YOU AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that teeth begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy and at birth a baby has 20 primary teeth; some fully developed in their jaw?

We refer to them as baby teeth because they will eventually be replaced with permanent teeth, but taking care of them is just as important as looking after the "big" ones. Baby teeth have a job to do for a good many years before the tooth fairy comes. Teaching your children about oral health from a young age will help them develop habits that will last a lifetime. (Even babies can develop tooth decay; speak to your dentist about the best way to approach caring for gums and those little milk teeth as they begin to emerge.)

Oral health issues can affect us all - they range from dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease to oral cancers and congenital issues, such as cleft palate or cleft lip. For example, in South Africa gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence. An estimated 90% of adults experience the problem to some degree in their lives.

There is, however, a lot we can do to lower the risk of gum and other chronic conditions of the mouth - starting with what we put in it. The South African Dental Association (SADA) advises the following as precautionary measures:

• decrease the intake of sugar and aim for well-balanced nutrition
• stop smoking and decrease alcohol consumption, and
• use fluoride protection, which can be obtained from fluorinated water, milk, salt, mouth-rinse or toothpaste, as well as from professionally applied fluoride.

It's also a good idea to wear effective protective equipment (gum guards, face shields, etc.) when required.

In terms of day-to-day oral care, SADA recommends the following:

• Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent harming the gums.
• Brush thoroughly (for at least two minutes) twice a day (especially before going to bed), but be careful not to brush too much or too hard as this can also harm the gums.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
• Brush your tongue as this removes bacteria in the oral cavity.
• Floss at least once a day (if you are unsure of the correct procedure, ask your dentist to show you how).
• Visit your dental team regularly.

Also, choose your toothpaste according to ingredients that assist with prevention of tooth decay, plaque and tartar control, gum care and sensitivity.

Research has linked chronic gum disease to numerous other health conditions; practising good oral health won't just produce a healthy smile, it will mean a great deal to the rest of your body too.