of flossing.

Using a toothpick

Toothpicks are used in the absence of other oral hygiene items. Method of application: place the toothpick at an angle of 45 degrees to the tooth, with the end located in the periodontal sulcus and the side pressed against the surface of the tooth. The tip of the toothpick is then moved along the tooth, following from the base of the groove to the contact point of the tooth.

Using an irrigator

Irrigators are used as an additional hygiene item to clean hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity and massage the gums. After traditional brushing of teeth with a brush and paste, a powerful stream of water is directed into the interdental spaces, under the fixed elements of orthodontic equipment. The sequence of segment cleansing is similar to the standard method. The use of IPR in children contributes to the development of oral care habits, as it is an element of the game for them.

Tongue cleaning

Tongue hygiene involves removing plaque, mucus, and food debris using a regular toothbrush, a special toothbrush, an electric toothbrush tongue cleaner, or a scraper. Particular attention to tongue hygiene should be paid in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, folded or “geographical” tongue. In these cases, a large amount of mucus and plaque accumulates on the tongue, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction and activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

Tongue hygiene is carried out after brushing your teeth. A medium-hard brush moves with sweeping movements from the root of the tongue to the tip. The number of movements is variable, on average 10–12. After several movements, the brush must be rinsed under running water to remove mucus. The brush is moistened with water or toothpaste. However, the use of a foaming paste is not advisable, since a gag reflex may occur.

Using a scraper is similar to the above method. The scraper must be used carefully to avoid injury to the tongue.

To cleanse your entire mouth, the Colgate 360° Tongue Cleaner is specially designed to remove up to 36% more bacteria that causes bad breath.

Oral hygiene is one of the important sections of human personal hygiene and the main preventive measure that should be carried out for all people without exception, regardless of the level of dental morbidity and the condition of the oral cavity. Oral hygiene is valuable because it contains both etiotropic and pathogenetic mechanisms of prevention, since the main goal of hygiene is the chemical-mechanical removal of dental plaque - the main etiological factor of dental caries and periodontal diseases.

The main items of individual oral hygiene are:

1. Toothbrushes.

2. Auxiliary means:

Toothpicks

Dental floss

Irrigators

Tongue brush.

A toothbrush rarely evokes thoughts that this or that design, this or that bristle, stiffness, handle shape and other details can somehow affect health. Dentists fundamentally disagree with this.

Today, toothbrushes are subject to mandatory certification for several parameters. Firstly, it's tough. There are hard, medium and soft brushes. Some companies produce very soft brushes (extra soft). Hard brushes can be used by those who are confident in their strong gums. These brushes provide the most powerful gum massage. As for the cleaning power of bristles, it depends to a lesser extent on hardness. Soft and very soft toothbrushes should be preferred in case of frequent bleeding gums, so as not to further injure already injured gums. Medium hardness seems to be specially created for those who are unsure what to choose.

The second thing you should pay attention to is the stubble. Today, dentists are unanimous in their bad opinion of natural ingredients, that is, pig bristles. Typically, this type of bristle tends to leave its cell in the brush head much earlier than the first brushing of the teeth.

Modern materials from which brushes are made, unlike their natural relatives, do not delaminate, do not leave their place, and microbes are less likely to appear in them. In addition, modern technologies have made it possible to make an indicator brush. So, in some models of brushes, a special paint is used, which, gradually disappearing, signals the owner that it is time to go to the store or pharmacy in order to purchase a new copy.

The bristles should be neatly trimmed and close to the edge of the plastic head. “Shaggy” specimens should raise concerns about the branded origin of the brush. Brushes with two-level “cut” (interdental) bristles have greater cleaning ability in relation to interdental spaces. It is in these areas that caries occurs in almost half of the cases. The frequency of bush planting is important in the design of the brush. The optimal distance between bushes is considered to be 2.2-2.5. The parallel form of bush planting is the simplest and most effective. Brushes with thick bushes make their hygienic maintenance difficult and also reduce the cleaning effect. The main functional part of a toothbrush is the head.

As for the shape, “rounded” shapes should be preferred, because they are less likely to damage the oral mucosa. The size can be selected according to the volume of the oral cavity. If, when brushing your teeth, you feel that there is practically no space left in your mouth, then you should purchase a smaller brush. The cleaning head should not be large, otherwise the cleaning efficiency will be reduced.

