September is Oral month
Mobile dental units are also being utilized to offer free dental screenings in the community.
The department of health has announced that this month, September is Oral Month and has thus come up with tips for the community to take care of their oral health.
During this month the importance of taking care of the mouth is being actively communicated to patients through outreach services to schools and shopping centres. Mobile dental units are also being utilized to offer free dental screenings in the community.
The theme for Oral Health month for 2013 is: “Our future, our smiles”. Prevention still remains the best way of fighting problems in the mouth such as decay, bleeding gums and bad breath.
Regular visits to a dental clinic enables dental professionals to spot early signs of dental decay or gum diseases. Early recognition and subsequent treatment combined with basic oral hygiene methods as explained below enables patients to keep their teeth a life time. Oral Health remains an integral part of general health and well-being:
Brushing
• Brush your teeth thoroughly for at least 2 minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste [about the size of a green pea].
• Brush the teeth gently in circular movements starting at the last upper tooth. Brush 2 teeth at a time.
• Brush the inside and outside of each tooth including the biting surfaces.
• Using too much force when brushing can damage the enamel and result in sensitive teeth
• Use the tip of the brush to brush behind the front teeth top and bottom.
• Remember to brush the tongue.
• Adults should assist with brushing their children’s teeth to ensure all surfaces are being cleaned.
Flossing
• To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, plaque must be removed from all tooth surfaces.
• Toothbrushes do not reach effectively between your teeth and under the gum line. Therefore it is important to use dental floss daily in these areas to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Standing in front of the mirror while flossing will help you master the technique faster.
• Use a 30 to 45cm piece of dental floss.
• Wrap the ends around your middle finger.
• Hold the floss tightly against each tooth.
• Move the floss away from the gum, gently rubbing the floss up and down against the side of each tooth.
• Your Oral Health Clinic will assist you to master a proper flossing technique.
• Children can also use floss to clean the areas between the teeth, for smaller children adults should assist with the flossing method.
Fluoride
• Fluoride is a mineral that protects your teeth from Dental decay.
• Fluoride reduces bacteria levels as well as re-mineralises the tooth surface.
• Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies.
• It is also used in many Dental Products such as toothpaste and mouth rinse.
• Your Oral Health Clinic will also be able to apply topical fluoride gel or varnish professionally.
