For your teeth to look good, it needs to be looked after!
Dental diseases such as tooth decay and cavities are preventable provided you abide by the following principals:
- Brush your teeth twice a day –in the morning when you get up and before you go to sleep.
- Use a fluoride based toothpaste
- Visit your dentist twice a year
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months with a new one
- Floss your teeth everyday
- Dairy foods contain special anti-decay nutrients such as casein, calcium and phosphorus.
- Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and maas are good for your teeth. Research has shown that milk and cheese can help prevent the formation of dental caries.
- Avoid frequent sipping of acidic drinks such as fruit juice and fizzy drinks. Acidic drinks have a tendency to erode teeth over time. Where possible drink it with a straw to lessen contact with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth after eating food that stick to your teeth such as bread, toffees and sweets.
- It is a common belief that sugar causes dental caries. However studies have been able to show that practicing good oral hygiene habits is far superior in preventing dental caries than avoiding sugar.