Ever considered why you go to the dentist? Most often than not, it is only when your tooth starts aching in the middle of the night and you realise that it’s time to go see your dentist. And god forbid if you don’t have a dentist, you start your frantic search by asking people around you, Google it and read reviews to find the perfect dentist who may be your god-send and take the pain away.
It is time you heard the truth. Why do you think bikes and cars have service milestones? Why do you think parlour appointments happen nearly around the same time every month? Why do regular PTA meetings happen at school? And why do we have monthly review cycles at the office? We do not wait or skip any of these. And if we do, we know what happens.
Now ask yourself. Do you visit the dentist or the doctor for general check ups on a regular basis? Do you take the kids to visit their dentists and doctors? You know you must. As the age old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Need we say more.
Our mouth serves as a gateway to our overall well-being, emphasising the significance of maintaining oral health. The condition of our oral hygiene can be a telling indicator of our general health. Here’s a simple self-assessment for you to try: stand in front of a mirror and smile. Observe any stains or cracks as this can be an initial sign of potential issues. Next, open your mouth and tilt your head, first upward and then downward, to inspect for stains behind the teeth and dark spots on the tooth surfaces. This basic examination will provide insight into your current oral hygiene status.
Your well being is in your hands. Literally!
Oral health is as important as general health. Unhygienic dental conditions lead to other health problems and have an impact on overall well being. Here are some quick tips to build into your lifestyle. Remain dentally fit and live well!
1. Brushing
The ideal brushing time should be no more than 2 minutes. The brush should be held in a slanting position, not vertically, and moved gently in a circular motion. Brush your teeth enamel thoroughly. Your tongue and gums should be cleaned softly with a brush, by applying mild pressure.
It is not sufficient to brush just once a day i.e. in the morning. Brushing your teeth just before going to bed, after dinner, is equally important. The most ideal would be to brush after every meal.
2. Flossing
Though we brush thoroughly, we cannot reach certain areas of the mouth. Flossing helps reach gum lines and in between the teeth. You must floss in between the teeth every time you brush. Use fresh floss for every tooth to ensure food articles do not stick from the old floss.
3. Eat healthy
Calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are important for your dental health. For calcium, ensure there is an intake of milk and milk products. For vitamin C, ensure you have rich citrus fruits.
Avoid sticky or sweet food, as much as possible. Also, avoid taking drinks that are too hot or too cold. Eat fruits and vegetables to strengthen teeth.
4. Say no to bad habits
Chewing tobacco and smoking are the worst habits that affect your oral hygiene. Avoid this to reduce the risk of oral problems and, inevitably, oral cancer.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Like general health, your dental health needs a regular check. Make it a habit to visit your dentist regularly for scaling your teeth. This will keep your dental health in check.
Additionally, it’s important not to wait until you experience tooth pain before visiting your dentist. Be proactive in identifying warning signs such as gum swelling, tooth sensitivity, and gum bleeding, as these can indicate potential dental issues down the road.
Every child deserves a smile. Take a stand towards healthy living!
As parents, it’s our responsibility to tend to our child’s personal hygiene right from the moment they come into this world. Part of this duty involves caring for their dental hygiene and, as they grow, guiding them on how to care for it themselves. Here are some key principles that you should instil in your children:
1. Begin early
For infants, run a clean damp cloth every time they drink milk. Don’t forget to gently clean their tongue as well. This practice should be maintained until your child is ready for regular brushing.
2. Watch out for tooth decay
Tooth decay can affect babies too. Make sure your baby doesn’t fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth, as this can lead to ‘nursing bottle caries,’ which erodes the enamel and impacts their front teeth.
3. Regular dental check-ups – once in 6 months
During their formative years, children should see a dentist regularly. This period is crucial for their dental health, as it can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Since children may not be able to express their discomfort, schedule regular dental visits. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, just as you would during your own dental check-ups.
4. Brush twice a day
The first rule parents should enforce is for their children to brush their teeth twice a day. This routine helps keep dental plaque and tooth decay at bay. Parents should patiently teach their children the proper brushing technique, understanding that manual dexterity may be limited in their early years.
5. Cultivate healthy habits
Children are impressionable and need to be educated about healthy habits. It’s easier when these habits are already part of your family’s lifestyle. Keep an eye on their eating and drinking habits to ensure they develop moderation. Encourage them to drink plenty of water. Patience is key when teaching them these habits. Flossing is another practice that parents should actively promote to their children.
At Maeoris Dental, we take pride in our commitment to educating our patrons. Our smile experts are dedicated to providing comprehensive information and guiding patients through every step of their treatment process.
Visit us to experience the difference our expert dentists can make in your family’s dental care journey.
