What You Can Do

Good oral health = good overall health

To maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth:

• Don’t use tobacco products. If you smoke, quit. The more you smoke or come into contact with smoke, the higher your risk of developing cancer.
• Drink less alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of head and neck cancer. If you drink, do so in moderation to lower your risk.
• Get vaccinated. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can infect the mouth and throat and cause cancer. Ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated against HPV to possibly prevent throat cancer.
• Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, you may need to get your teeth cleaned multiple times a year, which may help lower your blood sugar level. Managing your diabetes will also lower your risk of other oral health complications, including gum disease.
• Prevent dry mouth. If your medication makes your mouth feel dry, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If this doesn’t help, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, don’t smoke or use tobacco products, and don’t drink alcohol.
• Act on any new symptoms. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.

Daily care

• Avoid food and drinks with added sugar as much as possible. They contribute to oral diseases and other chronic diseases.
• Drink fluoridated tap water and brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth well twice a day and floss between your teeth to remove dental plaque.
• Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or high-risk activities.

Yearly care

• Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you wear dentures and have lost some or all of your teeth. Your dentist will check your mouth for cancers, oral health problems, and cavities.

Tips for Pregnant Women

When you’re pregnant, gum disease and cavities can affect your baby’s health. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. Visit your dentist at least once before you deliver, especially if you have any tooth pain or sensitivity.

If you have nausea and vomit, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water, swish, and then spit it out. This helps wash stomach acid away and keeps the outer part of your tooth (enamel) safe.

Tips for Older Adults

In addition to the Tips for Adults outlined above, older adults, especially those who are homebound and/or institutionalized in care centers, can:

• Ask your dentist for other ideas, prescriptions, or supplies to help you brush or floss to prevent cavities.
• Clean dentures daily. Wearing dentures could put you at risk for fungal infections in your mouth. If you can, remove your dentures all night and clean them daily.
• If you have a caregiver, they can help you brush and floss if you struggle to do this well by yourself.

Interdental cleansing refers to the practice of cleaning between the teeth to remove plaque and food debris. This practice is crucial because toothbrushes, while effective at cleaning the surfaces of teeth, often miss the spaces between them.[1] As we strive for optimal oral health, let us not underestimate the power of these small spaces.

The benefits of interdental cleansing extend beyond simply maintaining a bright smile. Regular cleaning of these often-neglected areas can lead to several significant health advantages, including:

Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis[2,3]

Prevention and reduction of dental caries[4]

Contribution to better systemic health[5]

Enhancing fresh breath.

To incorporate interdental cleaning into our daily routines, various aids are available:

Dental floss: The most traditional method, dental floss consists of a thin, flexible string that is maneuvered between teeth to remove plaque and food particles[6]

Interdental brushes: These small brushes are designed specifically for cleaning between teeth and come in various sizes to accommodate different gaps[7]

Wooden sticks: Also known as dental picks, these are small wooden sticks that can be used to clean between teeth

Water flossers: These devices use a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line[8]

Prethreaded flossers: These handy tools come preloaded with dental floss and often feature a handle for ease of use.

It is our duty as periodontists and dental professionals to educate our patients to comprehend that interdental cleansing is one of the basic components in the prevention and management of periodontal and other dental diseases and this has to be done as a routine oral hygiene measure rather than an alternative.[9,10] By doing this, we contribute significantly to sustainable development goals (SDG) 3 and SDG 4 by giving basic education on oral healthcare quality.

In conclusion, let us all strive to incorporate interdental cleansing in the educational process. By doing so we as responsible professionals can make our patients to self-reliant and take control of their oral health in total.

REFERENCES
1.Axelsson P, Lindhe J. The significance of interdental brushing in prevention of periodontal disease. J Clin Periodontol. 2008;35:368–74. [Google Scholar]
2.Chong CH, Ng CH. Interdental cleaning – A review of the evidence. J Dent Sci. 2014;9:141–8. [Google Scholar]
3.Loe H, Theilade E, Jensen SB. Experimental gingivitis in man. J Periodontol (1930) 1965;36:177–87. doi: 10.1902/jop.1965.36.3.177. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
4.Axelsson P, Paulander J, Lindhe J. Relationship between smoking and dental caries. Swed Dent J. 2004;28:1–10. [Google Scholar]
5.Demmer RT, Desvarieux M. Periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease: The heart of the matter. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137:14S–20S. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.2006.0402. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
6.Poklepovic T, Spencer AJ, Davies GC, Burns H, Bonetti D. Interdental brushing for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018. 2018:CD012885. [Google Scholar]
7.Sharma NC, Lyle DM, Qaqish JG, Schuller R. Comparative evaluation of interdental cleaning efficacy of floss, interdental brushes, and water flosser. J Clin Diagn Res. 2018;12:ZC01–4. [Google Scholar]
8.Patel M, Chandki R, Banthia R, Banthia P. Periodontal awareness and knowledge among dental patients: A systematic review. J Periodontol. 2019;90:432–43. [Google Scholar]
9.Tonetti MS, Sanz M. Implementation of preventive measures in periodontal practice: A systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2019;46:279–88. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13104. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
10.Lang NP, Tonetti MS. Periodontal risk assessment (PRA) for patients in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) Oral Health Prev Dent. 2003;1:7–16. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Plaque and Bacteria Removal:
The high-frequency vibrations create a fluid-like motion that dislodges and removes more plaque and bacteria than manual brushing, leading to fewer cavities.

