#Oral hygiene

[reality-detective]

Natural Cavity Prevention

INGREDIENTS:

🔸3 tbsp of bentonite clay

🔸1 tbsp of calcium carbonate

🔸Crush 5 cloves

🔸Lemon zest

🔸1/2 cup distilled water

Mix all of them and use it as toothpaste and apply on gums and teeth for 5-7 mins and then rinse.

Additionally you can also use the paste and swish around for 10 mins, spit and rinse the mouth with warm water. 🤔

[magnetothemagnificent]

So tired of the American culture around oral hygiene. You see it most in toothpaste or other similar dental products commercials. It's not "buy our toothpaste because it prevents painful infections", it's "be dentist ready" and ads showing people doing the "tissue test" to see how white their teeth are, as if the only reason you should practice good oral hygiene is because you're worried about the approval of others.

It's just...so harmful.

Oral hygiene is important, not because your teeth have to be perfectly white or because your dentist will judge you (they most likely won't), but because your mouth is part of your body and your health is important. The state of your mouth can impact the rest of your body, oral infections can become life-threating or impact your ability to properly eat or speak without pain. That's why you should care about oral hygiene- because it's your body and you deserve to live with as minimal pain and discomfort as possible- not because of some shallow beauty ideals.

I'm just so tired of the mainstream message of oral hygiene as being purely aesthetic. It's not. It's healthcare.

[biscuitdolly]

oral health ♡

now , obv u wanna be brushing your teeth 3 times a day , flossing , mouth wash etc .. but here are some extra things that can help improve your oral health , breath and teeth!!

oil pulling ♡

you can use coconut oil , sesame seed oil , or sunflower oil. swish a teaspoon of said oil around in your mouth to coat all your teeth , spit , and then repeat. @/ally.renee1 on TikTok recommends adding peppermint oil , this helps it taste better and also acts as a natural mouthwash!!

floss your teeth before brushing ♡

use either waxed or woven flosses! never use glide flosses , they have Teflon (Teflon is a chemical , it's used in stuff like non-stick sprays , flosses with Teflon literally don't do anything but glide between your teeth). try flossing as if you're flossing both teeth instead of the space in between!

water flossing ♡

for this you'll need a water flosser. hold for about 5 seconds in between each tooth (don't water floss after brushing teeth because you want the fluoride in the tooth paste to stay on your teeth!!)

tongue scrap ♡

self explanatory. get a tongue scrap , and scrap from back to front 5 times. it's really gross what kind of stuff comes off , so you wanna make sure its all gone!

mouth wash ♡

i'd recommend a teeth whitening one but any will work!! (obv you can use whitening strips too). swish for 30 seconds then spit.

brush teeth ♡

personally , i use an electric toothbrush bc the rounded brush head gets rid of plaque better , but its okay if you don't have one! manual toothbrushes are fine , just make sure you brush extra good!

i brush my entire mouth once , spit , and then brush it again, just to make sure i get absolutely everything. make sure you're brushing the teeth at the very back , your gums , the roof of your mouth , and your tongue!! brush for a total of 3 minutes.

extra ♡

why do i use mouth wash before brushing? because i don't want to wash away the remaining fluoride from the toothpaste that's still on my teeth. If it's morning , i use mouthwash again around 20 minutes after brushing, just to make sure my breath smells good.

[nenelonomh]

oral hygiene practices

maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for many reasons:

prevents tooth decay and gum disease. regular brushing and flossing remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease if not properly managed.

maintains fresh breath. poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath (halitosis). brushing your teeth, and tongue, and using mouthwash can help keep your breath fresh.

reduces the risk of systemic diseases. there is a strong link between oral health and overall health. poor oral hygiene can contribute to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

saves money. preventive care is often less expensive than treating dental problems. regular check-ups and cleanings can help catch issues early before they become more serious and costly.

so, let's look at some key practices to help maintain your smile.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ brush your teeth twice a day. use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. brush for at least two minutes, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ floss daily. flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ use mouthwash. an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque, prevent cavities, and freshen your breath.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ maintain a healthy diet. limit sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can support overall oral health.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ stay hydrated. drinking plenty of water, especially fluoridated tap water, helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ avoid tobacco products. smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ replace your toothbrush regularly. change it over every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ visit your dentist regularly. regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and catching any issues early.

