Practise proper oral hygiene for aesthetic benefits

Proper dental care means you don't have to hold back that smile

There's nothing more charming than a bright smile. And by that, of course, we mean pearly white teeth with healthy-looking gums. Over the years, people have discovered various ways to clean teeth. While some chewed on sticks, others used bristles made out of animal hair bound together to scrape off leftover food until modern ages gave rise to the massive variety of products we see today.
Oral hygiene, as observed from previous civilisations, is an essential part of life that transcends age barriers. Simple actions such as brushing teeth form part of a daily routine. Children and adults are recommended to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to protect their teeth from decay.
According to statistics revealed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), visits to the dentists are higher among children aged five to 14 years and those above 65. However, the age group in between are highly susceptible to poor oral hygiene, which can lead to problems later in life.
These include tooth decay, gingivitis, bad breath, periodontitis and oral cysts that pose high dangers. Solutions to these problems are costly, and often involve tooth extraction, which can be a painful and traumatic experience. Lack of certain vitamins can also affect the condition of the oral cavity. Scurvy is a deficiency of vitamin C that affects the gums.
Health authorities have undertaken initiatives to promote brushing teeth at least twice a day among residents, regardless of age. The demand for specialised dental services is evident, with the rise of specialist clinics and hospitals across the country.
Schools and workplaces often invite professionals to speak about the importance of tooth and gum care, and also distribute complimentary packages to enhance their awareness campaigns.
Supermarkets and groceries in the UAE boast a variety of brands with products ranging from toothbrushes, toothpastes and mouthwashes to interdental brushes, tongue cleaners and dental floss. People are spoilt for choice with a range of different flavours and content created for different levels of oral care. There are also special products targeted at people with sensitive teeth.
Chewing gums offer quick-fix solutions include breath-freshening chewing gums in tantalising flavours containing tooth-friendly sugar substitutes that add a dash of sweetness minus the risk of cavities. Eco-consciousness has been integrated itself into dental care as can be seen with a growing range of biodegradable products and toothbrushes that boast replaceable heads.
As always, prevention is better than cure. Ensure you brush thrice a day - before and after meals. Following a proper brushing technique with a good toothbrush will also help remove particles and keep teeth clean. Fluoride, present in all toothpastes, helps remineralise the lost surface and makes the tooth more resistant to bacteria attacks.

farhana@khaleejtimes.com