5 tips on how to take care of your pearly whites

Dr Siti Salmiah Awang (right) ensures that her daughter Siti Rose Khairina Tay visits the dentist every six months. Photo: Filepic

Regular dental visits are crucial to prevent and detect oral diseases. However, the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 found that only one in 10 adults utilised 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 utilisation 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 practising self-medication.

To take care of your pearly whites, visit the dentist regularly. Photo: Filepic

World Oral Health Day is today, and this year's theme is Be Proud Of Your Mouth, aimed at encouraging people to value and take care of their teeth.

Here are five tips on how to care for your pearly whites.

Brush your teeth twice a day

As a rule of thumb, everyone should brush their teeth 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 teeth 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.

Too much sugary snacks can slowly erode your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. Photo: Filepic

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, flavoured or unflavoured, and dental tapes.

Drink more water

Water contains fluoride, which is nature's cavity fighter. Fluoride, a mineral, and the right amount of water, can help to strengthen teeth. Plus, drinking water after every meal can wash out sticky and acidic food residue in between brushes.