1.
Pathway to Good Oral Health
Dental Care Advice

2.
Introduction
We cannot overestimate the
importance of good oral health as it
impacts positively on our general
well being. Gum diseases which are
secondary to poor oral hygiene is a
major risk factor in the development
of heart disease

3.
To keep our mouth healthy there are
basic steps we must take. Lets first
reflect on these questions:
1. How many times a day should you
brush your teeth daily?
2. How long should you use a
particular toothbrush?
3. What method of brushing should I

4.
4. How long should you wait before
you brush your teeth after a meal?
5. Which foods help to keep your teeth
clean and which ones are harmful?
Lets now take a look at basic oral care
advice.

5.
Dental Flossing
Flossing is an act of removing food debris
and bacteria from between the teeth
using a thin, sterile, filament cord.
Technique is as follows:
• Rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Then slide the floss between all teeth.
• Rinse your mouth again

6.
Tooth Brushing
The strength (soft, medium, hard).
• Know your bristles:
Bristle pattern.
• Select the right size of toothbrush.
• Handle: Select the right handle so as to have a
firm grip.

7.
Head design

8.
Bristle Designs

9.
Bristle Design

10.
Bristle Designs

11.
Brushing Technique
• Modified Stillman: This method is simpl
and will be demonstrated during
examination.
• Be methodical: Brush outer and inner
surfaces, back molars, and especially
hard to reach areas.
• Don’t always start brushing in the same
place, vary your starting point.

12.
Control Your Eating Habit
• Eat more of fruit and vegetable when
you’re out of the house and don’t
have opportunity to brush. (apple,
garden egg, carrot). They have
cleansing effect. Due to their fibre
content they are naturally abrasive.

13.
• Energy Drinks, Frizzy drinks, chocolate
and sweets are all bad for our teeth. But
even healthy food like apple juice,
orange juice and coffee contain acid that
can soften enamel. Do not brush within
30mins after consuming them.

14.
Keep Your Brush Clean
• Keep your brush clean, wash
thoroughly after brushing. Store
vertically and allow the water to drip,
do not put your brush in a case, this
will prevent bacteria from growing
on it. Do not leave your tooth brush
in the toilet.

15.
Proper Storage

16.
Proper Storage

17.
Duration of Use
• It is advisable to discard your old
brush and get a new one every 3-4
months. When the bristles are frayed
or loose their flexibility, please
discard the brush. You should
consider replacing your brush after
sickness, as it could serve as a source
of reinfection.

18.
Toothpaste
• Plain fluoride toothpaste is always
the best. The fluoride content helps
prevent decay. At this age avoid using
paste with whitening component as
they can weaken your teeth.
• Brush twice daily after breakfast and
after the last meal of the day

19.
Cleaning the Tongue
• Avoid brushing the tongue with your
brush. Use tongue scraper o r choose
a brush with tongue cleaning back.
Our tongue is laden with bacteria, to
avoid transferring these to our
toothbrush.