Publications
Partners
ADVERTORIAL
September is Oral Health Awareness Month and this year, Oral-B invites you to take back your power in the fight against plaque and periodontal disease by simply improving your diet.
Cavities are a common dental problem that affect many South Africans, but this early form of tooth decay may be prevented easily by caring for your teeth correctly and watching what foods come into contact with your teeth.
“People that eat more sugar have significantly higher levels of tooth decay. The foods you choose affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums,” explains renowned Johannesburg dentist, Dr Hoosen.
“Sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks in general have little if any nutritional value and over time they take their toll on your teeth. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, and it's the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. This can eventually result in tooth decay.”
“Tooth decay is caused by plaque, which can be described as a thin and colourless sticky film containing bacteria that forms on one’s teeth constantly. The bacteria make use of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) to produce an acid that attacks the enamel of the teeth. Repeated acid attacks of this nature cause a cavity to form and if left unchecked can penetrate the inner softer layer of the tooth and spread rapidly through the tooth’s structure,” says Dr Hoosen.
Eating a well-balanced diet is not only good for your overall health, but can improve your oral health as well. Some vitamins in particular have demonstrated benefits to building healthy teeth, namely calcium and vitamin C, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet. Calcium has been shown to help build strong teeth, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, by which it helps you develop and maintain healthy gums.
It’s clear why brushing your teeth is so important, especially after meals. Ensuring you give your teeth the attention they need day and night is also made easier thanks to the range of Oral-B power toothbrushes. Too many of us believe that brushing manually is good enough, which is not always the case. “Power brushes have built in oscillating-rotating technology, which helps to prevent the build-up of tartar, plaque, cavities and gum problems,” prescribes Dr Hoosen.
So take back your power in the fight against oral diseases and switch to an Oral-B power tooth brush. Make sure you join the power revolution this Oral Health Awareness Month.
Ask a Dental expert a question.
(Press release from Oral-B, September 2012)
