Good oral hygiene is important. Only a few in the deprived areas retain their own teeth. Dental professional have to create awareness that because poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems in the future such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems.

Dental professionals have the following agenda:-

• improve oral hygiene awareness;
• increase the availability of fluoride;
• encourage people to go to the dentist regularly;
• increase access to dental services.

Here is a list dental hygiene steps the dental professional should bring to the doorsteps of under-served people.

Proper Brushing

Create awareness about the importance of keeping teeth clean. Teach the masses that the bristles must be kept at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line when brushing. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in contact with the bristles. The outer surfaces of the teeth must be brushed using a back-and- forth, up- and-down motion, making sure to be done gently in order to avoid bleeding. The inside surfaces of the teeth and gums must also be cleaned by placing the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Lastly, the surfaces of the tongue and the roof of the mouth must also be cleaned to remove bacteria, which causes bad breath.

Advice on brushing teeth at least twice a day to prevent acid buildup from the breakdown of food by bacteria. If this is not possible rinse mouth with water after eating to minimize the amount of food that would serve as substrate for the bacteria.

Clean Tongue

Clean the surface of the tongue daily. By using a professional tongue cleaner remove countless bacteria that otherwise live, particularly on the rougher top surface of tongue. These can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect dental health.

Avoid Tobacco

Awareness about tobacco and its link to oral cancer and periodontal complications must be made evident. Smoking tends to disguise the damage taking place to teeth and gums. More than 4,000 chemicals pass through the oral cavity every time one smokes and many of these collect on the surfaces inside the mouth. The result is infected gums.

The nicotine in tobacco smoke is a vaso-constrictor - it acts on blood vessels to contract them, reducing the blood flow to the gum and bone. The decreased blood supply does two things; it masks the signs of disease and also undermines the body's ability to combat any infection. Due to lower levels of oxygen in the blood, which slows healing. Create awareness that smokers are six times more likely to have serious gum (periodontal) disease that can involve not just the pink gum but also the supporting bone and the membrane that holds the teeth in place.

Limit Alcohol

Sugar and acid content in alcohol which, when broken down in the mouth, creates an acidic breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. There is also a strong clinical link between the excessive consumption of alcohol and cancer in the mouth, throat and oesophagus . In fact, while it can increase the risk of getting these diseases if used together with tobacco, alcohol can pose a risk in its own right.

Calcium and other Vitamins that are good for the body

Calcium is important for teeth. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene.