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“It is essential to realise that your teeth are not only there for aesthetic reasons but are also vitally important in terms of your overall health and wellness. Without teeth, your nutrition, speech and confidence are all negatively affected – if you care for your own teeth and those of your family now, you are guaranteed to reap the benefits for years to come,” says South African dentist Dr Norman Cahi.

“The benefits of a healthy smile are undeniable. Good oral hygiene doesn't have to be difficult – it should be incorporated into your daily life. Just as you tie your shoelaces, brush your hair and put on fresh clothes each day, caring for your teeth should be a natural habit. Get into the routine of taking a few simple steps each day and seeing your dentist regularly. You'll be setting yourself up for a brighter smile and for better overall health too,” says Dr Norman Cahi.

Routine care
Brush your teeth twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year to prevent gum disease and other oral problems.

To clean your teeth properly, brush them twice a day, preferably after each meal and snack and don’t forget to floss daily. Also follow these other tips:

• Use a soft-bristled brush as it is gentler on the gums.
• Place your brush at an angle against your teeth and use short, circular motions to clean your teeth. Ensure that you clean the inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth and your tongue.
• It is important to replace your brush every three months.
• When you floss, gently ease the floss between your teeth. Then pull the ends of the floss against the front and back surface of a tooth so that the floss forms a "C" as it wraps around the tooth. Gently pull the floss from the gum line to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Remember to floss the backs of your teeth and to expose fresh floss between your fingers as you progress through your teeth.

Report problems
In addition to regular care and dental appointments, do not hesitate to contact your dentist should you develop any of the following signs and symptoms of gum disease:

• Tender or inflamed gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush them, even if they're not sore
• Gums that are pulling away from your teeth; you may notice that your teeth seem longer
• Pus around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums
• A continual bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch, or changes in the feel of your dentures

Tips for eating right
Dr Cahi adds: “It is advisable to avoid foods that contain sugars and starches. These foods produce the most acids in the mouth and the longer they stay in the mouth, the more they can damage the teeth. Hard or boiled sweets and starchy snack foods such as potato chips are the most harmful due to the fact that they stay in the mouth a long time, stimulating acid production and encouraging tooth decay as most people do not brush after snacking”.

Avoid snacking on:

• Candies, cookies, cakes and pies
• Sugary gum
• Crackers, breadsticks and chips
• Dried fruits and raisins

South African Dental Association (SADA)
 

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