Reaches Hard-to-Reach Areas:
The gentle, high-frequency bristles can easily access delicate and hard-to-reach areas for a more thorough clean than a manual brush can achieve.

Healthier Gums and Enamel

Reduced Gingivitis:
The gentle vibrations reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, leading to improved gum health and pinker gums in a short time.

Enamel Protection:
The abrasive action of a manual toothbrush can wear down enamel, but the high-frequency vibrations of a sonic toothbrush remove harmful bacteria without the harsh scraping, protecting enamel and reducing sensitivity.
Gingivitis Prevention:
The technology helps reduce plaque buildup, which is a key factor in preventing periodontal disease.

Enhanced Oral Health

Whitening:
The effective removal of stains from coffee, tea, and other sources can lead to naturally whiter teeth within weeks of use.

Cavity Prevention:
By removing more plaque and tartar, sonic toothbrushes help prevent cavities and the need for extensive dental work in the future.
Dry Mouth Relief:
The vibrations stimulate salivary glands, increasing saliva flow, which is beneficial for people suffering from dry mouth.

Time-Saving:
A sonic toothbrush delivers a thorough clean in the recommended two minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to maintain oral hygiene.
Ideal for Specific Needs:
Sonic technology is particularly beneficial for cleaning around braces and dental implants where plaque can easily accumulate.

Individuals with braces, bridges, crowns, or dental implants
People with arthritis or limited hand strength
Patients with gum disease or sensitive gums
Children who resist string flossing
How to Use a Water Flosser Effectively
Follow these steps to ensure maximum benefit from your water flosser:

Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water.
Choose a suitable tip and attach it to the device.
Lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth before turning the device on to avoid splashing.
Start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as needed.
Glide the tip along the gumline, pausing between teeth for a couple of seconds.
Empty the reservoir and clean the device after use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results and prevent damage, avoid the following:

Using water that is too hot or cold: Use lukewarm water to avoid gum irritation.

Pointing the tip directly at the gums: Angle the tip slightly for a gentle flow.

Skipping traditional floss entirely: While water flossers are effective, combining them with occasional string flossing may offer even better results.

Maintaining Your Water Flosser
To keep your device working efficiently:

Rinse the reservoir daily and let it air dry.
Clean the tip every week by soaking it in a mixture of water and vinegar.
Replace the tip every 3–6 months or sooner if the spray becomes weak.
FAQs About Water Flossers
Q: Can I use mouthwash in a water flosser?

A: Yes, but it’s recommended to dilute it with water to prevent internal damage to the unit.

Q: How often should I use a water flosser?

A: Daily use is recommended, ideally after brushing your teeth.

Q: Are water flossers safe for children?

A: Yes, children over the age of 6 can use them under supervision. Some brands offer child-friendly models.

Q: Can water flossers replace brushing?

A: No. They are a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular toothbrushing.

Benefits of Using a Water Flosser
Incorporating a water flosser into your daily routine can offer numerous benefits:

Effective Plaque Removal: Studies show that water flossers can remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas.

Improved Gum Health: Regular use reduces bleeding and inflammation of the gums.

Easy to Use: Especially helpful for people with limited manual dexterity or those who dislike traditional floss.

Gentle on Gums: The gentle water stream is less abrasive than string floss, reducing gum trauma.

Convenient for Braces and Implants: Reaches areas that are hard to clean with string floss, particularly around orthodontic appliances.

A: Yes, but it’s recommended to dilute it with water to prevent internal damage to the unit.

Q: How often should I use a water flosser?

A: Daily use is recommended, ideally after brushing your teeth.

Q: Are water flossers safe for children?

A: Yes, children over the age of 6 can use them under supervision. Some brands offer child-friendly models.

Q: Can water flossers replace brushing?

A: No. They are a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular toothbrushing.

Your oral health provides important insights into your overall well-being, and issues in your mouth can have an impact on the rest of your body. Safeguard your health by exploring the connection between oral care and general wellness.

What’s the link between oral health and overall health?

The mouth, much like other parts of the body, hosts a variety of germs, most of which are harmless. However, being the gateway to both the digestive tract—a lengthy series of organs stretching from the mouth to the anus—and the respiratory system responsible for breathing, it plays a critical role in overall health. Occasionally, germs present in the mouth can spread and contribute to diseases affecting the entire body.

Most often the body’s defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease.

Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

Your oral health might play a part in conditions such as:

• Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.
• Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
• Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Certain health conditions also might affect oral health, including:

• Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes.Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.
• HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
• Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome.

Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.
• See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
• Don’t use tobacco.