To maintain oral hygiene in adult life, a proper routine should be adopted an early age.
Dr Amanda Nduli, who works as a dentist in the private practice, decided to contribute to this cause of oral hygiene after noting that dentistry services are offered to people who can already afford to get their teeth washed or polished.
According to Themba Gadebe, Nduli noted that the same luxury was not enjoyed by everyone, especially kids for whom dental hygiene habits are needed to ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth.
“As a recipient of the Ekurhuleni Grant-in-Aid, Nduli, who runs the Amanda Nduli Dental Surgery and Associates (ANDSA) through the funding received from the City, is now able to create beautiful smiles in underprivileged communities by teaching the proper teeth brushing techniques,” said Gadebe.
Nduli said they often find that in most of the homes and NGOs they visit that the children have poor oral hygiene and some do not even own a toothbrush.
“However, it is fulfilling to know that once we visit a facility, we leave at least a child or more with tools that can boost their confidence for life,” said Nduli.
“By following proper brushing techniques and routine, one would need not to visit a dentist to get their teeth washed, because they would have been doing it right from a young age.”
The oral hygiene coaching offered by the ANDSA is not only limited to schools but the coaching is also extended to old-age homes, crèches, orphanage homes and any other facilities identified by Ekurhuleni Social workers that care for the underprivileged.
During the visits, Nduli and the team demonstrates effective tooth brushing at home for children as young as two years and give away toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and mouth wash.
“Among the most important things parents need to be cognizant of is to ensure the tooth brush and paste is suitable for their child’s age as a rough brush damages one’s gums and adult toothpaste given to a child threatens to damage the enamel of their teeth,” said Nduli.
“This can be done by paying attention to the age stipulated on the toothpaste and brush packages.
The MMC for Community Services Dora Mlambo said poor oral hygiene can be a hidden addition to poor self-confidence.
“This can be prevented among young and old Ekurhuleni residents who we encourage to make use of the dental health services offered for free at clinics across the City of Ekurhuleni.”
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