i know that i am only reinforcing what your dentist is already telling you - but my purpose is to provide easy information and further reading resources that may teach you something new. by incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

unfortunately, i know many people who ignore simple health facts (for a multitude of reasons). but this is not the way! looking after your health and your body is so important!

for further reading:

Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine | Cleveland Clinic

WOHD23-factsheet-oralhygiene-EN.pdf | FDI World Dental Foundation

Oral Hygiene | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

the original oral hygiene post (by me)

❤️ nene

[misforgotten2]

"I'm up for it, but do you think your tongue can hold out for such a-- Oh, you mean-- Ha ha, just kidding. I never thought you . . ."

Parents Magazine - July 1944

[vintageadsmakemehappy]

1953 Pepsodent Toothpaste

[zealfruity]

Brushed my teeth so good tonight guys you wont even believe how good i just brushed my teeth. My mouth will never have a germ in it again i can feel it. Germ free zone forever. Im so powerful

[reality-detective]

This 👆 should help people out with their oral hygiene and tooth care. 🤔

[magnetothemagnificent]

Do you have dental advice for people who struggle to take care of their teeth due to disability, depression, etc? I'm afraid of needing dental work but oral hygiene is really hard for me.

Alright so my advice as a future dentist (current dental assistant, not a dentist yet):

1. Find a toothbrush you like. Doesn't matter what brand or what kind. What's important is that you brush. If a toothbrush with cartoon characters on it is what will motivate you to brush, get it.

(If the brush head is smaller, though, than the usual adult brush heads, just remember to spend a little more time on each tooth since smaller brush heads cover less surface area).

If an electric toothbrush is your jam, get an electric toothbrush. Just get a toothbrush.

2. Find a toothpaste you like. Doesn't matter what brand or flavor. They pretty much all have the same ingredients. I would highly recommend toothpastes for sensitive gums, like Sensodyne or Oral-B, because if you haven't been practicing consistent oral hygiene for a while, your gums are most likely very sensitive. But really, any toothpaste is good. Just stay away from the charcoal stuff, it's more likely to do nothing at best and cause damage at worst (especially if you take medication).

3. Try to brush twice a day, but no more than three times a day. Brushing a whole bunch one day doesn't make up for not brushing the day before, too much brushing can damage your enamel with the abrasion.

Brushing once in the morning and once at night is ideal. Try to brush before you eat breakfast, or at least half an hour after you eat. Brush for about 2 minutes, making sure you brush each surface of your teeth.

Your teeth have five surfaces, three that are accessible via brushing: Make sure you brush the sides that face your cheeks, the sides that face the inside of your mouth, and the biting surfaces.

4. Try to floss once a day. There are different flossing methods now, find one that works.

-Traditional string and fingers

-Handheld floss picks

-Electric water pick

There are pros and cons to each, but the important thing is that you floss. Flossing is important regardless of whether you have food stuck between your teeth; flossing helps remove plaque deposits between your teeth that can build up and cause irritation to the gums. Make sure you floss between each tooth. If flossing a certain groove brings up a large amount of debris, floss that area again until the string comes out clean.

5. Drink lots of water. Unfortunately, this isn't a "as long as you're hydrated situation". Other beverages can be great for hydration, but they're either very sugary or acidic or both, which aren't good for maintaining the pH in your mouth. This doesn't mean you have to give up your favourite drinks- just make sure you also drink plenty of plain old water, especially during and between meals. Do whatever you can to incentivize drinking water: fun water bottles, fun drinking straws, alarms, whatever it takes.

6. If you struggle with remembering to brush your teeth and/or floss, set alarms to remind you.

7. Try to reward yourself for practicing good oral care. Maybe put on a short YouTube clip while you floss and brush, or play a song. This may sound corny, but have a chart that if you reach a certain quota you reward yourself. It'll help you turn oral hygiene into a habit.

