Hygiene and Prevention

Oral hygiene refers to the cleaning of the oral cavity and, in a broader sense, all the actions taken to achieve it, whether at home or professionally.

Professional Oral Hygiene

  • it is performed by a specialist, namely the dental hygienist, whose primary task is to motivate and educate the patient on proper home oral hygiene practices (toothbrush, dental floss, antibacterial mouthwashes)
  • tartar removal: removal of supragingival tartar using modern ultrasonic instruments and precise manual tools, as well as removal of bacterial biofilm and stains with glycine or erythritol powders (air flow and perio flow)
  • root planing: removal of subgingival tartar from the periodontal pockets, with or without local anesthesia.

To reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal diseases, it is recommended to undergo professional oral hygiene sessions at least once every six months.

Prevention

Prevention in dentistry consists of procedures aimed at preventing or reducing the incidence of cavities and gum problems.

HOW?

Annual Check-Up

Even in the absence of pain, to exclude the presence of asymptomatic cavities, gum diseases, and chronic infections.
Identifying a disease in its early stages allows for the adoption of the simplest, quickest, least invasive, and least expensive treatment.

Home Oral Hygiene

The plaque that forms on the teeth contains bacteria that are responsible for the onset of cavities and gum diseases. For this reason, it is essential to mechanically remove plaque using an appropriate toothbrush, preferably electric, dental floss, interdental brushes for larger spaces, fluoride toothpaste, and antibacterial mouthwashes if recommended by the dentist or hygienist.

Elimination/Reduction of Harmful Habits

  • Reduce the consumption of sugars between meals to lower the risk of cavities.
  • Smoking: Increases the risk of oral cancer, worsens gum problems, stains teeth, and causes bad breath.
  • Alcohol: Increases the risk of oral cancer.

Prevention in Children

It is very important to prevent cavities in baby teeth, as they can cause infections and pain. Additionally, the premature loss of these teeth can lead to alignment and occlusion problems in the future permanent dentition.

HOW?

  • Do not dip the pacifier in sugary substances, as it can lead to the formation of numerous cavities in baby teeth.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene by using a toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears.
  • Fluoride prophylaxis: Topical application of fluoride gel to remineralize and strengthen the teeth.
  • Fissure sealing: Sealing the occlusal grooves, areas at high risk of cavities, to reduce their formation. In children and adolescents, most cavities occur in these grooves on molars. Sealing is recommended right after the eruption of the permanent molars and premolars, as the enamel of newly erupted teeth is particularly susceptible to cavities. Therefore, between 6-8 years for the first molars and between 11-13 years for the second molars.