Therefore, the size of the head must be taken into account. For children, the length of the working part of the brush is 18-25 mm, width is 7-9 mm, and for adults, length is 23-30, width is 7.5-11 mm.

Thirdly, you should pay attention to the design of the brush. The located rubber panels prevent slipping in the hands, thereby preventing injury to the gums during intense hand movements and morning lethargy of the central nervous system. The bend of the brush - a “snake” or “ball” located close to the cleaning surface - helps reduce pressure on the gums. Sometimes manufacturers resort to lengthening the handle to reduce pressure on the gums.

In recent years, electric (automatic) toothbrushes have appeared in our country.

Like manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes are divided into:

Hygienic;

Preventive.

A good electric brush has several operating speeds. Modern brushes have three speeds, but dentists have proven that two speeds are enough for the average consumer. Modern electric toothbrushes mainly produce vibration and rotational movements, which increases their cleaning ability. The automatic movements of this brush free the patient from having to make additional movements of the brush head other than moving it to the next tooth, as the movements of the brush imitate the circular, sweeping movements of a manual toothbrush. A person who has just started using an electric toothbrush will benefit from the brushing duration signal. Modern electric toothbrushes often come with additional removable heads of different colors. The most acceptable shape for an electric toothbrush is a round shape. Brushes may have fields of varying bristle stiffness.

Contraindications to brushing your teeth with an electric brush are:

Tooth mobility grade 3;

Hypertrophic gingivitis;

Stomatitis;

Periodontal surgical interventions;

Operations, incl. oncological, in the oral cavity.

In addition to standard hygienic and preventive purposes, they also have special toothbrushes designed for people with various dentition defects, brushes for treating dentures, single-tufted, etc.

Orthodontic toothbrushes are intended for oral hygiene in the presence of non-removable orthodontic structures such as braces. In such brushes, the internal bristles are shorter and are designed for high-quality cleaning of the vestibular surfaces while fixing the arc of the system on them. However, the use of these brushes requires the elimination of horizontal movements during brushing. Using longer edge strips of bristles, plaque is removed in the direction from the gum to the tooth, and from under the arch it is removed with long edge bristles on the opposite side of the head.

Brushes with very soft bristles are used for baby teeth and for cleaning teeth with increased sensitivity as well. These brushes are recommended to be used for gum massage.

A single-tuft brush is designed for additional cleaning of crowded teeth.

The brush must be strictly individual for each family member. The selection of toothbrushes should be carried out on the recommendation of a dentist, depending on the condition of the organs and tissues of the oral cavity.

I think it’s no secret to anyone that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is optimal if you manage to do this every time after eating. If a toothbrush is not available, you can use chewing gum after eating. Although this product only cleans the chewing surfaces of the teeth, it causes a powerful release of saliva, which washes away food debris from the surface of the teeth.

It should be remembered that the process of cleaning teeth is influenced not only by the quality of the toothbrush, but also by what is spread on it, that is, toothpaste. There is no single universal paste for cleaning teeth and periodontal tissues. And the condition of the oral cavity in general varies greatly among people. Therefore, what is good for one person is sometimes completely unacceptable for another person

Remember that it is not only what you brush your teeth with that is important, but also how you do it. Cleaning incorrectly, even with a great toothpaste, can do more harm than good. The pressure of the brush on the teeth should be soft and vibrating. The ideal length is a small brush, covering two to two and a half adjacent teeth. The amount of paste should be about 1 cm. If it is not enough, after cleaning the upper jaw, put a little more paste and brush the rest of the teeth from the outside and inside.

Children should use their own paste that does not damage their weakly mineralized enamel. A child is taught to brush their teeth from the age of two - without toothpaste, and after a year its use is already permitted. It is advisable to get your first lessons from a dentist. By the way, if you yourself doubt the correctness of your own teeth-brushing technique, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about it.

It is generally accepted that teeth are brushed twice a day: morning and evening. But if you find the opportunity to clean them in the middle of the day, after lunch, then by the freshness and cleanliness in your mouth you will easily guess that you are doing the right thing. I would like the importance of preventing caries and other dental ailments to be understood by all people - from the ordinary patient to the highest-ranking Ministry of Health official. Then there would be much less suffering in these offices. Although it is at least naive to believe that there is or will be invented some kind of magic paste or personal hygiene product that can forever protect or save us from dental diseases.

