Bacterial layers which are formed by the accumulation of food residues on teeth, begin to secrete acids that can erode the dental tissue. In cases where the necessary care and cleaning are not performed, the secreted acids create cavities in the tooth enamel and lead the microbes to settle permanently.

This health problem, which causes disruption of the tooth structure, toothache, bad breath, and even loss of teeth if neglected, is called dental caries.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infectious disease that affects the tissues that support the tooth. Teeth can be lost due to periodontal disease, even if the tooth is not carious. Periodontal disease is a common chronic disease. It is difficult to be realized by the person since it does not have a painful course.

Supportive tissues around the tooth are fibers that connect the gum, tooth root, jaw bone and the root of the tooth to the jaw bone, and this structure is called "periodontium". The case that the infection affects only the gum is called “gingivitis”. Symptoms of gingivitis are; red, swollen, shiny, soft and easily bleeding gums.

When the disease progresses and affects the bones along with the gums, it is defined as "periodontitis". Symptoms of periodontitis are; gingival bleeding, red / bluish-purplish discoloration, gum recession, gum enlargement, tooth displacement, elongation, shaking, abscess formation, tenderness and bad breath. The pain is often accompanied by the abscess formation.

Although the main reason for the formation of gum diseases is the lack of hygiene, some external factors may be a source of the disease as well as the factors that cause the disease to increase. These factors are mentioned below.

Smoking
In addition to other damages, smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease. Cigarette, due to the chemicals it contains and the heat it creates masks the symptoms of gingivitis. Detection of periodontal disease is hardly noticed by the patient since it suppresses gingival bleeding. Genetic
Studies have shown that there may be a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. Although oral care is sufficient, it is common that people with genetic predisposition have high severity of disease and loss of teeth at an early age. To increase the chances of teeth staying in the mouth individuals with genetic predisposition should go to the dentist regularly and be checked. Adolescence and pregnancy
Increasing hormones in the body also affect gum tissue. During these periods, the gingiva becomes more sensitive and the tissue responses to the plate increases. If oral care is insufficient, the inflammation becomes more severe and the severity of the disease increases. Stress
As stress makes it harder to fight infections, it has been revealed in studies that it is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Medicines
Birth control pills, antidepressants, some blood pressure-heart medications, immunosuppressive drugs, medicines used in epilepsy treatment, some medicines used in the treatment of asthma and containing cortisone have negative effects on oral health by creating changes in the gum. Grinding and Clenching of the Teeth
Excessive load on periodontal tissues as a result of clenching and grinding leads to gingival recession and bone loss. It also negatively affects the success of the treatment of periodontal disease. Diabetes
Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of developing infections, and tissues' resistance to infection is reduced. Therefore, periodontal diseases can develop more easily in diabetics and lead to more severe destruction. Especially in uncontrolled diabetes, the severity of periodontal disease and tissue destruction are further increased. Likewise, the presence of periodontal infection complicates the metabolic control of diabetes. Malnutrition
Inadequate and poor nutrition negatively affects the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight infections.

It is necessary for our oral and dental health to remove nutrient residues from the mouth. Mechanically, the bristles in the brushes help us remove nutrient residues that are located in the recesses and protrusions in the tooth structure when used correctly. The important thing in oral care is mechanical cleaning. It is shown that brushing for two minutes provide clinically significant plaque removal.

Care should be taken to ensure that the products are approved and recommended by dentists when choosing a toothbrush and paste. Numerous toothbrush designs are available. When choosing a toothbrush you should be careful about the following things;
- The bristles of the brush should be designed to reach hard-to-reach surfaces.
- The head of the toothbrush should not be large enough to restrict movement inside the mouth.
- It should be paid attention that the handle part of the brush should not be slipped by hand and in a shape and texture that can be comfortably gripped.
- Soft and medium-hard toothbrush bristles are ideal. Toothbrushes with hard bristles damage tooth enamel and can cause gingival recession.
- It is recommended to use only soft-bristle toothbrushes, as they minimize the risk of gingival wear in people with gum recession.
- It is also recommended to use extra soft toothbrushes for cleaning the operation area after oral surgery.
- Difaş ProClinic Slim Soft and Difaş ProClinic Ultra Soft dental brushes, which have all these features, are recommended by dentists.