8. If you can afford it, try to see a hygienist to give you a full clean. At the very least they'll help get your teeth back to a baseline, and then all you need to do is maintain it. Some places will have free or reduced cost dental clinics, so keep an eye out for those if cost is an issue. Hygienists don't do any drilling or invasive dental work if that's a fear you have, all they do is essentially a very thorough brushing and flossing.

9. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your shower if time and spoons are an issue, that way you can brush your teeth while bathing, knocking two out in one. Likewise, keep a toothbrush and toothpaste by your bed if getting out of bed is an issue. If you can, you can try to buy a bunch of pre-pasted disposable toothbrushes to keep by your bed, so that you don't need to worry about even having to apply toothpaste to your toothbrush.

10. Don't give up if you fall off the wagon. If you forget to brush your teeth one day, you always have the next day. If you brush your teeth but didn't floss, at least you brushed. If you flossed but only gargled mouthwash, at least you did something. Something is always better than nothing.

Best of luck!!!

[eelstims]

Tips for maintaining oral hygiene, from a mentally ill AuDHD man who learned the hard way

The first bit of advice I have is to that anything is better than nothing. If you can only brush for a few seconds that's better than not brushing at all, if you can only use mouthwash you're at least killing some bacteria!

I'll bold the tips that help me the most and post all links to products below the cut (not sponsored). If anyone wants me to make a condensed version comment below and I'll try.

Mental/Executive Functioning Advice

If leaving your room to brush makes it hard, keep the stuff to brush by your bed or on you. All it takes is a cup of water (or spray bottle) to wet your brush and rinse, and something to spit in like a bin or cup.

If that is still too much you can also just dry brush and drink some water after to rinse. My dentist has confirmed that it is better than not brushing. I keep a toothbrush next to my bed for this reason.

There are also mini disposable toothbrushes like Colgate wisps that don't require water and have mouthwash built in. Crest makes a version you can buy at the dollar tree. I keep these in my bedroom and in my bag that I bring with me.

Try and build it into a routine if you can. I use an app like RoutineFlow or other ADHD routine apps. It is easier for me to do it if I have a visual cue and timer to help me start and finish tasks, and having a trigger activity to start brushing helps. (I will attach pictures below of what a routine on RoutineFlow looks like below the cut).

If putting "brush your teeth" by itself in a routine or checklist is too much, break it down step by step. Ex: go to toothbrushing place, grab toothbrush, wet it, apply toothpaste, etc.

Brush whenever you get the urge to or can. Is it 2pm? 7pm? 1am? Who cares, brush away!

Similar to the advice above, take advantage of motivation or good functioning days if you get them and do as complete of a hygiene routine as possible with brushing, flossing, mouthwash, etc.

Use an app like Pokemon Smile, Philips-Sonicare for Kids, or Disney Magic Timer to make brushing more fun. These often guide you as you brush so you don't miss anything too.

You can also make a point to watch a show or video you like whenever you brush, maybe make it a reward.

If you can it could help to get a buddy to brush your teeth with. It can be someone IRL who brushes next to you, a friend online who you brush with on a call, or someone that you simply text to tell them when you're brushing. It helps hold me to it.

If reminders and alarms on your phone don't help try and get someone to remind you or help you start, I find it harder to blow off people and it's even harder if they are there to talk me through brushing and starting.

Physical/Sensory Advice

If you can handle it use an electric toothbrush, they clean better which helps keep your teeth in better shape and they and often have a timer built in so you know how long to brush for. If you like kids cartoons or superheros you can also find ones with those characters on them to make it fun. They also make smart toothbrushes like Colgate Hum or some Quip brushes that show you how well you brushed and places you've missed.

If the act of brushing is physically hard or tiring you can also try a U-shaped toothbrush. They cover all your teeth and vibrate so you don't need to scrub. There are ones that are adult-sized as well as smaller kid sized ones.

There are also triple sided or curved toothbrushes that brush all sides of your teeth at once as you move it.

A extra soft bristle toothbrush like these ones could also help if normal toothbrushes are too rough for your gums or sensory needs.

