The Importance of Dental Hygiene for the Entire Family

Maintaining dental hygiene is important to one’s well-being. The condition of our dental hygiene is connected to overall health and has a large impact on one’s quality of life. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly are short but very impactful ways to improve dental health.

Here are some reasons why dental health is important.

Importance of Dental Hygiene

1. Prevents Tooth Decay

Regular brushing and flossing remove plaque and food particles, decreasing the possibility of cavities and tooth damage.

2. Protects Against Gum Disease

Also, it eliminates plaque and bacteria that can result in gum disease and helps maintain healthy gums. Gum Disease is an infection of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. Symptoms include red, enlarged, or bleeding gums. Regular brushing helps prevent conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss and other serious health issues. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum or periodontal disease. It forms when bacteria, tartar, and plaque build up on teeth, leading to enlarged, red, and bleeding gums.”¹ Periodontitis is a more serious stage that includes bleeding, painful, and enlarged gums. It can result in bad breath, tooth or bone loss, and other health complications.²

3. Contributes to Overall Health

The influence of dental health on overall health is significant. Good dental hygiene can help in disease prevention, decreasing the likelihood of certain systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections, emphasizing the connection between dental and overall health.

4. Improves Social Interactions

Brushing teeth helps keep one’s mouth clean and fresh. Fresh breath, a bright smile, and healthy teeth improve communication and self-esteem. A healthy and bright smile increases confidence and decreases self-consciousness, positively impacting mental well-being.

How to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

Narrated by Abu Malik al-Asari, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

“Cleanliness is half of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This highlights the significance of physical cleanliness, which extends to health and hygiene.

Here are some ways that younger children can have better dental hygiene habits (healthier teeth and gums):

1. Make brushing fun.

Get toothbrushes in their favourite colours, unique designs, or characters they admire. Using a toothbrush that complements their personality can make brushing more interesting. Show them how to brush in gentle, circular motions and how to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Use a timer to encourage them to brush their teeth for 2 minutes.

2. Allow children to select their favorite flavored toothpaste.

Have children try a variety of different flavors like mint, watermelon, banana, strawberry, or bubblegum. It can motivate them to brush their teeth. Parents remind their children to not swallow toothpaste and to rinse effectively.

3. Floss daily.

Parents are encouraged to floss for younger children until they gain more dexterity to floss their own teeth. It’s unnecessary for younger children to start flossing until their teeth become closer together. Ideally, parents can proceed to guide them until they reach approximately 10 years old. Parents can teach them how to cover the floss firmly around their fingers and pull it securely so it is more productive to remove pieces of food and plaque from their mouth. Also, parents can purchase floss picks to reach the children’s smaller areas of their teeth more successfully. It is much simpler for younger children to utilize their own teeth while they learn to floss. Floss picks have a variety of colours and designs as well.

4. Lead by example.

Brush and floss together as a family to model good dental habits. If younger children notice their parents brushing and flossing their teeth, they will be more encouraged to repeat the same habits.

5. Use positive reinforcement.

Use a reward chart to record their brushing and flossing habits. Reward them with a sticker, more time watching TV, or a small treat when they show consistency or attend to cleaning their teeth on their own initiative.

6. Limit sugary foods and drinks.

Encourage healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, and cheese. Consuming healthy foods will strengthen tooth enamel, remove plaque, prevent gum disease, and cavities. Parents advise their children to avoid sugary drinks and sticky candies which can cause a higher likelihood of tooth decay and cavities.

Here are some ways that teens and parents can develop better dental hygiene habits for teeth and gums:

1. Choose a suitable toothbrush.

It is significant to ensure the toothbrush is the correct size to fit in all areas of one’s mouth, especially teeth in the back. Smaller and firmer toothbrushes are a better option than larger toothbrushes. Larger toothbrushes might be uncomfortable and not clean teeth well.

Also, soft bristles are a better choice than medium and hard bristles. Hard bristles can ruin teeth and gums due to likelihood of abrasion, gum irritation, and enamel loss. Also, it is preferable to have bristles with rounded shapes for softer brushing.

Moreover, there are a variety of different toothbrush handles. For example, there are handles that are angled, flexible necks, and with non-slip grips. There are accessible brush options for those with mobility restrictions for people with arthritis or other health conditions.

2. Brush teeth at least twice a day.

The most ideal times to brush your teeth are in the morning (as soon as you wake up) and at night (before you go to sleep) because it helps remove bacteria and prevent cavities. When you brush, position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums and brush all teeth surfaces, including the backs and sides.