It is best to brush your front teeth with a dry brush with a small head and not very stiff bristles. Then you take a small amount of paste - about the size of a pea - and brush your chewing surfaces. Next, position the brush at a 45-degree angle and brush the inside and outside of your teeth. And finally, don’t forget to clean your tongue, as it is a very good place for bacteria that cause bad breath. All this should take you at least 2 minutes.

2. Dental floss

Dental floss (floss). Dental floss or floss is an auxiliary mechanical means of oral hygiene and is intended for cleaning interdental spaces. Their use is recommended for everyone, since the structure of the toothbrush does not allow it to sufficiently penetrate the interdental spaces.

Dental floss is divided into groups:

1. According to the cross-sectional shape:

— flat (interdental bands);

Round

2. by number of fibers

Monofilament;

Multi-fiber.

3. By surface treatment:

Waxed;

Unwaxed.

4. Based on the presence of impregnation:

Without special impregnation;

Impregnated with therapeutic and prophylactic substances.

5. By method of application.

For individual use;

For office use.

Interdental floss consists of at least one fiber that has been specially processed in production to increase tensile strength and is coated with a liquid paraffin mixture to reduce the coefficient of friction.

There are also disposable devices for tensioning dental floss - the so-called flosets. They are made of durable, inflexible material, they have a handle with a C-shaped bow, on which there are two brackets - a thread is stretched between them. Flat-shaped threads and tapes are more convenient and easier to penetrate into difficult-to-clean interdental spaces, covering the surface of the tooth. Waxing threads have a higher sliding ability, so they easily penetrate into the interdental spaces, are resistant to fiber disintegration, and are easier to use. However, in terms of cleaning properties, waxed threads are inferior to unwaxed ones. Most dental floss is impregnated with a deodorizing solution (menthol). However, some threads are impregnated with fluoride compounds, which make it possible to further strengthen the enamel in areas that are difficult to reach for cleaning teeth, and also have cariesotropic properties.

Threads intended for individual use have a variety of packaging, convenient for unwinding and cutting this thread. Typically the packaging is a small plastic container containing regular floss. It is easy to use and prevents contamination of the unused thread inside it. This container can hold 50 m of floss, so you can always keep it at hand and clean the interdental spaces at the right time.

The following method of use is recommended. A thread 35-40 cm long is wound around 1 phalanx of the middle fingers of each hand. Slowly and carefully insert into the interdental space, and then tighten at the base of the gingival sulcus. Using several movements of the thread (6-7 times) back and forth, up and down, all soft dental deposits are removed from the distal surface of the tooth. Then the medial surface of the tooth is cleaned. To do this, carefully move the floss, pressing it tightly to the surface of the tooth, move it back and forth through the contact point to remove plaque. The thread should not be advanced with great force because... this is due to trauma to the gums. You can use a thread soaked in a 2% sodium fluoride solution to prevent caries. The threads can also be impregnated with menthol or various antiseptics.

3. Toothpicks

They are classified as oral aids and are designed for effective cleaning. interdental spaces. Toothpicks were a fairly common means of cleaning teeth in Ancient Rome and Greece. However, they came into everyday use only at the end of the 19th century. Currently, they are made from wood and plastic. At the same time, wooden toothpicks are disposable, while plastic ones are reusable. According to the shape of the working part, they are flat, round and triangular. Toothpicks have an anatomical shape that matches the shape of the interdental spaces and are pointed at both ends.

When using a toothpick, it is placed at an angle of 45 with the side that is pressed to the surface of the tooth. After which, the tip of the toothpick is moved along the tooth, while directing it from the base of the groove to the contact point of the teeth. If the toothpick is moved incorrectly, injury to the interdental papilla may occur.

4. Interdental stimulators

Interdental stimulators are used for oral care and are used to massage gingival papillae and clean interdental spaces, made of rubber or soft plastic of varying degrees of hardness and shape. Stimulators are attached to special holders or fixed to the handle of a toothbrush. The cone-shaped shape of the interdental stimulator allows it to be used for retraction of the marginal part of the gums, wide interdental spaces, as well as in the presence of periodontal diseases. When pressing on the dental papilla, circular movements are carried out, while in the interdental stimulator, progressively circular in one of the interdental spaces.

5. Interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are used to clean interdental spaces, teeth under removable structures, spaces between parts of dentures. The brush consists of a handle and a working part. The shape of the working part of the brush is often cylindrical. Nowadays, special probes have been developed to determine the required size of the brush in each individual case. the diameter of the working part can vary from 1.7 to 14 mm. The softest interdental brushes are recommended for people with increased sensitivity of hard dental tissues, as well as for cleaning implanted implants.

Cleaners can be attached using special holders. The distant holders provide sufficient fixation and quick change of brushes. The use of brushes allows you to clean the interdental spaces from food debris and plaque using reciprocating and clockwise rotational movements. At the same time, the bristles of the brush have a good massaging effect on the papillary and marginal parts of the gums.

6. Irrigators

Irrigators have combined the functions of an oral shower and hydromassagers, while undergoing significant modernization. At the same time, a stream of warm water is supplied through a tip from a water tap, and the pressure is created by a compressor. Water or various medications are used as a washing liquid. The procedure time for the gum of one jaw is 5-10 minutes; at home, daily use of the irrigator is indicated for 80 days.

The most effective use of oral irrigators is by persons who have orthodontic structures, as well as in case of periodontal diseases to remove plaque from the tongue. Removing plaque from the back of the tongue is considered one of the important hygiene procedures and is carried out after brushing the teeth. this procedure is largely indicated. Devices for removing plaque from the back of the tongue have been used since ancient times and are very popular nowadays. The action of the brushes is based on the mechanical removal of food debris and pathogenic microflora conditions from the back of the tongue, which helps eliminate bad breath, which in turn is associated with excessive accumulation of deposits on the tongue. Various devices for cleaning the tongue are made of metal or plastic.

Method of application: the brush is placed on the mucous membrane of the tongue to its root, while moving it forward and lightly pressing on the tongue.

Maintaining good and daily oral hygiene will keep your teeth healthy.

(Dentist: Olga Nikolaevna Kasimova)

Snow-white teeth and clean breath not only adorn a person, but also indicate his health. They are the main components of a beautiful smile. What is needed for this? Individual oral hygiene, monitoring it and preventing possible diseases. A daily set of dental care procedures will give an unsurpassed effect that will not take long to arrive.

The food a person eats has a direct effect on his teeth and gums. That is why oral hygiene and the right methods for this are of particular importance. Do not forget that proper care is not only about brushing your teeth. It also cares for your tongue, cheeks and gums. Proper oral hygiene products are especially important in this process. Today there are a huge number of oral hygiene products. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you cannot do without consulting a dentist.

Why is oral hygiene necessary?

The importance of oral hygiene cannot be overestimated. It's no secret that the state of a person's health to a certain extent depends on the condition of the teeth and mouth. For example, inflammation and bleeding of the gums contribute to the proliferation of microbes and their spread throughout the body, which can cause many diseases. If a person is sick with diabetes or pneumonia, or has problems with the respiratory or urinary system, then the situation may worsen.

Since teeth perform a chewing function, improper care or complete lack of care can lead to their premature loss. As a result, a person will feel constant discomfort, and due to poorly chewed food, problems with the gastrointestinal tract will begin.

If we consider the aesthetic side, then communicating with a person who has clean and healthy teeth is much more pleasant than with someone who has rotten and yellow teeth. And the owner of such “beauty” himself will feel discomfort and self-doubt.

Proper oral hygiene practices prevent plaque and caries, which are common dental problems.

Bacterial plaque, which promotes the development of microbes, forms on the surface of teeth and gums, presenting itself as a colorless, sticky film. If too much of it accumulates, tooth enamel can darken and gums begin to bleed. Another problem that can result from poor personal oral hygiene is tartar. It is a hard substance that forms on the enamel.

Properly selected methods and items of oral hygiene will help get rid of:

• gingivitis and periodontitis;
• caries;
• unpleasant “aroma”;
• bleeding gums;
• pain;
• will prevent damage to the enamel.

To keep your smile healthy, you need to follow proven methods and use quality oral hygiene products. A dentist will help you make the right choice by carefully examining your oral cavity and making recommendations.