As a result of the studies, it has been learned that there is no difference between manual toothbrushes and rechargeable toothbrushes in terms of removing the bacterial plaque. The main thing is to effectively eliminate the bacterial plaque mechanically.

After the brush and paste to be used are selected appropriately, there are a number of techniques for brushing; In general, the American Dental Association recommends placing the brush on the gum line at a 45 degree angle and vibrational motion. Regardless of the technique used, your brush should touch all surfaces.

• - The toothbrush should not be wet.
• It is recommended to put the toothpaste on the brush in the size of a chickpea. 
• It is not suitable to put the paste in a small amount and it is not suitable to put too much. 
• The brushing movement works from the gum to the oral cavity with circular movements. 
• The force to be applied during brushing should be at a normal level. Brushing too lightly can cause poor cleaning and applying excessive force can result in damage to the teeth and gums.
• Teeth in the lower jaw and teeth in the upper jaw should be brushed separately. 
• Like the cheeks and lips surfaces, the tongue and palate surfaces should be brushed. 
• Brushing should be done with back and forth movements on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• The recesses on the surface of the teeth are a favorable environment for the adhesion of nutrients, so it should be remembered to brush the chewing surfaces to prevent the formation of caries. 
• Brushing tongue and palate surfaces is important for oral health, although it is neglected by most people. 
• After the teeth are brushed, as a last step, by cleaning the tongue and palate, mouth cleaning is completely provided.

Brushing should be done after breakfast in the morning, before going to bed at night, if possible after each meal and should take at least 2 minutes.

Toothbrush is a personal care tool that should not be shared with anyone. It is recommended to change the toothbrushes every 3 months, this period should not exceed 6 months. You can easily understand by the colour of the bristles of your brush and distortion of their shape and order that your brush needs to be changed.

As the bristles wear, the effectiveness of the brush decreases. Some brushes warn the user by changing colors in toothbrushes that expire with indicator bristles.

Difaş Indicator Toothbrush, which has been specially developed in this context, can also be preferred. It is recommended to renew the toothbrush after every flu infection.

Store the toothbrushes in an upright position after use and let them dry. Storing a moist toothbrush in a closed container can speed up microbial growth more than exposing it.

The “fluorid” contained in many toothpastes helps prevent dental caries. Therefore, it is recommended to choose toothpastes containing fluoride. Apart from that, different toothpastes for variable needs can also be recommended to the patient by dentist. Care should be taken to use toothpastes recommended by your dentist in various situations such as tooth sensitivity, gum problems, and tendency to tartar formation. Long-term use of pastes for such conditions without dentist approval should be avoided.

Individuals with coloration of teeth due to tea and coffee should prefer toothpastes containing large particles. The use of a toothpaste containing fluoride has been shown to be associated with increasing levels of fluoride concentrations in biofilm fluid and saliva, and reduced risk of caries. Desensitizing toothpastes can be used in tooth sensitivities caused by gum recession, wrong toothpaste and brush use, and frequently consuming acidic foods. Individuals with gum disease can use toothpastes for the gums.

Different toothpaste can be preferred at certain intervals in order to benefit from the different substances contained in the pastes. Research has shown that taste and refreshment are important in the choice of paste. But this can be misleading. Individuals can shorten the process of brushing when they feel the freshness.

Brushing the teeth may not always be sufficient to remove any residue left between the teeth. The use of dental floss is required for cleaning these areas that are difficult to access by brushing and that are not fully cleaned. It is recommended to use dental floss once a day, after dinner or before bedtime.

Dental floss is used by wrapping it around the middle finger of both hands and directing the floss with the thumb and index fingers.

Dental floss is passed between your teeth with slow movements in a controlled manner. Hard and sudden movements that injure the gum should be avoided.

It should be removed from the tooth gap by leaning against the lateral surface of the tooth. The interface of the other neighboring tooth should be cleaned by entering the same range again. This process should be repeated twice for all tooth intervals.