3. Use a tongue scraper.

The most ideal times to use tongue scrapers are in the morning and evening after each meal because it removes bacteria and fragments, and treats bad breath that builds up on one’s tongue during the day. Suggested materials are copper or stainless steel. Find a handle that is comfortable to use, reach the back of the tongue, and is curved to fit the tongue size.

4. Floss once daily.

The most recommended time to floss teeth is after a meal. Flossing is important because it helps get rid of plaque and cavities. Here are steps to use floss effectively below:

Use a portion of floss that’s approximately 18 inches long
Wrap each end around your middle fingers
Using your thumbs and other fingers, guide the floss between two teeth
Wrap the floss firmly around one tooth in a C position and floss it using several strokes
Repeat the steps on all of your teeth

If a parent or teen doesn’t like flossing, there are alternatives:

Interdental Brushes: These are affordable, usually made from plastic, and have soft or hard bristles that help the brush to clean in between teeth successfully. There are a variety of different types of brushes, like angled and wide with extra gentle bristles.
Non-Disposable Floss Picks: These are Y-shaped tools with floss in between with a handle. The handle is useful because it helps reach the back of the mouth and floss in difficult places. The non-disposable are mostly better quality and more reliable than the disposable kinds. One can floss through the Y-shaped area or purchase replacement heads.
Disposable Floss Picks: Disposable floss picks are similar to non-disposable floss picks, but the hand is usually much smaller and it is disposable. These are perfect for when you are traveling or need to go somewhere. You can stick them in your purse or bag and throw them away when you are done. This means you do not have to keep track of anything extra. They are cost-effective and easy to use).
Toothpicks: These are portable and convenient, usually made of wood or plastic.
Water Picks: These usually come with a long neck that helps reach one’s back teeth successfully. Many brands have low and high speed, letting one change the power of the spray. Also, it has a unique tip that’s created to clean one’s teeth and gum accurately by eliminating plaque and food particles. It is rechargeable or battery powered.
Dental Tape: Remove a piece of the strand and wrap it around one’s fingers to floss in and out of the spaces of one’s teeth. Dental tape lets more surface area to be cleaned because it is a large size. It is very sturdy and doesn’t rip as easily in between teeth because it is made from satin.
Electric Toothbrush: These have bristles that circulate around one’s teeth as the toothbrush motor is vibrating to get in-between teeth and remove all that plaque and tartar that can be stored around your teeth. It is rechargeable or battery powered.

Here are additional resources that parents can use to help their children and teens develop better dental hygiene habits:

Dental Hygiene for Kids: What Parents Need to Know - Kingsway Dental Health
Taking Care of Your Teeth (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth
Teeth Talk Girl - YouTube - Whitney DiFoggio is a registered American dental hygienist and enthusiastic dental health communicator. Her purpose is to have interesting content to make dental hygiene fun and available for everyone. Her YouTube Teeth Talk Girl is a great resource for parents, teens, and younger children.

Access to Dental Care

While good dental hygiene is important for a variety of reasons is also important for good optimal dental health. Access to regular dental care, however, can often be out of reach for families with low incomes.

Dental Care in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, the 2019 Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth reported the following:³

Children without dental insurance (23.3%) had a higher likelihood to mention payment as a barrier to having a dental appointment than children who had dental insurance (4.5%).
For families that have an income of $90,000 or more, 13.4% of children and youth without dental insurance didn’t have a dental appointment because of payment compared to 1.9% of them with dental insurance.
In 2019, 89.6% of Canadian children and youth aged 5 -17 years attended a dentist appointment.
60.8% of children and youth facing payment barriers attended a dental appointment compared to 92.2% who attended a dental appointment and did not have payment barriers.
79.8% of 1-year-olds and 16.4% of 4-year-olds didn’t have dental care.
In 2019, 93.1% of Canadian children and youth with dental insurance had dental care as opposed to 78.5% of uninsured children and youth.

According to Statistics Canada, reported the following statistics for adults:⁴

In 2019, adults with private insurance (74.6%) or public insurance (62.8%) had a greater likelihood to attending a dental appointment rather than adults without insurance (49.8%)
In 2022, 25.9% of adults did not attend dental appointments because of payment
Uninsured adults (47.4%) didn’t have a dental appointment because of payment as opposed to adults with public insurance (20.9%) or private insurance (16.0%).
According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, 65.7% of adults aged 18-64 years had dental care during 2022.

The positive correlation between dental insurance and dental care for children, youth, and adults was clear, even among wealthy Canadian families and those who stated payment was a barrier for dental appointment.⁵

Dental Care in the U.S.

