Técnicas de Higiene Oral
Técnicas de Higiene Oral
Técnicas de Higiene Oral
right tools to
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BRUSHING TECHNIQUES
Brush twice a day for two minutes (morning and before bed)
using a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
For children who are able to spit, use a pea-size amount of
fluoridated toothpaste. (See Fact Sheet on Oral Health for
Children)
Basic manual brush technique:
Place the brush on a 45-degree angle to the teeth at the
gum line; flex gently and sweep or roll down from the
gum line in a flicking motion.
Repeat five to 10 times in each place. Move the brush
along in small steps in an organized manner.
Brush chewing surfaces in a circular or back and forth
motion.
Use a manual or power toothbrush. Used properly both
perform well. A dental hygienist can recommend the right
brush and technique.
Replace toothbrush (or power brush head) every two to
three months, or when bristles start to bend and after a
cold or flu.
Never share toothbrushes.
Symptoms
Red, swollen or tender gums that bleed when brushing or
flossing
Receding gums
Metallic taste
Tooth sensitivity for no apparent reason
Loose or shifting teeth
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FLOSSING TECHNIQUES
Floss at least once a day.
Choose the floss based on personal preference waxed,
unwaxed, flavoured or plain. All work well.
Flossing helps to remove the plaque that the toothbrush
cant reach.
Break off a piece of floss about 45 centimetres long.
Wrap most of it around the middle finger; wrap it a couple
of times around the middle finger
of the other hand as an anchor.
Using the index finger and thumb,
grasp the floss so that there is
about two to three centimetres of
exposed floss.
Keep the floss taut and gently,
using a sawing motion, work the
floss between two teeth. Wrap the
floss around the side of the tooth
in a C shape.
Gently scrape the plaque off the side of the tooth and below
the gum line, being careful not to cut or pinch the gums.
Repeat on the opposite tooth surface.
Remove the floss from between the teeth using a sawing
motion or by releasing the floss from the fingers and pulling
it through. Proceed to the next tooth.
Rinse thoroughly or brush after flossing to remove the
loosened plaque and debris.
In addition...
Brush or scrape the tongue daily. It can harbour harmful
bacteria and odour.
Dental hygienists can provide instruction on effective
brushing and flossing techniques.
For those who have difficulty with traditional flossing, a
number of products can be used to clean between teeth,
e.g., floss holder, floss threader, sulcus brush, proxabrush.
Use a rubber-tipped stimulator to massage the gums.
RINSING
Rinses range from plain water to products that are available
over-the-counter and by prescription. Discuss various products
with a dental hygienist.
Rinsing does not replace daily brushing and flossing.
Certain rinses may help to promote oral hygiene,
reduce oral discomfort, provide moisture to oral
tissues or help with bad breath. Rinses are
categorized as cosmetic, therapeutic or a
combination of the two.
Some cosmetic rinses may temporarily mask halitosis
by leaving a pleasant, refreshing taste. A number
contain whitening agents that dont actually bleach
teeth but might help to lighten stains.
Some rinses are available without alcohol, but many
contain high concentrations of alcohol ranging from
18 to 26 per cent.
Therapeutic rinses are designed to fight plaque, gum disease, tooth decay and other oral conditions and infections.
Read the labels for proper use, research the products and
seek advice from a dental hygienist.
As professional health-care providers, dental hygienists are primarily concerned with promoting good oral health. Dental hygiene is among the largest of the regulated
health-care professions in the province. In Ontario all dental hygienists are registered with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, which regulates the profession to
VFS10.2
ensure the public receives safe and ongoing comprehensive oral care.
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