Oral hygiene

Regular proper oral hygiene is a basis of oral health and a proper toothbrushing technique is a basis for healthy gums and teeth. The aim of the proper toothbrushing technique is to effectively remove the bacterial film, which is created on the teeth. For the perfect elimination of the bacterial film and therefore a reduction of the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis, it is necessary to use the proper toothbrushing technique and to choose proper dental aids.

A non-treated inflammation in the mouth caused by bacteria which are part of the dental plaque, provably contributes to the origin of some serious general diseases. The bacteria in the patients' mouths with insufficient oral hygiene produce harmful substances which get into the blood circulation and thus into the entire body. The risk of the development of cardiovascular diseases (especially heart attack and stroke), lungs diseases and diabetes, is thereby considerably increased. Persons with a developed form of periodontitis have a four times higher risk of the heart attack than healthy people. Pregnant women suffering from gingivitis stand a higher risk of premature childbirth. A consequence of an insufficient care for the oral cavity is the occurrence of many diseases – most often of dental caries and gingivitis and periodontosis. Regular proper oral hygiene is a basis of oral health, which is an important part of the general state of health of our body.

Proper toothbrushing technique

We should brush our teeth thoroughly twice a day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening after the last meal. The most important part is the evening hygiene before going to bed. Food remains stuck on the teeth cause most damage at night, because the tongue and the lips, which wipe the leftovers off the teeth surface, sleep along with us. So do the salivary glands, which dilute the possibly harmful contents of the oral cavity and the dental plaque created thereby with saliva. The warmth and moisture which is in the oral cavity during the night is the ideal environment for bacterial proliferation. However, do not forget that we should brush the teeth after every meal. The length of brushing is individual and depends on our skill. Nevertheless, it should not be less than 2 or 3 minutes.

Brushing the teeth with a toothbrush

Start with the upper jaw. First of all brush the outer tooth surfaces. Put the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums so that the bristles touch both the teeth and the gums. Gently vibrating the brush, remove the plaque off the tooth from the gum towards the tooth. In this way, first brush the outer tooth surfaces in the upper jaw, and then use the same procedure to brush the inner tooth surfaces. The inner surfaces of the front teeth are brushed with a brush put vertically to the front teeth in such a manner that half of the toothbrush head reaches behind the front teeth. Brush the teeth by moving the brush gently up and down. Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Put the toothbrush vertically to the teeth and by moving it gently back and forth brush the chewing surfaces. Follow the same procedure to brush the lower jaw.

Interdental brush

The toothbrush can only brush the chewing, outer and inner teeth surfaces. The important interdental spaces remain untouched. Still, it is right there that the dental plaque is accumulating, irritating the gums and decalcifying the enamel. The immunity reaction of the gums manifests itself in their congestion and increased sensitivity. A long-lasting irritation leads to gingivitis and periodontitis. Using interdental brushes and the dental floss is therefore essential! The interdental brush is an indispensable aid especially for the back teeth. It is best for brushing the interdental spaces of the molars. To be able to use them correctly and effectively, we must in the first place have the dental tartar removed from these spaces and choose an appropriate size of the interdental brush: only if it fills the space completely, the brushing will be perfect. Insert the brush gently slantwise into the space between the teeth – be careful not to injure your gum – and move it directly back and forth. Never turn the wire between the teeth: the bristles might come off. The interdental brush is used every day, at the beginning of the evening and/or morning brushing, without the paste, only immersed into water or into a disinfectant.

Dental floss

Where it is not possible to use the interdental brush, the dental flosswill do. The dental floss is particularly suitable for interdental brushing between the front teeth. Brushing the teeth with the interdental floss requires certain skill which needs to be acquired by practice. People who find it difficult to manipulate with the floss, are recommended to use the floss holder or a special floss in a toothpick – flosser.

Brushing the tongue

Last but not least, you should not forget brushing your tongue. Bad breath is approximately in ninety percent of cases created directly in the oral cavity. Many people suffer from bad breath, but it is mostly connected with bad oral hygiene. Therefore, we also have to notice what our tongue looks like. If it is rough, has deep grooves or is covered with a damp white film, it means that it is a seedbed of bacteria, which cause the unpleasant smell in the mouth. In such case you can use škrabku na jazyk, which will help us eliminate the harmful bacteria. Alternatively, you can use a normal toothbrush, with which you can wipe the tongue back to forth to eliminate the harmful bacteria.

Dental aids

Toothbrushes
The most suitable toothbrush is one with a short working part with a straight area of densely set bundles of bristles of rounded fibres and a small working head. The denser the toothbrush head, the stronger brushing effect it has. The head of the toothbrush should be small, so that we can reach every space well and have a better control over the pressure of the brush on the teeth and gums. The toothbrush should be soft, so that its long-term use would not damage the teeth or gums. The belief that a soft toothbrush cannot clean the teeth well is false. It is necessary to replace the toothbrush at least 6-12 times a year; we should never use a worn out or spiky toothbrush. After use the toothbrush must be thoroughly rinsed with hot water and put separately into a cup or a holder head up, which will enable the fibres to dry up and protect them against moulding. Individual toothbrushes should not touch each other to prevent a transmission of bacteria. The selected top-quality toothbrushes recommended by professionals can be found in the offer of our e-shop.

Interdental brushes
There is a wide range of these toothbrushes on the market. It is best if you consult a professional to choose one for you. In our e-shop you can find a selection of the best quality toothbrushes for all sizes of interdental spaces.

Single tufted brushes
Alternatively, you can brush your teeth separately and gently from each side. This can best be done with a single tufted toothbrush, with which you can manipulate easily around every individual tooth. These brushes are ideal for brushing badly accessible spaces, e.g. the back surfaces of the teeth. They are also suitable for brushing the dentures.

Dental flosses
Dental flosses are produced with different thicknesses and can be waxed or Teflon. In addition, there are flosses with fluoride or with menthol flavor.

Whitening toothpastes

The toothpaste whitens the teeth by natural papain enzymes (extract from papayas) and 10% xylitol (natural cleaning substances). The patented system helps eliminate the colouring, the dental plaque and the dental tartar. It does not irritate the tooth enamel. It does not contain any acids and has a neutral pH. It contains active fluoride and xylitole. It does not foam. Use: brush the teeth twice a day over a period of at least 3 minutes. Then rinse your mouth. For brushing the teeth use a pea sized amount only in order to limit the swallowed paste to the minimum. The toothpaste contains potassium, which has soothing effects for sensitive teeth. You can find top quality whitening toothpastes in our e-shop.

A normal toothpaste contains water, abrasives, foamy substances, flavors, colorings and fluorides. The amount of fluorides differs in individual toothpastes. In general, the more caries, the better quality fluoride must be recommended. Different types and concentrations of fluorides are added into toothpastes. Children should use a toothpaste with fluoride contents of up to 500 ppmF, adults of up to 1,500 ppmF. Toothpaste should only be used on teeth after the microbial film has been removed from them. We should never put the toothpaste all over the surface of the toothbrush – pea sized amount is enough. The toothpaste should not be rinsed thoroughly from the mouth; otherwise we would decrease its effect.

Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes are an excellent complement for brushed teeth. Their effect increases if the teeth are brushed properly. Some mouthwashes help in the treatment of the attachment apparatus disease – periodontitis. A top and recommended preparation in this category is undoubtedly the Dr. Landa's Herbal Mouthwash.