Good oral hygiene started at a young age will result in having lots to smile about in later years, writes Sarah Mackintosh.
With September being National Oral Health Month, there’s no better time to pay extra attention to your dental routine, particularly as two of the world’s most common health problems affect the mouth – cavities and gum disease. Two Durban dentists offered their advice on oral health for the whole family.
According to Hanno Enslin, who has dental practices in Pinetown and Hillcrest, you should ideally start taking your child to the dentist at around two years of age. A good idea is to take your child with you to your regular check-ups to familiarise them with the environment.
“Your child needs to have regular oral health checks, as it facilitates in early detection of caries (cavities), tongue ties which affect feeding and speech, as well as orthodontic problems that may arise,” advises Hanno.
There are many factors that contribute to poor dental health, but according to Tilesh Bhoola of The Tooth Doctor in Durban North, the main causes are unhealthy diets high in sugar, the use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
To keep your teeth in top condition, Tilesh recommends these tips:
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Drink more water.
- Limit your intake of sugary food and drinks.
- Ensure you brush twice a day.
- Add flossing to your daily routine.
- Ensure you visit your dentist at least twice a year, allowing them to spot any issues and provide treatment solutions.
“Common dental problems that present in the children we treat include tooth decay (from too much sugar and prolonged use of a baby bottle), orthodontic problems resulting from thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier, early extraction of deciduous teeth and dental anxiety and phobias (due to a bad first experience or none at all),” says Tilesh.
To avoid these dental health issues in your child, Tilesh and Hanno suggest these tips:
- Start good oral habits from a young age – like brushing, flossing and using mouth wash.
- Ensure children brush their teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Follow a healthy diet as much as possible.
- Rinse the mouth with water after meals to reduce the amount of acidity in the mouth, which causes caries to develop.
- Ensure regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and prevention of tooth decay.
Flossing is as important as brushing says Tilesh. “Flossing once a day is not only good for removing food in between the teeth that the brush is unable to reach, but it also stimulates the gums, helps to reduce plaque and lowers inflammation in the area.”
In addition, adds Hanno, “Flossing can be introduced as soon as the child allows you to floss for them and then when they are able to on their own.”
Should you be supervising your child’s tooth brushing, and until what age? According to Hanno, depending on the child’s personality and natural hygiene regime it can vary a lot, but supervision is probably necessary until they are tweens.
Last word? “It’s important for adults and children to have regular dental check-ups every six months. In fact, it’s even more important for adults, as periodontal or gingival disease can be detected early to prevent tooth loss – as well as maintaining your tooth health! Sometimes people forget that one has to regularly maintain their teeth just as you would service your expensive car – otherwise you lose your warranty! Sadly, teeth are often neglected,” concludes Hanno.
5 bad habits you need to kick to ensure healthy teeth
- Both adults and children should limit sugary and acidic drinks.
- Adults should try to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption.
- For toddlers avoid the prolonged use of baby bottles and pacifiers.
- Discourage children from eating too many sticky sweets and drinking undiluted juice.
- Don’t skip using a mouthguard and other parafunctional appliances as prescribed by your dentist.
FOR MORE INFO:
- Tilesh Bhoola: 031 563 1420; www.facebook.com/ToothDoctorDurbanNorth
- Hanno Enslin: 031 701 6291/3; www.painfreedentistry.co.za