Good oral hygiene ensures top teeth

From the first tooth, parents need to be instilling in their children the importance of good oral health habits to avoid serious problems later in life, says a Rotorua dentist with 40 years' experience.

Rotorua dentist Stewart Edward says a good foundation right from the start will ensure good oral hygiene and health into adulthood.

Teeth play an important part in health and wellbeing. They affect how we look, speak and chew and can influence how we feel about ourselves.

Last week was World Oral Health Week and Stewart hopes people took note about the importance of good oral hygiene to ensure healthy mouths and good all-round general health.

Oral health has improved in recent years, with the introduction of fluoride toothpaste, but people still needed to care for their teeth from the day they appear. It's up to parents to make sure children get the message, Stewart says.

This includes brushing, flossing and using mouthwash after every meal, and reducing the amount of lollies and sugary drinks they drink.

Parents also need to take advantage of free dental services for their children from age two, and teenagers need to be encouraged to continue using the free system until they are 18, he says.

"Parents need to be responsible and committed. They need to understand the importance of oral health on their general health. Parents need to physically care for their children's teeth from the day they appear ... they need to take advantage of the free system that has been set up, too.''

Education and prevention is the key to lifelong teeth and good oral health, Stewart says.

"The moment you have to repair a tooth you are starting to destroy that tooth. It makes sense to have a focus on prevention.''

For those who don't have good dental hygiene there is the risk of cavities and, if left to further decay, people can develop infections that lead to further health problems including diabetes and heart problems, he says.

It's rare, but in serious cases untreated rotting teeth can lead to death.

"Decaying teeth can lead to infection and pain and other illnesses. That can be anything from gum disease to abscesses and degenerating teeth. The whole face can swell up, blocking the breathing passages. People have the tendency to not understand the importance of good oral health care and the consequences on their general health.''

Pollyanne Taare, Rotorua Area Primary Health Services health promotion facilitator, says healthy teeth and gums play an important part in our ability to smile, eat, speak and socialise.

Taking care of your teeth need not be a difficult task, she says. Tooth decay is one of the most serious effects of diet on our teeth.

"Each time we consume foods and drinks that contain sugar, our teeth are attacked by dietary acids. The acids are developed by the combination of plaque bacteria and sugars in the diet.''

Regular check-ups are vital, Pollyanne says.

"Don't wait for problems to develop. By visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up you can treat any problems and reduce considerable time, stress and cost.''

FIVE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush

Have regular dental check-ups

"Lift the lid'' every month to check teeth and gums

Drink water or milk. Avoid soft drinks or sugar drinks

Choose healthy, tooth-friendly snacks