TAKING care of one’s teeth and gums is important. A healthy teeth and a beautiful smile is a reflection of a good dental health care.

When we eat food, bacteria builds up on our teeth and without a proper dental care, acid will form and attack the tooth enamel, which leads to cavities resulting in tooth decay.

Plaque also builds up, causing swollen, red, bleeding gums.These conditions occur when plaque hardens and forms tartar that accumulates around the tooth under the gum line, causing the gum pull away from the tooth, and making the tooth fall out.

Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. However it can be treated if detected in time. Practising proper dental health care will keep you aware of signs of tooth decay and other unwanted related oral problems associate with it

As the saying goes: 'prevention is better than cure' below are some basic steps of dental health care you can follow.

Make appointment with your dentist regularly. Dental health care differs from one individual to another and some people will need to go to the dentist after 3 months. Others will need a checkup once 6 months or once a year.

1. Dental hygienists are experts who can clean teeth professionally and can detect gum problems and other conditions
2. lnvest in quality products that promote teeth whitening. A dentist will advise you on products that are safe for use. With these the teeth can be whitened.
3. The choice for toothpaste is also important Use trusted brands that will act to protect dental and oral health.
4. A worn out tooth brush will not do a good job in removing plaque from the teeth. Make sure to change your tooth brush as soon as the older ones are worn out. Do it regularly to maximise the result.
5. Dental floss will help remove food particles stuck in between teeth. They need to be used daily to protect the teeth from decay.
6. Use a tongue cleaner to keep its clean. Halitosis is an example of condition that can be triggered by bacteria- ridden tongue. You can also use tooth brush to clean the tongue.
7. If you are missing a tooth consider dental implants. They will support crowns or bridges that will provide a wholesome look and are a solution for gaps of missing teeth.
8. For those worn out teeth, consider different enhancements to make a difference. Crowns will work to provide the original shape of a tooth, and there are many other options with implants.
9. Avoid smoking, it is a detrimental to oral health, apart from discolouring your teeth.

With a good dental health care, you can get through your ”golden years” with minimal dental problems. The cost of poor dental hygiene can be high while good dental hygiene cost very little. However, the results of good dental care will bring you much greater rewards. Take care of your teeth, and show your beautiful smile.

Source: News Straits Times - 1Klassifieds - Friday, October 1, 2010