POLOKWANE – The status of one’s oral hygiene is not affected by the weather, but by your diet.

Natasha van Reede van Oudtshoorn is an oral hygienist at the Floss Oral Hygiene Practice in Burger Street and says it is important to not over-indulge in sugar as that will increase your risk of cavities.

“You are more likely to drink soda, juice and drinks with a high sugar content during summer and we also tend to eat more sugar during certain seasons such as the festive season. Sugar causes an acidic environment in your mouth which isn’t good for oral hygiene,” she said.

Natasha added that oral hygiene is about maintaining a healthy mouth.

“Good oral health is the absence of disease and less bacteria decreases the risk of disease. For example, we get Covid-19 through our mouths. If you have poor oral hygiene, you have more bacteria and germs in the mouth, increasing your risk of getting a secondary bacterial infection in your airways or lungs. It is better for your health to maintain a healthy mouth,” she advised.

This can be done by:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Use a soft bristled brush to prevent damage to your enamel and gums.
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste as fluoride protects teeth against cavities.
• Brush for at least two minutes.
• Floss correctly once a day.
• Limit your sugar intake because it causes an acidic environment in your mouth, increasing your risk for cavities.
• Use a tongue scraper (preferably metal) and use a fluoridated mouthwash with no alcohol.
• Visit your oral hygienist every six months as advised by the World Health Organisation. Every mouth is different and your oral hygienist will give you individualised advice.

“Flossing remains a very important part of your cleaning routine, but you don’t have to floss all your teeth, only the ones you really want to keep,” Natasha said.

You can contact the Floss team by contacting Chané Alberts on 073 203 9722 or Natasha on 082 379 4403 or visit their website.