Basic hygiene products

Previously, there was no such wide range of oral hygiene products. To brush their teeth or take preventive measures, people had to use improvised devices. Today everything is completely different. Shops and pharmacies provide a huge selection of oral hygiene items, which include:

• toothbrushes;
• rinse aids;
• toothpicks;
• dental floss;
• irrigators;
• interdental brushes;
• napkins;
• antiseptics.

With the help of such an oral hygiene item as a toothbrush, a person daily cares for his teeth, gums and tongue, cleaning them from plaque formed as a result of food intake. Toothpaste and toothbrush are the main means of prevention and oral hygiene. Although, if you look from the other side, the main tool is not a paste, but a brush. The paste acts only as an assistant that fights germs, eliminates unpleasant odors and refreshes the mouth. Do not use it in quantities exceeding the norm. This effect will not increase.

Each of the above personal hygiene items has its own characteristics. Let's look at them in more detail.

Classification of toothpastes

The range of toothpastes is huge and this confuses a person when he is faced with the question of choice. Which pasta do you prefer? In order not to make a mistake, you need to know the varieties of this oral hygiene item. Let's consider the classification of pastes according to Ulitovsky. There are pastes: hygienic (1st generation), therapeutic and prophylactic (2nd generation) and complex (3-5th generation).

The first type of paste is characterized by a very simple structure. Their main purpose is to remove plaque and eliminate unpleasant “aroma” from the mouth. The “refreshing” property is weak. Hygienic pastes are suitable only for those whose teeth and gums are in perfect order.

Therapeutic and prophylactic products for oral hygiene help fight plaque formed on the teeth after eating, resist caries, various gum diseases, the formation of tartar, replenish calcium deficiency, and so on. They contain vitamins, herbal extracts, various enzymes, and infusions of medicinal plants. These pastes belong to the 2nd generation. However, if you compare them with subsequent releases, they are much simpler structurally. That is why they are also called simple. The composition of therapeutic and prophylactic pastes should not contain aggressive antibacterial and active bleaching components. They should be replaced with plant extracts.

The next group of pastes, which are classified as complex, combines 3 generations: 3rd and 4th - combined, 5th - complex. Combined ones contain two or more components intended to treat and prevent the same problem. Complex toothpastes may contain 1 or more components that help overcome many dental problems. Conventionally, pastes are divided into:

There are different types of toothbrushes. Before purchasing, it is advisable to find out the characteristics of each. Their following classification will help you choose a brush that is suitable specifically for your oral cavity. There are 3 types of toothbrushes:

• hard;
• medium hardness;
• soft.

Hard ones are suitable for those who do not have problems with teeth and gums. Otherwise, the use of this type of brush can injure the oral cavity. Indications for the use of soft brushes are children's age and gum problems. The best option for dental hygiene are specimens of medium hardness.

The size of the toothbrush head also matters when choosing it. Ideally, it should cover no more than 3 teeth (25-30 mm). This brush is easier to manipulate.

The next criterion is the shape of the bristles. The effectiveness of cleaning the surface of the teeth depends on it. The ideal option is a brush with a V-shaped fiber, when the long bristles are located along the edge and the short ones in the middle. Due to the elongated fibers located around the perimeter, this brush is very convenient for cleaning plaque between the teeth and in their cervical area.

Toothbrushes are divided into electric and regular. The first variety is characterized by a small head, which makes rotational and oscillatory movements, which helps to better soften soft and hard plaque.

The service life of a toothbrush is three months. Its further use will not bring the desired result, since worn bristles will not be able to effectively clean plaque from teeth. In addition, the bristles of a brush that have not been changed for several months can accumulate a lot of bacteria, which lead to dental problems.

Selecting additional hygiene products

In addition to the basic ones, there are also additional oral hygiene products:

• dental floss (floss);
• tongue scrapers;
• brushes to keep between teeth clean;
• irrigators;
• rinse aids;
• toothpicks.

Flosses, toothpicks and brushes form a separate category of additional devices for oral hygiene and are called interdental, which means “interdental”. Their purpose is to remove anything stuck in the interdental spaces.