If mint toothpaste is too much they make flavorless toothpaste. Kids toothpaste also has a lot of fun flavors like fruit, bubblegum, etc.

If flossing is hard try a water flosser! The ones I have are kind of loud and there is a learning curve, but they are a LOT easier for me to use compared to normal flossing and it makes flossing actually kind of fun. They make ones that are relatively cheap if you don't want to splurge on a waterpik.

Links:

Colgate Wisps Link Here

Adult Sized U-Brush Link Here

Triple-Sided Toothbrush Link Here

Extra Soft Bristle Toothbrush Link Here

Flavorless Toothpaste Link Here

Cheaper Waterflosser Link Here

[16woodsequ]

Sunday Steve - Day Five

Things that would be new or unfamiliar to Steve in the 21st century, either due to the time period he grew up in, or his social-economic status and other such factors.

Day Five: Toothbrushes

Before the invention of nylon (late 1930s), natural bristles such as boar bristles were used in toothbrushes, which could “tear up your mouth” (Link) 

Because of this, toothbrushing was not as common as it is now, and many people preferred using a rag to rub their teeth. Toothbrushes before the late 30s would usually have had animal hair bristles and a Celluloid (type of plastic) handle. (Link) Using animal hair for toothbrushes had its drawbacks though because they didn't dry out as well, the hair would fall out, and they were a breeding ground for bacteria.

An alleged Celluloid toothbrush circa 1920. (It's hard to tell from pictures so I'm not 100% sure.)

The hole in the handle was to hang the toothbrush to dry.

All this is is not to say people didn't notice bad breath. In the 1920s bad breath became "a bona fide medical condition" known as "halitosis" which led to rocketing Listerine mouthwash sales. (Link) This was popular with the emerging middle class. (Link)

If Steve didn’t grow up brushing his teeth (with a brush), he would have gotten into the habit of it during the war. Nylon bristled toothbrushes were supplied to soldiers and soldiers brought this habit back home after the war. (Oral hygiene back home was also seen as patriotic.) (Link)

Recovered WW2 US Army issues toothbrushes. Different variations of US Army marked toothbrushes. Above one in its brush protection device. They are presented with a Craig Martin toothpaste tube. Though rarely encountered on the battlefield, Craig Martin toothpaste was one of the well known period brands.

Army issued toothbrushes could also be held in a metal case. (Link) We examine toiletry kits in more depth in another post but the link above shows one.

Modern electric toothbrushes were invented in 1954 (although the first one ever patented was in 1937), and they were not sold in the U.S till the 60s (Link). Steve would not know them. 

An original 1942 color print ad for Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft Toothbrush with exclusive "Exton" bristles by Weco Products Company. Dr West's toothbrushes used nylon

Highly recommend this article to see different toothbrushes through the ages. 1920s toothbrushes have a lot of variation I didn't get into.

Sunday Steve Masterpost

[heardatmedschool]

“DON’T BITE INTO LEMONS!”

Exclaimed the dentist

[dear-future-ai]

Dear people with ADHD,

Did you guys know that if you don’t brush and floss regularly, strep and lacto bacteria can infect your gums, teeth, and jaw and create gingival abscesses that have to be incised and drained by the dentist because antibiotics and autoimmune response don’t work on teeth because the blood vessels are severely restricted when the adult teeth grow in?

…Anywho, don’t forget to brush your teeth.

[notalwayscommonsense]

Tips For When Dental Hygiene Is Hard

On this account we cover how to do things that are "common sense" or otherwise untaught for the people who dont know. Shame-free. Today, we'll be covering some tips and tricks for keeping up with dental health when times get rough.

Often when we begin to struggle, we spend so much time and energy trying to keep ourselves going that hygiene is the first things to slip away. Unlike other hygiene, Dental hygiene is very important and if things start to go awry it can be extremely expensive to fix. Here are some tips to help keep your teeth clean when you feel like its the last thing on your mind.

────────────

1) Simplify it - Brushing your teeth can come with so many rules and critiques from dentists that it starts to feel like you shouldnt even do it at all. You're technically supposed to brush twice a day, or even after every meal according to some, and for two minutes at the least.

