Oral Care, Dental Swabs, Toothpaste and Floss, Dental Tape

What is Oral Care?

Oral care is the practice of keeping the teeth, mouth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent dental issues by removing bacteria and plaque. It includes flossing, brushing the teeth, cleaning the tongue, and visiting the dentist regularly. Most people should visit the dentist two times a year, and those with an increased risk of oral diseases should see the dentist more often. It is very important for individuals to follow an oral health program at home every day between visits to the dentist.

Brushing the teeth helps to prevent the formation of tartar and removes plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and gums, and contains bacteria that can damage the tooth enamel and gums, leading to cavities, disease and gingivitis. The tongue should also be brushed along with the teeth, because it can hold bacteria and fungi which can cause bad breath and dental problems.

When choosing a toothbrush, its bristles are the main factor. Most dentists recommend soft bristles, especially if the teeth or gums are sensitive. Hard bristles are not more effective at removing plaque and may cause damage to the teeth and gums. Choose a toothbrush head size that easily fits into the mouth and can touch one or two teeth at a time. This means infants and young children need a smaller one than an adult. A toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months, and/or when it looks worn or frayed.

When choosing a toothpaste, look for one with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This means the product has met ADA criteria for effectiveness and safety and its advertising claims and packaging are scientifically supported. Some toothpastes contain fluoride while others do not; therefore choose the type that best fits an individual’s needs. Other options can be paste or gel type, and different flavors. To encourage children to brush their teeth, it may help to choose a toothpaste in one of their favorite flavors.

Although regular brushing is an important part of oral care, there are areas of the mouth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, flossing helps to reach between the teeth and clean areas of the teeth and gums. Dental floss can help reduce the risk for various types of dental cavities and diseases when used properly. Dental floss is made from various products that are either unwaxed or waxed and come in different widths. Choosing the right dental floss will help get the most out of flossing, depending on the gaps that are between the teeth. Along with the different widths, there is floss string, eco-friendly floss, or floss picks that are made to hold the floss. Flossing not only helps clean between the teeth, but it also helps to make the gums stronger. In addition to flossing, gum massage with a rubber tip device or toothbrush can help maintain healthy gums.

Mouthwash can do more than simply freshen the breath; it can contribute to good oral care and ward off gum disease. But that is only if a bacteria fighting rinse is used after brushing and flossing. Some mouthwashes have fluoride while others do not, so choose the type that best suits an individual’s needs. Rinsing with an alcohol based mouthwash is not good for children under the age of 6 who are likely to swallow the liquid.

Maintaining good oral care can also positively affect the rest of the body. Problems in the mouth can lead to other health problems, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and complications of diabetes. Women with poor oral care may have children with low birth weight.

What are Different Types of Oral Disease?

Proper and effective oral care is critical to an individual’s overall health and appearance. Untreated oral disease can lead to damage to the gums and loss of teeth. Oral diseases are generally divided into one of two main categories. The first category involves diseases of the teeth, such as the formation of cavities and tooth decay. When plaque is allowed to remain on the surface of a tooth for an extended period of time, tooth decay generally occurs. Plaque contains bacteria which feeds on the sugar that is present in drinks and foods. The bacteria produces an acidic waste product which can get through the surface of the tooth, eventually leading to cavities being formed.

The other category involves diseases of the gums. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Similar to tooth decay and cavities, gingivitis is caused by the bacteria in plaque that damages the gums by creating acid. Some of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen or puffy gums, and persistent bad breath. Gingivitis is a reversible condition which can be treated with proper oral care and professional care.

Gingivitis can progress into a serious type of oral disease known as periodontal disease if left untreated. Periodontal disease can lead to the erosion of the gum line surrounding the teeth and a weakening of the support system that holds the teeth in place. Periodontal disease can even cause loss of teeth over time. While gingivitis is reversible, the damage caused by periodontal disease is not reversible, but permanent. Both tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented with proper oral care and with regular dental checkups and treatments.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a comprehensive selection of superior quality oral care products from esteemed vendors, including Independence Medical, McKesson Medical-Surgical, Medline, Directly From Nature, Sammons Preston, Maddak, ADL Essentials, and North Coast.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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