Dental care is an important part of healthcare... have regular check-ups
DID you know less than half of Irish households (46 per cent) purchase toothbrushes? Or that half of all Irish children brush their teeth less than once a day? Or perhaps you didn’t know only half the Irish population have frequent dental check-ups? Well, knowing the stats is one thing but suffering the consequences is a different ball game entirely which is why if you’re linked in any way to the aforementioned stats, now would be a good time to act.
The onset of tooth decay can be rapid and often we don’t realise the effects until it’s too late. Frequent visits to the dentist will help spot early signs of trouble and early intervention sometimes alleviates a need for more serious correctional work down the road.
All good habits start early in life and once children are taught the importance of oral hygiene it’s something they’ll carry with them into adult life and will pass down to the next generation. Healthy teeth represent much more than just a perfect smile. Gum disease and severe pain is a seriously debilitating illness and can cause secondary health risks like mouth cancer and bacterial infections.
It’s also fair to assume that we’ve never been as vulnerable as we are today due to the vast quantities of surgery foods and drinks which accelerate the onset of decay. It’s time to get serious about oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing and chewing sugar-free gum after meals which helps neutralise acids that damage teeth. Also, don’t ignore signs of bleeding gums, fillings, or tooth ache as they are early warning signs telling you that a dentist appointment is required. So have your teeth examined regularly by a dentist.
The Irish Dental Association (IDA) have a website packed full of information, tips and important advice which lists the dentists in your area. Take a second to look over some of the IDA’s main tips on dental care:
• Visit your dentist for an examination of your mouth, teeth and dentures at least once a year, especially if you are having problems.
• Cut down on how often you have sweet drinks and foods, especially between meals.
• Clean teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Remove any dentures at night to give your mouth a rest. You should use a suitable denture cleanser and keep your dentures in water when you are not using them.
• Quit smoking - it can cause gum disease, bad breath and even
mouth cancer.