It is time to brush up your teeth.
People are advised to keep their teeth clean as part of the September’s National Oral Health Month.
Ivo Health Oral Hygiene adviser Dirna Grobbelaar said most people suffer from gum disease because they don’t brush their teeth correctly.
She said, “The disease is a most common health problem worldwide and affects 90 per cent of South Africans.”
Grobbelaar said according to the results from Sunstar Gum’s Kiss-O-Meter, which suggests that many people should improve their oral hygiene routine: more than a third brush their teeth once a day or less and more than two-thirds never or infrequently floss.
Grobbelaar said bad breath and bleeding gums are the most common signs of an infected mouth.
“When plaque and tartar is left on the teeth, the bacteria present irritate the gums, causing an immune response.
The body sends blood to the affected gums which may bleed when brushing, flossing or even eating,” said Grobbelaar.
She said for those showing signs of gum disease, she would recommend that they visit dentists or an oral hygienist as soon as possible.
She also advises people to brush correctly for a full two minutes at least twice daily, use a soft brush, and to not brush hard as this can further damage the gums.
“Rinse regularly with lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda – which has anti-bacterial properties,” said Grobbelaar.
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