Starchild: Malaysian children share tips for good oral health

Neharika Rao, 7

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Dental care is essential as we have only a set of permanent teeth to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many of us do not spend enough time cleaning our teeth, even though dentists recommend that we brush at least twice a day.

Do you know that regular brushing results in fewer cavities? Our teeth start to decay when sugary and starchy food residue – yes, this includes chocolates, cakes and candy – remain on or in between our teeth.

The best way to prevent gum disease and plaque – a transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth – is by brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

World Oral Health Day is on March 20. Starchild asked readers to share tips on Dental Health. Let’s see what they have to say.

Seven-year-old Neharika Rao thinks good dental hygiene helps to keep teeth clean. “Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular dentist checks are good dental hygiene practices. This is important to prevent toothaches, diseases and bad breath.”

Wong Jie Ern, 6

“I brush my teeth twice a day. We must take care of our teeth because we need them to chew food. Without teeth, I cannot eat my favourite fried chicken. I gargle my mouth with water after drinking milk,” says Wong Jie Ern, six.

Wong Cheng Yang, 8

Older sibling Wong Cheng Yang, eight, says dental care is important and shares three ways to take care of our teeth. “We have to brush our teeth two times a day. We need to see a dentist twice a year. Don’t forget to gargle after a meal. Always remember, when our permanent teeth falls off, it cannot grow again.”

Mandy Tang, 5

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven, visits the dentist yearly to check her teeth. She avoids overeating sugary food to prevent bacteria from attacking her teeth. “I also drink milk for the calcium which is good for my teeth. However, I will be getting more permanent teeth soon so I must take extra care to protect them from tooth cavities.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

“My parents help me brush my teeth twice a day. I do not eat after brushing my teeth at night to keep my teeth clean from bacteria when I sleep. I want to take care of my teeth to enjoy my favourite food,” writes Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12, tries to brush her teeth after every meal because food that’s stuck in between teeth and gums invite bacteria. “More bacteria in our mouth will produce more acid, which can cause enamel erosion. So I always drink more water to keep my mouth hydrated. Drinking water helps to create more saliva, which keeps tooth decay away.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9

Nine-year-old Jayden Tan Li Sheng ensures he brushes his teeth before sleeping. “I love crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots, which are a natural defense against cavities and gum disease. I also take less sugary and acidic foods to prevent enamel erosion.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 9

“I am brushing my teeth. It is important to brush your teeth to avoid cavities. You must brush your teeth twice each day,” says Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, nine.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 7

Younger sibling Claire Yap Jyn Wei, seven, writes: “I brush my teeth regularly.”

Victoria Liew Yen Yi, 10

“We need to brush our teeth twice a day. Regular flossing and no sweets will make the cavities go away,” says Victoria Liew Yen Yi, 10. – Compiled by Sheela Chandran.

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