My Teeth are for a Lifetime

Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Whatever it is, please take very good care of them.

Do you know that there are 32 permanent teeth in each and everyone of us? That's 12 more than the primary teeth.

As early as at the age of 6, the first permanent molars erupt behind the second temporary morals. Since they do not replace the primary or temporary teeth, these first permanent molars are usually mistaken for temporary teeth. Your first permanent molars should be given equally extra good care, as they are the key to bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth into contact or occlusion.

Do you know that regular toothbrushing and flossing helps to keep the teeth and gums health, and prevent the building up of plaque and tartar. Tartar is the hardened plaque that 'grows' on your teeth. Toothbrushing also helps to massage the gums and keep them healthy. Without toothbrushing, gums begin to get inflammed and unless a regular habit of toothbrushing is practiced, the inflammation may worsen.

Brushing Teeth

Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing flouride, if possible, after every meal. Brush your gum margins using a soft but firm toothbrush with a small head. The scrub technique, (the to and fro movement), is effective for most people especially amongst children. A gentle pressume is recommended through the use of a pen-like grip. Make sure that when you brush you teeth, it should thoroughly cover the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.

Flossing

Floss your teeth every night before brushing. Flossing gets rid of food particles and dental plaque. Dental plaque are invisible film of bacteria between teeth and in areas which the tooth brush cannot reach. Do not force floss between teeth where the contact between them is much too tight. Use a generous length of floss and wind each end around your middle fingers. With the help of your forefingers or thumbs, please the floss between the 2 teeth and pull it tight.

Always slide your floss gently along the side of one tooth to the gum line and then back to the free end of the tooth. Then floss the surface of your outer tooth.

Repeat your flossing systematically until all the spaces between your teeth have been flossed.

Vigorous rinsing after snacking

Snacking between meals must be followed by vigorous rinsing with water between and around your teeth.

Role of a healthy diet to having a good set of teeth

Always remember to eat a balance diet daily with foods from all three food groups.

1. Carbohydrates - noodles, pasta, bread potatoes, cereals and other starchy foods
2. Proteins - dried peas, beans, fish, poultry, red meat, milk, eggs
3. Vitamins & minerals - fruits, vegetables.

Always also ensure that you have enough calcium-rich foods from young. Calcium is essential for building not only a strong set of teeth but also your bones. Example of calcium-rich foods are milk, cheese, yoghurt and green leafy vegetables.

A diet low in refined sugar helps to prevent tooth decay. So cut down on cookies, sweets, chocolates, sweet drinks, carbonated drinks etc. Sticky sweet foods that lodge themselves in between your teeth are worse than those sweet drinks that do not stay long on the teeth. If you must take these type of foods, please brush your teeth regularly or at least rinse vigorously afterwards.

Early tooth decay and gum disease are silent diseases. They draw attention only when there is pain, which oftern appear much to late. By then, complicated and costly treatment may be required. So a 6-monthly dental checkups are recommended as a preventive measure.

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