September is Oral Health Month in Singapore – it is a good reminder to all of us about the importance of having good oral health.
According to a Health Promotion Board survey in 2003, 85% of Singaporean adults aged 20 and above have experienced gum problems. In another study conducted in 2005, over 90% of the 474 adults surveyed had some form of gum disease.
Healthy gums and teeth not only make you look more attractive, they also increase your self confidence and more importantly, enhance your overall health.
Prevention is always better than cure. Keeping your gums healthy is relatively easy… without the need to incur significant cost.
For those who already have healthy gums and teeth, and who wish to maintain this good status:
- Continue your regular twice yearly visits to the dentist to ensure that any gum or teeth problems are detected early, and ensure that your teeth have a thorough cleaning;
- Keep up the good habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled brush;
- Floss your teeth regularly; and
- Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth, where possible, after consuming sweet, sticky or acidic food or drinking carbonated drinks.
For those who have not seen a dentist in years, or who are experiencing bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums or loose teeth, please see a dentist or a periodontist (gum specialist) as soon as possible to ensure that your dental condition receives timely attention.
You can also visit the Specialist Dental Group website to find out more about gum treatment solutions.