This isnt realistic for a lot of people who are struggling. To get the energy to get up at least twice a day and perform a boring, often unenjoyable task for two straight minutes can be the last thing you want to do.

The key to this is to simplify it. If you cant brush for 2 minutes, twice a day, then brush for as long as you can whenever you feel like you can. Whether its 3am or 3pm, if the motivation strikes, then do it. A quick once over with a toothbrush will help in the long run, more than you think. You dont even need to use toothpaste. The greatest threat to your teeth is simply the plaque that builds up after eating - and removing plaque only requires some scrubbing with a regular, soft toothbrush.

2) Avoiding deterrents - Some people may hate brushing their teeth because certain parts of it can be unenjoyable. For most, this can be the taste of the toothpaste, especially for neurodivergent people. If its too minty or generally just tastes bad, theres absolutely nothing stopping you from getting a children's toothpaste with a fruity, gentle flavor. Same goes for mouthwash. If you hate the mint, try out bubblegum or berry splash for kids.

Is it the action of getting up and going to do it? Leave a toothbrush by your bed and scrub whenever you have the motivation, or better yet, pick up a bag of some disposable mini toothbrushes. These come with a dollop of toothpaste in the center, requires no water, and is ready to go whenever you need it. Flossers are another easy addition to your nightstand to use whenever the motivation strikes.

Theres two other products that are great for convenient brushing. Disposable finger brushes and tooth tissues. Disposable finger brushes are a unique type of wipes you slip onto your finger and scrub your teeth with. They're great for people with sensitive teeth or sensory issues from toothbrush bristles. Tooth tissues are very similar and are exactly what they sound like. A type of moist towelette often used for children, but theres nothing stopping you from picking up a pack to keep beside your bed, couch, or in your bag.

Miswak is a traditional oral hygiene aid popular in some parts of South Asia and Africa made from the Salvadora persica tree. Its been used for thousands of years and doesnt require toothpaste to clean your teeth. The World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged people to use Miswaks for their natural health benefits. They contain natural minerals such as chloride, sodium bicarbonate and potassium to help strengthen your enamel and fight plaque and gum disease. They are fully biodegradable and vegan if single use plastics are something you worry about.

One last product you can keep on you is Xylitol gum. Xylitol is a sugar that actually reduces plaque buildup and prevents tooth decay by killing the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities. You can get the gum in a variety of flavors and pop a tablet in your mouth whenever you see fit.

3) Scheduling - Scheduling can be some peoples worst nightmare. Many people feel like theres only a certain timeslot they can perform an action and if they miss that timeslot, they have to wait for the next. To put it simply, thats not true. As said above, theres nothing stopping you from brushing your teeth whenever you feel like you can.

Another tip is to keep your toothbrush in the shower. When you're in the shower and you see your toothbrush laying there, some find it easier to pick it up and do it then. Its a great tip that can help people who often forget to brush as well.

4) Lastly, make it fun - Brushing your teeth can be a chore, but there are some ways you can make it a little more fun.

Chewable toothpaste tablets might not sound very fun, but Lushs oral hygiene line spices things up with unconventional flavors like cherry-citrus or spicy cola to make brushing fun. They also offer toothpaste in jelly form! While these options may seem redundant, a lot of people find motivation in trying and using up new products they haven't seen before.

Fun apps can give you reminders and motivation to get up and brush your teeth. Pokemon Smile is an app where youre encouraged to brush your teeth to help fight cavities, and at the end you're rewarded with a Pokemon to add to your collection. The app can be a little childish, but the visuals are adorable and the gameplay is rewarding.

────────────

Some of these recommendations may seem silly but we encourage you to try some out and see if you notice any difference in your oral habits. Its never too late to start trying to develop a routine and just trying can go a long way.

Products, Apps & Articles:

Download Pokemon Smile

Lush Oral Care

Tooth Tissues and Finger Brushes

96 Pack Colgate Mini Disposable Toothbrushes

Xylitol Gum

[misforgotten2]

An ad Big Brother would be proud of.

Parents Magazine - 1944