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Good Dental Health
Dental health refers to all aspects of the health and functioning of our mouth especially the teeth and gums. Apart from working properly to enable us to eat, speak, laugh (look nice), teeth and gums should be free from infection, which can cause tooth decay, inflammation of gums, tooth loss and bad breath. |
ATTENTION
DENTAL PROFESSIONALS |
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Poor dental health can affect your appearance and self-esteem, and has
been linked to sleeping problems, as well as behavioral and developmental
problems in children.
Maintaining good dental health includes keeping teeth free from cavities
and preventing gum disease. To maintain good dental health, you should
take the following steps:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. And if possible,
clean between the teeth with dental floss or toothpicks once a day.
Do not eat after cleaning teeth at bedtime as salivary flow decreases
as we sleep.
- Do not nibble food or sip drinks continuously. Allow time between
eating occasions for saliva to neutralise acids and repair the teeth.
- People at high risk from tooth wear and erosion should take special
precautions, such as:
- Decrease frequency and contact with acidic foods and drinks;
- Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods,
drinks, citrus fruits and juices. This allows time for remineralisation
to occur.
- Fluoride mouthwashes and sugar-free chewing gum may be useful after
taking acidic food or drinks as they encourage remineralisation.
- Sugar-free chewing gum is "tooth friendly" as it helps increase saliva
flow and clears food debris from the mouth.
- Visit the dentist about every 6 months for a check-up. And seek dentist's
advice before using aesthetic products (e.g: teeth whiteners) that could
have a deleterious effect on the teeth.
Dental professionals play an essential role in monitoring dental health
and treating or preventing any problems. Good dental care, including regular
check-ups, is vital.
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