Bad smells that spread from the mouth lead to situations that bothers the individual and his/her environment and affect social life negatively. These fragrances may be due to the foods consumed or they may be a symptom of some health problems. The cause of pathological bad breaths caused by health problems may not always be inadequate oral care or intraoral problems such as dental caries and gum diseases. Many factors such as respiratory system disorders, sinusitis, digestive disorders, tonsil infection, metabolic disorders can cause bad breath.

The reason for bad breath should first be determined in order to decide on the appropriate treatment. Generally, when regular oral care is provided by brushing and using dental floss, bad breath can be prevented. In addition, having a toothbrush and toothpaste with you during the day or in your work environment allows you to brush your teeth after lunch, and this prevents the formation of bad breath in this process.

Since dry mouth can also cause bad breath, drinking plenty of water can be considered as a precaution. Moisture in the mouth minimizes the number of bacteria that emit bad odors. Rinsing the mouth with water provides some cleaning when brushing is not possible. If possible mouthwash with salty water balances the acidic environment in the mouth, thus preventing caries and bad breath. The mouthwashes recommended for mouth cleaning are also effective measures against bad breath.

Patients who receive orthodontic treatment with intraoral apparatuses should brush their teeth more carefully and for a longer period of time. Orthodontic toothbrushes, which are recommended to be used during these treatments, enable patients to perform a more effective oral and dental cleaning. The lower faces of the braces and the bottom of the apparatus used should be brushed at least once a day with an interface brush.

Adequate and balanced nutrition is important for oral and dental health as well as for whole body health. When the nutrients needed are not taken, the immune system weakens, and bone and muscle development becomes insufficient. The body as a result of these becomes more prone to diseases and infections. Oral and dental health is also adversely affected. Adequate intake of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and fluoride, especially in childhood, is very important for dental development and health. Abundant carbohydrate diets, excessive sugar consumption habits prepare the ground for the formation of bacteria layers in the mouth and increase the chance of cavities. Likewise, consumption of acidic beverages can also cause dental erosion and therefore can lead to dental caries. These products should be consumed as little as possible and the mouth should be rinsed with water after consumption.

Is toothbrush and toothpaste enough to protect against caries and gum disease? Tooth brushing cannot remove all of the bacterial plaque. The plaque between the teeth cannot be eliminated simply by brushing. It is necessary to use dental floss once a day or to use interface brushes to clean the surfaces between the teeth.

Dental floss, interface brushes should be used to clean the interfaces of the teeth that you cannot reach with toothbrush and toothpaste.

If you do not care for the interface, your teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease. Interface maintenance should be done regularly to prevent especially gum disease.

Dental floss, interface brushes should be used to clean the interfaces of the teeth that you cannot reach with toothbrush and toothpaste.

If you do not care for the interface, your teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease. Interface maintenance should be done regularly to prevent especially gum disease.

• - In cases where there is a gap between teeth with flossing that is not sufficient and there is an accumulation of food residue in interfaces due to gingival recession 
• Especially for the cleaning of neck areas and interfaces of implants 
• Cleaning the interface and neck areas of fixed prostheses such as crowns and bridges 
• On the sides of the brackets of patients under orthodontic treatment, behind the wire, in areas that cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush

In the selection of the interface brush, a size should be preferred that will contact neighboring teeth but not get stuck and do not hurt. You should definitely consult your dentist before using the interface brush. The most important point in using the interface brush is the right size choice.

Tongue cleaning is at least as important as dental cleaning. For this reason, you should take care of your tongue. The stages you can apply in tongue cleaning can be listed as follows: Take your tongue out and examine it. If you see a white image, these are bacterias. First of all, you should thoroughly clean these bacterial areas with tongue cleaning apparatus or toothbrush. You can then rinse with mouthwash. This will also refresh your mouth.