Statistics are similar in the U.S. The National Center for Health Statistics reported the following:⁶

In 2019, 86.9% of children (aged 2-17) and 65.5% of adults (aged 18-64) attended a dental appointment
Statistics show that higher income levels have an increased likelihood of dental appointments:
- For families below the Federal Poverty Level, roughly 49.8% had a dental appointment in the past year
- For low-income families, approximately 50.6% had dental care within the year.
- For middle-class families, around 62.9% had a dental appointment in the past year.
- For higher-income families, roughly 78.8% had dental care in the past year.
In 2022, 85% of adults and 86% of children with insurance coverage went to a dental appointment at least once, as oppose to 64% of adults and 72% of children without insurance.⁷
In 2022, 90% of teenagers (aged 12-17 years) had dental appointments in the past year.⁸

Alternatives to Dental Insurance

Some people avoid dental appointments because it is too expensive without insurance. There are alternatives for those without dental insurance. In Canada, those include:

1. Dental Savings Plans and Discount Programs

People can purchase a yearly plan and have lower costs for dental procedures such as cleanings, exams, filings, and extractions. Also, discounted programs have reduced rates for dental appointments. There is a monthly or yearly membership fee and can save on out-of-pocket costs.

2. Community Dental Clinics and Free or Low-Cost Services

Community dental clinics are managed by government agencies or nonprofit organizations and have free or affordable dental services. With dentists and hygienists on staff, they can provide services like cleanings, filings, extractions, and other dental treatments.

3. Government Assistance Programs for Dental Care

These programs are usually income-based and depend on location. For example, Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that provides health treatment to low-income families. There are eligibility requirements. Here is a link for more details: Affordable Dental Care Solutions for Canadians Without Insurance.

Affordable options are also available in the U.S. including:

1. Non-profit Programs

There are several national nonprofit programs that specialize in linking low-income families to orthodontists and dentists who provide services. Here are links for more information:

2. Discount Cards

Several discount cards are accessible for dental appointments. These cards have a monthly or yearly fee for lower dental rates. For example, the Careington Dental Discount Plan, charges $9.95 monthly for a family plan and has 20-50% in savings on the majority of dental procedures. Savings depend on the area. Here is a link for more information: 7 Options for Affordable Dental Care.

3. Membership Plans

Dentists have their own pricing, but there are membership plans available. Each plan provides routine preventive treatments including two check-ups and cleanings per year. There is also a discount for additional services. Membership plans offered through different platforms may have various prices and advantages.

4. Dental Tourism

Some people are leaving America to search for affordable dental care in different countries. For example, Companies like Patients Beyond Borders and Dental Departures hone in on integrating dental care for travelers. Here are links for more information:

Mexico is a well-known country for those residing on the American southern border. The price for several dental appointments in Mexico is only 10-20% charged at American clinics. For instance, root canals and crowns, which might cost thousands of dollars in Texas, may only charge $250 in Mexico. Dental procedures depend on different countries. Clients should research before traveling for foreign health care such as the cost and industry procedures within a selected country. Moreover, travelers should know different options in case a procedure has complications.

Practicing good dental hygiene plays a vital role in overall well-being. Dental health is closely linked to mental health and significantly influences the quality of life. Following the advice above will help adults, teens, and young children improve their dental health.

Additional Resources

The Importance of Good Oral Care: Why It's Essential for Your Health | Smile Magic Dentistry

Inspiring Quotes To Motivate You To Brush Your Teeth Every Day

Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine

Types of Toothbrushes and How to Choose the Right One for You | Dental Choice

Learn When to Start Flossing: A Dentist’s Guide to Healthier Gums

How Often Should You Floss: Recommendations, Frequency, and More

Affordable Dental Care Solutions for Canadians Without Insurance

7 Options for Affordable Dental Care

When Should My Child Start Flossing Their Teeth? by Pediatric Dentistry Blog

9 Best Dental Floss Alternatives (#9 Will Surprise You!) - Modern Dental Hygiene

End Notes

1 Gingivitis: Symptoms & How To Treat It

2 Periodontitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

3 The Daily — Health Reports, April 2024

4 Dental visits - Health, United States

5 Products - Data Briefs - Number 431 - January 2022

6 Adults and children visiting dentist by insurance status U.S. 2022 | Statista

7 Adults and children visiting dentist by insurance status U.S. 2022 | Statista

8 Dental Health Stats and Facts: A Deep Dive into Dental Care in America

Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children's stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family.