Patient Education

How can one maintain good dental hygiene?

Proper dental and oral hygiene will prevent the formation of plaque, which, , is the main factor that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Parents must guide children as to the proper dental hygiene methods they should practise daily. You can also seek your dentist’s advice about the proper oral and dental hygiene practices to be followed.Antiseptic mouthwashes Use regularly after brushing and/or flossing to kill plaque-forming bacteria, and especially if you have bad breath.

Fluoride use

Flouride protects and strengthens your teeth by binding with enamel. Use fluoride in toothpaste, fluoridated drinking water or dental treatments, or take a fluoride supplement.

Prevention

• Regular visits to the dentist – at least every six months to monitor dental and oral health.

• Regular professional dental cleaning – fluoride treatments, sealant application and scaling to help to scrape off the hardened plaque (tartar).

• Diagnostic services - go for X-ray imaging and oral cancer screening.

• Treatment services - fillings, crowns and bridges to restore and retain teeth.

Healthy eating for healthy teeth

Eating a balanced diet plays an important role in dental health. A balanced diet includes all the main food groups: fruits and vegetables, milk products, meat, fish, etc.

Foods that cause tooth decay:

• Foods with a high concentration of sugar - cakes, ice cream, honey, etc.

• Acidic drinks with a low pH value - can damage the tooth enamel.

• Sticky foods – these do not get washed away from the tooth surface easily by the saliva, hence increasing the exposure of teeth to sugar and acids and, consequently, tooth decay.

Foods that are good for oral health:

• Foods high in fibre, such as fresh fruits and vegetables - they increase the saliva flow, which neutralises acids, helping to clean the teeth of food particles and sugars during chewing.

• Rich foods without sugar - milk, yoghurt, rice, meat, fish, fruits, etc.

• Fruits and vegetables that contain a high volume of water - pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers.

Good eating habits

• Consume sweets only with main meals and not between meals - saliva production is increased during main meals, thereby neutralising most of the acids and lessening the hazard.

• Avoid sugary or acidic drinks between meals, and drink milk or water instead.

• Finish your meal with yellow cheese - this helps neutralise the acids in the mouth, especially after the consumption of sweet foods.