Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene (/ɔːrəl haɪˈdʒiːn/) 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.
Etymology
The term "oral hygiene" is derived from the Latin "oralis" meaning "of the mouth" and the Greek "hygieine techne" meaning "healthful art".
Related Terms
- Dental cavities: Also known as caries or tooth decay, are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel.
- Gingivitis: A type of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the gums.
- Periodontal diseases: Diseases that affect the structures supporting the teeth, including the gums and bone.
- Bad breath: Also known as halitosis, is a symptom of poor oral hygiene.
Importance
Oral hygiene is necessary for all people to maintain the health and aesthetics of their teeth. Regular oral hygiene can prevent various dental diseases and can help to avoid costly dental treatments.
Practices
Oral hygiene practices include:
- Brushing: The most common method of cleaning the teeth.
- Flossing: An essential part of oral hygiene, it removes food and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can't reach.
- Mouthwash: A liquid which is swished around the mouth or gargled to kill bacteria and freshen breath.
- Dental check-ups: Regular visits to a dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral hygiene
- Wikipedia's article - Oral hygiene
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