Oral care keeps tooth decay at Richards Bay

In a bid to combat two of the world’s most common diseases – tooth decay and gum disease – dental professionals agree that effective cleaning between the teeth is essential, in addition to twice daily brushing.

In light of National Oral Health Month, President of the Oral Hygienists’ Association of South Africa (OHASA), Angelique Kerney, said these two most common diseases can easily be prevented with effective oral care.

‘Brushing alone does not remove plaque from hard to reach places, such as between the teeth, which is where gingivitis, commonly called gum disease, usually starts.

‘Floss and other inter-dental tools can work well when used correctly.

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‘My patients who have started cleaning in-between regularly, have experienced a great improvement in their mouths with less, or no bleeding, fresher breath and cleaner teeth.’

Spacing between teeth, overlapping teeth, bridges, implants, orthodontics, even the shape of the teeth play a role.

People with slightly bigger spaces between the teeth may find an inter-dental brush or dental picks will work better than floss.

According to dental professionals, one of the biggest problems with flossing is compliance; only about a third of South Africans say they floss or clean in-between on a daily basis.

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