A No-Sting Approach to Good Oral Health

For many people, good oral health begins and ends with brushing their teeth after meals. While this practice is commendable, sadly it is not enough. Food particles, especially those at the back of the teeth and in hard-to-reach areas, may remain lodged, causing a host of alarming oral health problems. These include halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (a gum infection that damages soft tissue and the teeth’s bone support).

Food particles that are not removed by regular brushing may be used as fuel by anaerobic bacteria (bad bacteria) so they can multiply. These bacteria may cause dental problems such as tartar, plaque, and cavities, among others. They also release gaseous elements called volatile sulfur compounds, which are identified as major sources of strong odors in the mouth.

Find out the #1 Cause of Cavities

Despite continuing education on the importance of good oral care habits to prevent tooth decay, cavities still affect nearly 100% of adults worldwide1, and as much as nine out of ten Filipinos. This can be attributed to the lack of awareness on the importance of food in caring for the teeth, which has led the American Dietetic Association to state that, “nutrition is an integral component of oral health.

Dental care habits ingrained from childhood include brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist at least twice a year, and using a fluoride toothpaste. However, the role of individual diets on oral health has not been addressed beyond the usual warning to avoid sweets to prevent tooth decay.

Cavities and Mommy Woes: Addressing the Dental Habits and Needs of the Family

The latest report by the Philippine Dental Association states that 97% of children under six years of age, in the Philippines have some form of cavities[1]. This statistic is especially worrisome for busy moms who not only have to take care of the dental needs of the children in the family, but also those of the adults as well. With complications ranging from improper nutrition to heart ailments[2], it’s important that good dental habits are formed from infancy and retained throughout adulthood. Here are mommy-approved tips on making sure everyone in the family gets the chance to have that cavity-free smile worth framing.