Improve your oral hygiene to improve your health

To promote good oral hygiene, specifically among cancer patients, it is recommended to follow a daily oral care routine.

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Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth oral hygiene advisor, said by adjusting one’s daily oral routine cleaning your teeth and mouth can be made easier and more effective.

Grobbelaar’s recommendations include:

• Brushing

Brush correctly at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time.

You may be tired but an electric brush will give a ‘supreme clean’ with minimum effort. Dip the brush in warm water to soften the bristles, or use an ultra-soft brush.

• Toothpaste

Choose a mild or pleasant-tasting toothpaste that has multiple benefits.

There are multiple brands, some of which are all-natural that include anti-bacterial ingredients as well as added prebiotics and probiotics for a balanced oral microbiota.

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• Clean between the teeth

Clean between your teeth daily, this can be done with dental floss.

However, if floss is too firm for sensitive gums an interdental brush with anti-bacterial coated bristles, or gentle rubber soft-picks, can be used.

• Mouthwash.

After eating or being sick, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash or use a salt-based mouth.

Although cancer treatment can negatively affect your mouth Grobbelaar said the right treatment can help manage or prevent many common problems

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She reminded community members that dental professionals are available to support them during this time.

“Let them know about your diagnosis and treatment.”

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