DENTAL CARE A LIFETIME OF PROPER ORAL HYGIENE IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE …

“If suffering brought wisdom, the dentist’s office would be full of luminous ideas.”

-Mason Cooley

DO YOU KNOW…?

• Prehistoric kids almost never had cavities because they didn't eat sugar.

• Bacteria (plaque) forms in 2-3 hours after brushing and flossing.

• Flossing can increase your life span to approx. 6 years.

• Flossing delays the effect of aging.• Smoking may lead to more than half of all

cases of gum diseases.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF BAD ORAL HYGIENE

• Approx. 90% of systemic disease have links to oral health.

• People who have periodontal disease double their risk of fetal heart attack.

• Infection in the mouth increases risk of respiratory infection.

• Diabetes with periodontal disease, have more difficulty in controlling blood sugar level.

TAKE CARE OF TEETH AND GUMS Your Teeth ….• Helps you eat and chew food thoroughly.

• Affects speech – to speak clearly.

• Gives shape and structure to your mouth.

You look better and feel better with a nice smile.

SIMPLE METHODS TO HAVE GREAT TEETH….

Brush teeth twice a day.

Flossing once a day.

Try not to eat too many sweets.

• Visit the dentist twice a year.

1. Brushing • Two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. • Place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against

gums. • Move brush back and forth gently in short

(tooth-wide) strokes. • Brush outer tooth surfaces, inner tooth

surface and chewing surfaces of teeth. • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and

freshen your breath.

2. Flossing • Break off a piece of floss as long as your arm.• Wrap the floss around one finger of each

hand. • Hold a small part of the floss tightly between

your thumb and forefinger.• Slowly work the floss up and down from each

side of the tooth and below the gum.• Ask your dentist about floss holder for your

kids.

3. Avoid Eating Too Many Sweets

• Foods that contain sugar include :• sweets and chocolate • cakes and biscuits • pastries and fruit pies • puddings • sugary breakfast cereals • jam • honey • ice cream • fruit in syrup • dried fruit • sweet sauces and syrups

• Drinks that contain sugar include :

• fresh fruit juice such as orange and apple juices

• some soft drinks such as squashes, cordials and fizzy drinks

• some milk-based drinks such as milkshake mixes

• alcoholic drinks such as beers and wines

4. VISIT THE DENTIST - • Visit the dentist twice a year.• Even if you have healthy teeth, you should still

visit your dentist.• Cleaning teeth remove plaque and tartar

build-up on your teeth.• By visiting a dentist, you will learn how to

improve taking care of your teeth and gums with proper brushing and flossing instructions.

To keep your teeth healthy….

• Brush twice a day

• Floss every day

• Visit the dentist every 6 months

• Eat sensibly

• Look after your gums

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