‘Don’t neglect your dental hygiene,’ Dr Rahul advises on Oral Health Month
D. Rahul Gathiram, dental director of Netcare Medicross, cautions that neglecting oral care can lead to severe healthcare issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Good oral health is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too early or too late to take it seriously. As September marks Oral Health Month and spring begins in South Africa, Netcare Sunninghill reminds us that dental health is crucial for overall well-being.
“Neglecting oral care is not just risking cavities and gum disease – poor dental hygiene can potentially open the door to severe healthcare issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections,” cautions Dr Rahul Gathiram, dental director of Netcare Medicross.
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“It is important to celebrate the arrival of your child’s first tooth, which usually happens around six months of age and, in most cases, is a lower central incisor tooth. This is the ideal time to introduce a brushing routine using a soft toothbrush and a tiny bit of infant toothpaste,” encourages Dr Gathiram.
He advises parents to begin familiarising their children with the dentist as early as six months after the first tooth has pushed through, as tooth decay can occur anytime.
To avoid tooth decay as a result of bottle feeding and teeth misalignment due to sucking, he said try to wean your baby off of the bottle by one year of age and monitor excessive sucking of pacifiers, fingers and thumbs.
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“Try to avoid giving your child a bottle of milk at naptime or bedtime, and never give them juice or sweetened liquid at that time. Bringing your child to the dentist early lays the foundations for a lifetime of good oral care habits and helps them get used to the dentist’s rooms, making for stress-free visits in the future.
“Ultimately, children with healthy teeth can usually chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, smile confidently and retain their teeth to a ripe old age if they continue to practise good oral and dental care.”
He said it is important to note that the timing of tooth eruption can vary for everyone. “So do not be overly concerned if your little one takes a bit longer to get their first tooth. Remember, baby teeth are placement holders for adult teeth. So, limiting sugary snacks and drinks is important to prevent early tooth decay.”
Dr. Gathiram said regular dental check-ups from an early age help prevent problems like tooth decay and malocclusion.
For infants, he advises parents to consider cleaning their baby’s gums before the first tooth erupts as prevents bacterial buildup.
He encourage twice-daily brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits to support strong teeth and gums.
In adulthood, maintain good oral hygiene habits, and be aware of lifestyle choices’ impact on oral health.
“The use of tobacco can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Consuming sugary drinks and snacks can result in enamel erosion and cavities.
“In older age, stay vigilant for dental issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Regular visits to your dentist are essential as they can help you navigate the unique challenges of oral health in your golden years. Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamins to support oral health.”
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