Oral hygiene is centred on maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth in order preserve the health of a person’s teeth and gums. Without regular cleaning
and looking after, plaque will initially begin to form on the teeth which, if left untreated, will eventually cause the teeth to decay. A lack of oral
hygiene will also result in varying forms of halitosis, which is now estimated the third biggest reason for people seeking dental aid according to Birmingham dentists.

The most efficient and most commonly used method of preserving the state of your teeth and gums is by brushing with toothpaste, of which there are many
different brands and types available. Dentists recommend that you brush twice a day to maintain a healthy standard of teeth and gums, once in the
morning and once at night before bed. Other forms of sustaining decent oral hygiene in addition to brushing include using mouthwash and dental floss,
which are used to clean bacteria from the mouth and remove excess food from in between the teeth respectively.

The tongue is also an area that sometimes needs to be preserved in order to prevent the presence of dead cells and stop the spread of bacteria left
behind from decaying food particles. Without this, bad breath is likely to occur and left over germs can spread to other parts of the mouth which can
cause other oral diseases. Cleaning the tongue every morning is the most effective way of eradicating the sulphuric compounds that can develop on the
surface and prevent halitosis.

Eating the right foods can also be beneficial to maintaining a decent level of oral hygiene. Calcium is the main component of teeth so consuming dairy
products which have high calcium levels is useful. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial as it keeps the mouth clean and produces saliva which
protects the teeth. Conversely, diet can have a damaging effect. Taking in too much sugar can in due course cause the teeth to rot, and acidic
foodstuffs slowly erode the enamel on the tooth’s surface.

Ignoring the state of your own oral hygiene has the potential to have shattering effects on people’s lives. More extreme cases of neglect can result in
the need for dental jobs like tooth extraction, where severe decay has meant that removal
of the tooth from the mouth is the only possible option. However, brushing twice a day and maintaining general cleanliness of the mouth will stop the
spread of bacteria which will allow you to live your life free of dental problems.