Dental plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that forms on the surface of our teeth (1). While it’s normal for plaque to form, it becomes harmful when we allow it to build up by not practicing good oral hygiene. This can lead to a variety of largely preventable issues, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and bad breath, that go on to negatively affect our physical, mental, and social health (1;2).
How do these issues show up in our daily lives? Well, tooth decay can lead to mouth pain, while tooth loss can make it harder to chew (2). This discomfort can impact our ability to eat and properly nourish ourselves. Let’s not forget our gums! Gum disease can increase blood sugar levels, which makes it difficult to manage a diabetes diagnosis (3). Lastly, bad breath can leave us feeling self-conscious, potentially leading us to reduce social interactions.
Luckily, there are strategies that we can add to our daytime and nighttime self-care routines that help us keep our teeth and gums healthy and our smiles shining brightly (1;3-5). Click on the links below to learn more.
1. Brushing
Research shows that both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective tools for removing dental plaque in generally healthy adults with no severe gum disease, treatments fixing teeth position, dentures, or dental implants. That said, powered toothbrushes appear to have a slight edge (4;5).
2. Flossing
Research shows that both traditional string dental floss and water flossers that clean between the teeth using a stream of water are effective for removing dental plaque in adults. But once again, tech comes out on top, meaning water flossers appear to remove more plaque in hard-to-reach areas (3).
Research shows that treating gum disease with professional deep cleaning (e.g., below the gumline) can decrease blood sugar levels in people living with gum disease and diabetes. Here, professional deep cleaning is being compared to no treatment or usual care like cleaning above the gumline and instructions for maintaining good oral hygiene. Timewise, benefits are seen three to fourth months after treatment and can last up to one year (1).
Ultimately, the moral of the story is that oral hygiene is important for our health. The cornerstones of a well-rounded oral health hygiene routine include (6):
- Brushing our teeth at least two times a day for two to three minutes each time.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Cleaning (e.g., brushing or scraping) our tongue.
- Being mindful of our diet (e.g., opting for water vs. sugary drinks, eating a nutritious diet).
- Quitting vaping and smoking and decreasing alcohol consumption.
- Regularly visiting an oral health professional for check-ups and cleanings.
Whether you prefer traditional tools that have been around for a long time or new school innovations, there are options aplenty. This means you can tailor your oral hygiene routine with services that meet your needs, as well as tools that allow you to be consistent and take into consideration barriers like finances, health conditions, movement limitations, etc. With so many products on the market, do your research and lean on oral health professionals for support. Additionally, the Canadian Dental Care Plan helps provide access to dental care services. Check if you qualify and what services are covered here (7).
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