Dental floss

Dental floss or floss, as it is also called, is presented in the form of a skein of synthetic or silk thread, which is placed in a special spool with a cutter. This interdental appliance is suitable for all people, regardless of whether the gap between their teeth is narrow or wide. Using this floss, you can clean those places where a toothbrush cannot reach.

Flosses have several varieties. They can be:

• waxed (with wax impregnation);
• not waxed.

Dental floss can consist of either a single fiber or several fibers that are intertwined or glued together. Some of the flosses are impregnated with menthol, fluoride, etc. Impregnation of dental floss can also be of a medicinal nature.

Flosses are divided into round and flat. The first type is more suitable for people who have a large gap between their teeth, the second - for those whose teeth are too close to each other or have problems with their gums. Another type of dental floss is superfloss. This option is ideal for caring for braces and fixed dentures.

To clean the gaps of teeth using floss, you need to first unwind about 30 cm of thread and then tear it off. After this, wrap the torn piece around your index fingers so that half of its length remains free. Next, you need to insert the floss into the interdental space and pull it forward, then back. This cleaning should be done once a day. Regular use of floss will save you not only from plaque between your teeth, but also from the unpleasant odor that appears due to the accumulation of microbes in hard-to-reach places.

When using the device for the first time, you should be careful, as due to lack of experience, you can injure your gums, as a result of which it will begin to bleed. Dental floss also has contraindications: gum disease (periodontitis, periodontal disease), the presence of crowns and bridges.

Tongue scraper

In order to clean not only their teeth, but also their tongue, people came up with a special scraper. With its help, the accumulated plaque is removed without much effort. If you use a scraper together with a toothbrush, the effectiveness of the hygiene procedure will increase significantly.

A tongue scraper is a round plastic attachment with bristles, at the end of which there is a tip resembling a spoon. Since the scraper is flat, cleaning the tongue with it does not cause a gag reflex. Do not forget that you can use this tool only after consulting a doctor. To choose the right scraper, an individual approach to each patient is necessary.

There are a huge number of different scrapers. There are also those that have bristles on one side and plastic or rubber relief strips on the other. This hygiene instrument needs to be changed 4 times a year. It is sold in pharmacies or online stores.

Interdental brushes

The main purpose of brushes is to clean wide spaces between teeth, under non-removable braces, under bridges and other structures. They will become indispensable assistants for those who have implants.

Brushes are made in the shape of a cone or cylinder. Size and length do not have any standard meaning. The caliber is selected individually for patients. They are made of nylon with small bristles, which are fixed between the twists of the wire. Particularly popular are brushes whose wire is coated with plastic, which provides protection against the formation of galvanic currents.

Using an interdental brush is not difficult. It is enough to insert it into the space between the teeth and, making back-and-forth movements, clean all the necessary gaps. After each cleaned area, rinse your mouth under running water. Thanks to its fine bristles, this interdental tool can reach and clean areas where a toothbrush or other cleaning devices cannot reach.

An interdental brush can be called a universal device. Its fibers not only clean your teeth, but also help improve blood circulation through massage.

Irrigators and their types

An irrigator, like a brush, helps to clear food debris from places where other oral care tools cannot reach. The device is indispensable for those who have crowns or fillings. With the help of an irrigator, you can achieve cleanliness under any structures, which means that they will last longer, since pieces of food will not rot under them, and microbes will not multiply.

How does this device work? The principle is this: the irrigator delivers a directed stream of liquid to those places where a toothbrush cannot reach, while eliminating plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth. In addition to the cleansing function, the device also massages the gums, improving blood circulation.

Irrigators are divided into:

• stationary, that is, those that are installed in the bathroom and operate from the mains;
• portable, battery powered so you can take it with you anywhere.

In order for your smile to shine clean and healthy, it is enough to use the device only a few times a week after the main cleaning of your teeth. In addition, the whole family can use it, because modern devices come with a set of interchangeable attachments for each family member.

Mouth rinses

To quickly freshen the mouth and get rid of bacteria, people have come up with a liquid type of oral hygiene products or, in other words, mouthwash. There are many different types of this remedy. Depending on the functions performed, the classification of liquid oral hygiene products is as follows:

• hygienic (cosmetic);
• medicinal.

The 1st group of rinses fights bad breath and gives fresh breath. Such remedies only mask the problem, but do not solve it. The 2nd group of liquid products eliminates the problem at the root and is divided into: