5 Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Pearly Whites
Regular dental visits are crucial to prevent and detect oral diseases. – Pearly Whites
However, the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 found that only one in 10 adults utilized oral healthcare in the last 12 months.
The study, conducted with 11,674 adults in Malaysia, also found that 65.6% of them visited the dentist more than two years ago.
It is essential to take good care of your teeth because poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, abscesses, loss of teeth, pain, bad breath and infections.
A 2021 study entitled Demographic and Socioeconomic Inequalities In Oral Healthcare Utilisation in Malaysia: Evidence From A National Survey found that oral healthcare utilization in Malaysia is still low. The report also stated that a 2015 study found that 73.4% of the population in Malaysia experienced oral health problems but did not seek oral healthcare, with the majority practicing self-medication.
Brush your teeth twice a day
As a rule of thumb, everyone should brush their pearly whites twice a day. Brushing before bedtime is necessary. Daily brushing is vital to get rid of plaque, a transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
See a dentist regularly
An article entitled What To Do For Healthy Teeth and Gums in www.medicalnewstoday.com states that dental experts recommend that people see a dentist every six months for a checkup. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean your pearly whites and remove plaque and hardened tartar. Besides checking for visual signs of cavities, the dentist will also check for gum disease, mouth cancer and other oral health issues.
Avoid sugary snacks
Tooth starts to decay when sugary and starchy food residue – including bread, cakes and candy – remains on or between the teeth. So instead, opt for apples, celery and carrots, because they help increase the production of saliva that cleanses the mouth from food morsels.
Floss once a day
The Health Ministry’s portal www.myhealth.gov.my recommends flossing at least once daily, especially before bedtime. Flossing helps remove plaque from between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Types of dental floss include waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and dental tapes.