Tongue and mouth are quite suitable areas for bacterial placement. Especially tongue is very suitable for this formation. But tongue cleaning is largely unknown and not done. It is a necessary and important care. If the tongue is not cleaned, it can manifest itself as a noticeable bad breath. In addition, it can lead to decay. Because the mouth is a narrow area and the teeth contact with the tongue. You can clean your tongue every day. Eliminating bacteria will protect and positively affect your body. Eliminating bacteria will also improve your sense organs. When you wake up in the morning, you don't want to feel a bad taste and bad smell in your mouth. Therefore, take care of your personal hygiene.

When you do your daily tooth brushing operations, you should also do oral care. Oral and tongue care done twice a day will be enough for you. But if you have a bad smell in your mouth, you can still care every other day. This will be good for your health, but if there is an ongoing bad breath and any pain in the teeth, you should definitely visit your dentist.

Fluoride in mouthwashes helps strengthen and protect teeth. This should also be considered as a supplement to the fluoride contained in toothpaste.

Regular use of mouthwashes relieves bad breath and can help keep the mouth fresh all day long. Harmful bacteria that cause bad breath or caries can be affected by mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes have antibacterial effects, but they reduce bacterial loads in the mouth, contributing to a better quality of mouthwash.

Although the instructions for use may vary depending on the brand of mouthwash, it is generally recommended to use 15 ml of mouthwash in one go. The mouthwash should be shaken for 30 seconds to allow contact with all teeth. At this stage, it acts by contacting the bacteria on the tongue. It is recommended not to rinse the mouth with water after using the mouthwash because of the reduced effect of the active ingredients in mouthwashes.

Experts have not reached a consensus on this issue. The opinion of some experts is that the use of dental floss and the removal of the film between the teeth makes it easier for toothpaste and mouthwash to reach the surface of the teeth. Some experts argue that using mouthwash before brushing can help remove plaques from the tooth surface and provide a more effective cleaning.

As a result of the researches on the oral shower, it was found to be effective in reducing the plaque, although it does not remove the plaque completely. It is benefited in reducing gingivitis and bleeding gums.

It causes the change of oral flora by affecting plaque layer’s thickness without removing completely. As a result of this situation, the ailments are suppressed. In oral care, the oral shower cannot replace with dental floss use, it only has a supportive task.

As a result of the researches on the oral shower, it was found to be effective in reducing the plaque, although it does not remove the plaque completely. It is benefited in reducing gingivitis and bleeding gums.

It causes the change of oral flora by affecting plaque layer’s thickness without removing completely. As a result of this situation, the ailments are suppressed. In oral care, the oral shower cannot replace with dental floss use, it only has a supportive task.

Those who use removable prostheses, also known as “dentures” or “false teeth” among the people, should be noted:

•  Before going to bed at night, the prostheses must be removed and cleaned. 
• After the prosthesis is removed, the gum and tongue surfaces should be cleaned by brushing with a soft brush or by rinsing with a mouth solution. 
• Teeth in the prosthesis should be brushed with the prosthetic cleaning brush. In addition, dentures should be cleaned using denture cleaning tablets. 
• After brushing, the prostheses are rinsed thoroughly with warm water, and if they are not put back into the mouth, they are stored in a closed cape, in the water. 
• It is important to clean inside of the mouth with a soft brush and rinse with water before putting the prosthesis back into the mouth. - While the prosthesis is placed, first the upper and then the lower jaw prostheses should be worn.
• Although the prosthesis wearer cleans the dentures in the best way, the individual should go to the dentist at least once a year to get a polish. Please note that tartars buildup on teeth can also accumulate on the prosthesis. Microorganisms in the pores of these tartars are not easy to clean. 
• Sometimes with the melting of teeth of removable prosthesis used, the height (vertical size) of the prosthesis decreases and it needs to be renewed. Sometimes, prosthetic fit can be impaired due to changes in jaw bones and soft tissues, in this case, your dentist may provide improvements in your prosthesis by performing operations such as strengthen your prosthesis as well as replace it.

The bacteria on teeth break down the carbohydrate and form acid. The acid damages the enamel, disrupts the mineralization of the tooth and provides cavities. By brushing teeth, the plaque containing bacteria on its surface is eliminated and can be protected from the harmful effect of the bacteria.

