World Oral Health Month Special : A happy mouth is a happy life
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Dr Ratna Yumkham
Strong Smiles Start with Simple Basics
Every year on World Oral Health Day (March 20), Dental professionals across the world come together to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. This year’s theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” reminds us that a healthy mouth is closely linked to our overall well-being, confidence, and quality of life. Simple daily habits such as correct brushing techniques, using the right amount of toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes regularly can play a vital role in maintaining oral health. A healthy mouth allows us to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Poor oral hygiene, on the other hand, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, pain, and infections that may affect overall health.
Use Less Toothpaste, Get More Protection
Many people unknowingly apply too much toothpaste on their toothbrush. Dentists recommend a smear or rice-grain sized amount of toothpaste for children below three years, and a pea-sized amount for children above three years and adults.
Using excessive toothpaste does not clean teeth better; instead, it produces too much foam, which may cause people to spit and stop brushing early. A small amount of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient to protect teeth from cavities.
Two Minutes for a Lifetime of Smiles
The duration of brushing is another important factor in maintaining oral hygiene. Dental professionals recommend brushing twice daily for at least two minutes. Many people brush for less than a minute, leaving plaque and food debris behind.
A simple method is to divide the mouth into four sections and brush each section for about 30 seconds. This ensures all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned properly and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Brush Smart, Not Hard
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. Use gentle circular or small vibrating motions rather than scrubbing aggressively. Clean the outer surfaces of teeth, then the inner surfaces, and finally the chewing surfaces. For the inner surface of front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use gentle strokes. Do not forget to clean the tongue, which helps reduce bacteria and bad breath. Using excessive force while brushing can damage gums and wear away tooth enamel, so brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended.
Cleaning the tongue is also important, as it removes bacteria responsible for bad breath and contributes to a healthier mouth.
Parents Should Guide Children’s Brushing
Young children should brush under parental supervision until they develop adequate hand coordination (usually upto7–8 years of age). This ensures proper technique and prevents swallowing excessive toothpaste.
Change Your Brush, Protect Your Smile
Toothbrushes do not last forever. Dentists advise replacing a toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Worn-out toothbrushes lose their effectiveness in removing plaque and may harbor harmful bacteria. After illnesses such as flu or infections, replacing the toothbrush is also advisable.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintaining proper brushing habits can help keep the teeth and gums healthy.
Your Toothbrush Needs Care Too
Proper toothbrush care is essential for hygiene - Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly after use, avoid covering the brush head with a cap when wet, store it upright and allow it to air dry.
A Happy Mouth Leads to a Happy Life
Oral health is not just about teeth—it is an essential part of overall health and well-being. Healthy teeth allow us to enjoy food, communicate confidently, and smile freely.
The theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” reminds us that maintaining good oral hygiene through simple practices like brushing properly, using the correct amount of toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes regularly can greatly improve our quality of life.
Taking just two minutes twice a day to care for our teeth can help ensure a healthy mouth, a confident smile, and a happier life.
The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dental Collge, RIMS, Imphal
Strong Smiles Start with Simple Basics
Every year on World Oral Health Day (March 20), Dental professionals across the world come together to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. This year’s theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” reminds us that a healthy mouth is closely linked to our overall well-being, confidence, and quality of life. Simple daily habits such as correct brushing techniques, using the right amount of toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes regularly can play a vital role in maintaining oral health. A healthy mouth allows us to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Poor oral hygiene, on the other hand, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, pain, and infections that may affect overall health.
Use Less Toothpaste, Get More Protection
Many people unknowingly apply too much toothpaste on their toothbrush. Dentists recommend a smear or rice-grain sized amount of toothpaste for children below three years, and a pea-sized amount for children above three years and adults.
Using excessive toothpaste does not clean teeth better; instead, it produces too much foam, which may cause people to spit and stop brushing early. A small amount of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient to protect teeth from cavities.
Two Minutes for a Lifetime of Smiles
The duration of brushing is another important factor in maintaining oral hygiene. Dental professionals recommend brushing twice daily for at least two minutes. Many people brush for less than a minute, leaving plaque and food debris behind.
A simple method is to divide the mouth into four sections and brush each section for about 30 seconds. This ensures all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned properly and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Brush Smart, Not Hard
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. Use gentle circular or small vibrating motions rather than scrubbing aggressively. Clean the outer surfaces of teeth, then the inner surfaces, and finally the chewing surfaces. For the inner surface of front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use gentle strokes. Do not forget to clean the tongue, which helps reduce bacteria and bad breath. Using excessive force while brushing can damage gums and wear away tooth enamel, so brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended.
Cleaning the tongue is also important, as it removes bacteria responsible for bad breath and contributes to a healthier mouth.
Parents Should Guide Children’s Brushing
Young children should brush under parental supervision until they develop adequate hand coordination (usually upto7–8 years of age). This ensures proper technique and prevents swallowing excessive toothpaste.
Change Your Brush, Protect Your Smile
Toothbrushes do not last forever. Dentists advise replacing a toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Worn-out toothbrushes lose their effectiveness in removing plaque and may harbor harmful bacteria. After illnesses such as flu or infections, replacing the toothbrush is also advisable.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintaining proper brushing habits can help keep the teeth and gums healthy.
Your Toothbrush Needs Care Too
Proper toothbrush care is essential for hygiene - Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly after use, avoid covering the brush head with a cap when wet, store it upright and allow it to air dry.
A Happy Mouth Leads to a Happy Life
Oral health is not just about teeth—it is an essential part of overall health and well-being. Healthy teeth allow us to enjoy food, communicate confidently, and smile freely.
The theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” reminds us that maintaining good oral hygiene through simple practices like brushing properly, using the correct amount of toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes regularly can greatly improve our quality of life.
Taking just two minutes twice a day to care for our teeth can help ensure a healthy mouth, a confident smile, and a happier life.
The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dental Collge, RIMS, Imphal