Careful and frequent tooth brushing and flossing help to prevent build-up of plaque and calculus (tartar), which is believed to lead to cavities. Cavities can be costly, in terms of the monetary cost to drill out the cavities and insert dental fillings, and in terms of the tissue already damaged.Special appliances or tools may be recommended to supplement (but not to replace) tooth brushing and flossing. These include special toothpicks, water irrigation, or other devices. Initially electric toothbrushes were only recommended for persons who have problems with strength or dexterity of their hands, but many dentists are now recommending them to many other patients in order to improve their home dental care. In many parts of the world natural toothbrushes are used. In the Muslim world the miswak or siwak is made from twigs or roots that are alleged to have an antiseptic effect when applied as a toothbrush.

Food and drink in relation to oral hygiene

As mentioned by ADHA, foods that help your muscles and bones also help teeth and gums. Dairy that contributes with vitamin D help strengthening teeth. Breads and cereals rich in vitamin B with fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C contribute to healthy gum tissue. Lean meat, fish, poultry provide magnesium and zinc for teeth.

Most foods endanger teeth to some extent, although some are worse than others.[citation needed] It is recommended that teeth should be brushed after every meal (which is by far the best protection) and at bedtime and be flossed at least once per day, preferably at night before sleep. For some people, flossing might be recommended after every meal. A dentist or dental hygienist can instruct and demonstrate oral hygiene’s proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Better

Some foods may protect against cavities. Milk and cheese appear to be able to raise pH values in the mouth, and so reduce tooth exposure to acid. They are also rich in calcium and phosphate, and may also encourage remineralisation. All foods increase saliva production, so since saliva contains buffer chemicals this helps to stabilise the pH at just above 7 in the mouth. Foods high in fibre may also help to increase the flow of saliva. Unsweetened (basically sugar free) chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and helps to clean the surface of the tooth.

Worse

Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, e.g. crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a much lesser degree. This is because starch is not an ideal food for the bacteria. It has to be converted (by enzymes in saliva) first.

Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with caries, although glucose and maltose seem equally gervic (likely to cause caries). The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed.[citation needed] The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which demineralisation occurs. It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to repair themselves. Obviously, limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of caries.

Artificially refined sugar is not the only type that can promote dental caries. There are also sugars found in fresh fruit and fruit juices. These foods (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, etc. ) also contain acids which lower the pH level. On the other hand, carbonic acid found in soda water is very weakly acidic (pH 6.1), and not associated with dental caries (provided the soft drink is sugar free, of course). That said, soft drinks are not as healthy for the teeth as milk, due to their lower pH and lack of calcium. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental caries tremendously.

Another factor which affects the risk of developing caries is the stickiness of foods. Some foods or sweets may stick to the teeth and so reduce the pH in the mouth for an extended time, particularly if they are sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface.

Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles. For teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well.

Smoking definitely doesn’t help you maintain a good oral hygiene and is linked with multiple hazards.