Sugary beverages supplied with the bottle stick to the surface of the tooth and cause caries if they are not cleaned. This case is called "Nursing Bottle Syndrome" or baby bottle rot.

Babies should not sleep with a bottle at night. When the child starts to sit down properly, he/she should leave the bottle and use glasses. The most effective way to prevent caries before it starts is to raise awareness about the importance of dental health and care at young age by parents.

As soon as the first milk tooth appears in the mouth, it should begin to be cleaned. All surfaces of the tooth should be cleaned with a soft and small brush. It should be cleaned every night to encourage your child to adopt and keep this habit. How many times should my child brush her/his teeth? Children under 2 years old should brush their teeth once a day at night. Teeth should be brushed 2 times a day in children older than 2 years.

There are toothbrushes with a small surface which are appropriate for the structure of children’s mouth. Brush size and soft nylon brush bristles suitable for children should be preferred. The brushes should be replaced every three months and even before that if the bristles are worn.

Children under six years old should use toothpaste containing 500 ppm fluoride. Pea-sized paste should be used. Children's pastes can be fruit or sugar flavored, but children can swallow this toothpaste because it tastes good. For this reason, toothpastes with natural taste should be preferred. School-aged children can use pastes for adults.

Brush selection should be suitable for braces. In addition to brushing the teeth every day, fluoride mouthwash should be used. Mouthwash should be used before going to bed at night, and after that eating and drinking should not be done.

Children learn most by imitating their parents so they will set you up for brushing teeth. Brush your teeth regularly and show your child that brushing is as fun as it is necessary. You can increase the brushing activity by giving gifts to your child and by buying different patterned brushes or hourglass to follow the brushing time. Books and dentist visits on the subject can be useful.

Children learn most by imitating their parents so they will set you up for brushing teeth. Brush your teeth regularly and show your child that brushing is as fun as it is necessary. You can increase the brushing activity by giving gifts to your child and by buying different patterned brushes or hourglass to follow the brushing time. Books and dentist visits on the subject can be useful.

When they are able to write, they are also able to brush their own teeth. However, it is still necessary to keep children on track and then it will be useful for you to brush once more.

These behaviors can be seen periodically in children. In this case, it is necessary not to force the child. It should be investigated why she/he does not want to brush. She/he may be too tired to brush her/his teeth before going to bed at night, then it will be useful to get the brushing time early. You can make the activity fun by telling your child stories while brushing.

Tell your child that their teeth will rot if they constantly eat sweet things. Instead of banning sweet foods completely, you have to say that she/he can eat sweet things once a day after meal. Remind her/him to brush her/his teeth after eating sweet things. If brushing is not possible, it will be useful to drink water after the dessert.

Fluoride, a rare mineral in nature, is found in our drinking water. Fluoride, commonly found in our bones and teeth, prevents caries. When fluoride is present during remineralization, the minerals that accumulate in the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution in the next demineralization phase. Thus, fluoride helps stop the decay process and prevent tooth decay.

It increases the resistance to acids. It slows the metabolism of bacteria in the plaque, therefore reduce the formation of bacteria. It increases mineralization on the tooth surface and prevents caries.

Mineral water, black and green tea, sea fish, whole wheat and wheat bread and drinking water are among the foods rich in fluoride. However, there is not enough fluoride in the daily diet to prevent the formation of caries, therefore in addition to that the use of fluoride-containing food salt in meals is recommended.

The effect of fluoride preventing tooth decay starts during the meal and its protective effect continues after eating as the fluoride rate in saliva maintains.

Yes, it should be used. Because the more tooth enamel comes in contact with fluoride, the better the protective effect of fluoride against bacteria that cause decay. But when you start using fluoride salt in addition to the paste, you need to give up the fluoride pill.

Fluoride mineral is safe and effective against caries, but you should be aware of the risks of fluoride consumption.

