Health Care – Easy Ways To Save Your Smile

Effective healthy mouth tips that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear!

A beautiful smile is a great asset. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of your pearly whites now – or you may not have them later! Use these strategies to keep your mouth clean, fresh and in the pink.
1. Say Ahhhh.
Check your mouth every few months. Dr Fidelia Tay, Senior Consultant, Periodontics, Dental Clinic, Alexandra Hospital, explains, “Some changes in the mouth indicate oral diseases and, in rare cases, cancer. So watch out for a persistent sore; red or white patches; a lump in the mouth or jawbone; difficulties moving your tongue or swallowing; and numberss in the mouth or lips.”
And all you need are “a good torch (which you’ll need someone to hold for you, a wal mirror and a dental mirror available at pharmacies”, says Dr Andrew Aw, Clinical Director (Dental Services), Consultant Orthodontist, Raffles Hospital. Start with the outer and inner lips, then the top, sides and bottom of the tongue. Pull out your cheeks and examine both sides. If there’s something that doesn’t go away after 10 days, see your dentist.

2. Banish Bad Breath.
Dr Aw says, “Bad breath occurs when bacteria around the teeth, on the tongue, and in the gastrointestinal system produce a range of pungent chemicals – from a mild malodour or ‘ morning breath’ which results from not brushing properly the night before, to full – blown halitosis which can become a social handicap.” To check if your breath is up to scratch, use a cotton ball to swipe the back of your tongue. If it smells bad, it’s time to take action.
Dr Tay advises, “Proper brushing and tongue cleaning with a scraper or brush are vital for good oral hygiene. Oral rinses help only when brushing is done properly.” If the odour lingers, see your doctor as this could br triggered by certain health problems.

3. Soothe Ulcers.
Oral ulcers commonly develop after you’ve accidentally bitten into your lip or inner check and heal within a week. Apthous ulcers or canker sores caused by stress viruses, diet or hormonal changes take about one to two weeks to heal.
“But if an ulcer persists for over a month, is solitary, 1 cm or larger, and has hard, rolled up margins, see a dental surgeon or doctor,” says Dr Loh Fun Chee, Consultant Dental Surgeon, Gleneagles Medical Centre.

4. Brush Right.
Says Dr Tay, “Brushing properly twice a day is better than doing it poorly four or five times a day. Place a soft – bristled toothbrush at a 45 – degree angle to the teeth and gums. Gently move the brush back and forth several times using circular strokes. Start from the outside surfaces of your teeth, from the front to the back. Then proceed to the inside and then the biting surfaces. Brushing should take about three minutes.”

5. Remember The F Word.
Dr Loh stresses, “Flossing is very important as it removes food debris lodged in the small gaps between teeth. Brushing can’t reach these gaps as the bristles are too large.” So floss at least once a day after your last meal. If food stays lodged in the gums, bacteria will feed off it and you’ll have decaying teeth and potential jawbone loss. There’s also strong indication that gum disease is a high – risk factor for heart disease. Experts believe the bacteria from gum infections enters the bloodstream and causes white blood cells (which fight infections) to create a build – up of fatty deposits and clots in the arteries.

Be Sociable, Share!

•