Oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene requires a proper and balanced diet combined with taking care of the good health of the teeth and gums.

The diet must be low in carbohydrates (as they are the raw material used by microbes), such as glucose, sucrose and fructose. The most carious substance is the sucrose contained in sugar. By reducing the daily sweet snacks and above all by avoiding the consumption of soft drinks, we significantly reduce the sugars consumed. Fruit sugars are not harmful and are preferred in the daily diet. In general, our diet should contain daily large amounts of water, juices and fruits rich in vitamins and trace elements as well as plant fibers. A simple dietary habit, chewing a piece of gum after eating, also helps, as it increases saliva production.

The second important element in prevention is the daily care and cleaning of the teeth. . Good tooth brushing leads to the continuous removal of microorganisms from their surface and inhibits their action. Brushing teeth should be done at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride, especially after breakfast and before bed, and should last at least 3 minutes. Fluoride is absorbed by the enamel of the tooth and strengthens it against microbes. At the same time, every time or at least once a day, we must also use dental floss, which helps to remove food residues from the spaces between the teeth.

Visiting the dentist every 6 months is essential for good oral hygiene. The dentist will remove tartar and plaque with cleaning, strengthen enamel with fluoridation, and restore any inflammation of the teeth and gums, restoring the mouth to good health. It is especially important for patients who have problems with their heart (valvular disease, heart failure, pacemaker) to receive prophylactic antibiotics before any dental work to minimize the risk of heart infection (endocarditis).

Very important for oral hygiene is the presence of saliva. Saliva is secreted when we eat, it neutralizes the acids of the carbohydrates in the food, lowers the ph of the mouth and removes food residues. Diseases that reduce its production (dry mouth due to Sjogren’s syndrome, salivary stones) must be recognized early and treated effectively.

Angelos P. Karatzaferis, Specialist Pathologist/ Scientific Associate for the GET WELL Natural Corner service
Excellent Graduate of the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Specialty in Internal Pathology at the Pathological Physiology Clinic of the University of Athens