Children who consume high concentrations of fluoride while their teeth are developing - either by swallowing fluorinated toothpaste or taking too much fluoride supplements - are at risk of fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic issue that causes streaks, stains and dimples to form on the surfaces of the teeth. Although the lines and stains are permanent, it has not had a negative impact on your child’s dental health.

If you do not plan to swallow large amounts of toothpaste or fluoride supplements, you are unlikely to consume too much fluoride as an adult. If you're concerned about your children getting too much mineral, talk to your dentist about the ways to limit fluoride exposure. You may want to control your children while they brush their teeth to make sure they don't use or swallow too much toothpaste.

Fluoride polish, fluoride mouthwash and fluoride gel can be used under the recommendation and control of the dentist.

Normally, checks and examinations performed twice a year are sufficient. If the risk of dental caries is high, it should be checked more frequently. Your dentist will inform you after the first visit.

The purpose of the first visit to the dentist is to ensure that they do not fear the dentists. The first factor of fear of dentists in children is that parents have a fear of dentists. Books that you can read about going to the dentist or games will make a positive first impression.

Bacterial layers which are formed by the accumulation of food residues on teeth, begin to secrete acids that can erode the dental tissue. In cases where the necessary care and cleaning are not performed, the secreted acids create cavities in the tooth enamel and lead the microbes to settle permanently.

This health problem, which causes disruption of the tooth structure, toothache, bad breath, and even loss of teeth if neglected, is called dental caries.

We take the nutrient into our body by mouth and prepare them for digestion with the help of teeth and saliva. Due to the fact that oral problems will negatively affect the digestive process, it also threaten the health of other organs. Dental caries or intraoral infections; infections in various areas such as heart, kidney, joints they may cause.

Apart from the important role it plays in digestion, the mouth is also important in speech function. Aesthetically complementing our smile and nutrients in digestion, the teeth that undertake the task of shredding, ensure that the sounds are properly transmitted during speech. This is why people with teeth deficiency may have trouble pronouncing some of the letters or words properly. In addition, the tongue’s main task is to fulfill the taste function which is also critical in the digestive and speech processes. Considering all of these together, it is necessary to pay attention to oral health in order not to harm body health and these basic processes we perform every minute as a whole.

Bacterial layers which are formed by the accumulation of food residues on teeth, begin to secrete acids that can erode the dental tissue. In cases where the necessary care and cleaning are not performed, the secreted acids create cavities in the tooth enamel and lead the microbes to settle permanently.

This health problem, which causes disruption of the tooth structure, toothache, bad breath, and even loss of teeth if neglected, is called dental caries.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infectious disease that affects the tissues that support the tooth. Teeth can be lost due to periodontal disease, even if the tooth is not carious. Periodontal disease is a common chronic disease. It is difficult to be realized by the person since it does not have a painful course.

Supportive tissues around the tooth are fibers that connect the gum, tooth root, jaw bone and the root of the tooth to the jaw bone, and this structure is called "periodontium". The case that the infection affects only the gum is called “gingivitis”. Symptoms of gingivitis are; red, swollen, shiny, soft and easily bleeding gums.

When the disease progresses and affects the bones along with the gums, it is defined as "periodontitis". Symptoms of periodontitis are; gingival bleeding, red / bluish-purplish discoloration, gum recession, gum enlargement, tooth displacement, elongation, shaking, abscess formation, tenderness and bad breath. The pain is often accompanied by the abscess formation.

We take the nutrient into our body by mouth and prepare them for digestion with the help of teeth and saliva. Due to the fact that oral problems will negatively affect the digestive process, it also threaten the health of other organs. Dental caries or intraoral infections; infections in various areas such as heart, kidney, joints they may cause.

Apart from the important role it plays in digestion, the mouth is also important in speech function. Aesthetically complementing our smile and nutrients in digestion, the teeth that undertake the task of shredding, ensure that the sounds are properly transmitted during speech. This is why people with teeth deficiency may have trouble pronouncing some of the letters or words properly. In addition, the tongue’s main task is to fulfill the taste function which is also critical in the digestive and speech processes. Considering all of these together, it is necessary to pay attention to oral health in order not to harm body health and these basic processes we perform every minute as a whole.