Maintaining Oral Hygiene is Essential for Overall Health

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is vital not only for the health of your teeth and gums but also for your overall well-being. The condition of the oral cavity can significantly impact the entire body. Brushing your teeth alone is not always enough to ensure complete oral hygiene. Fortunately, thanks to advanced technology, a wide range of innovative tools are now available.

A Healthy Lifestyle Supports Oral and Immune Health

A healthy lifestyle and a varied diet contribute to strengthening the immune system, which in turn supports oral health. The gums, in particular, play a crucial role in protecting the teeth and jawbone from bacteria.

Healthy Gums

The gums (gingiva) play a key role in maintaining oral health by protecting the teeth, roots, and jawbone from bacteria and mechanical impact. Healthy gums hold the teeth firmly in place, help keep food particles out of the gum line, and also serve a sensory function to support oral integrity. Gums are rich in blood vessels, which are essential for nutrient delivery. If the body suffers from any deficiencies, it can visibly affect the health of the gums.

Healthy gums are pinkish-red and fit tightly around the teeth. Swollen, discolored, or bleeding gums are signs of a problem and should be checked by a specialist.

– “In the early stages, inflammation is still reversible, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious periodontal diseases, tooth loss, and even bone deterioration. Healthy gums are easy to recognize using a mirror. Bright red or pale pink loose gums may be a cause for concern,” emphasized Eszter Ferenczi, dental hygienist, dental technician, founder and owner of Dental Rituals, and an expert at Oclean.

Proper Cleaning

Beyond traditional brushing, innovative cleaning tools—such as water flossers—are becoming increasingly important in oral care. These devices effectively remove food debris stuck between the teeth.

– “A water flosser works similarly to a water gun: a high-pressure jet of water effectively flushes out debris. It removes food particles more efficiently than traditional rinsing,” explained the expert. This device is especially recommended for those who wear braces, as food often gets trapped around brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean with a regular toothbrush. It’s also helpful for those with dental restorations—such as bridges, crowns, or implants—where proper cleaning is more challenging.

For people living with diabetes, these innovative tools can be particularly beneficial, as they are at a higher risk for developing gum disease.

How to Use a Water Flosser Correctly

– “Water flossers are not recommended for those with loose, damaged, or inflamed gums, or for those suffering from periodontal disease. It’s also important to adjust the water pressure correctly, using the device gently so that it massages the gums without causing injury,” warned the expert. “A weakened immune system can struggle in the daily battle against harmful bacteria. That’s why prevention is key. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper daily routine, we can significantly improve our overall well-being.”

The dental hygienist also emphasized that in addition to proper cleaning, a balanced diet is essential for preserving health and strengthening the immune system. A lack of vitamins and trace elements can cause gum bleeding, which may lead to gum recession and create opportunities for bacteria to multiply and inflammation to develop.