The way we brush our teeth and how we treat them are important factors in ensuring healthy oral hygiene. By prioritising oral care, we can prevent numerous oral diseases in the long run.
Elevating Oral Health
Oral hygiene is important. The first-ever National Oral Health Policy was approved by the Malaysian Cabinet on May 18, 2022. It aims to improve the oral health status and quality of life for Malaysians by collaborating with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The government believes that proper oral health maintenance should be ingrained in society as a way of life. Platforms such as social media and mainstream media play significant roles in educating the public about oral health issues.
Sharing statistics, SEGI University’s Faculty of Dentistry Senior Lecturer, Dr Bennete Fernandes, disclosed that there is a significant prevalence of periodontal conditions among adults in Malaysia, with 94 per cent affected.
“Assessment of their treatment needs found that 54.1 per cent of adults required treatment for dental caries, and 87.2 per cent required periodontal treatment,” she said.
The same study also indicated that nearly everyone (98.3 per cent) needed oral healthcare in the past year, yet less than one-third of adults utilised oral healthcare services during that time.
Meanwhile, a cross-sectional study published in 2023 revealed that ethnicity, income level, and education level were factors linked with oral healthcare-seeking behaviours among Malaysian individuals, both from urban and rural settings, who self-reported dental problems.
“The overall prevalence of Malaysian adults who self-reported dental problems was low (5.5 per cent) and was slightly higher in the rural population compared with the urban population,” she said.
Oral hygiene awareness
Speaking to Ashley Leow, manager of the dental brand Curaprox Malaysia, oral hygiene refers to the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It involves regular brushing, flossing, and other oral care practices.
“Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Oral health is linked to systemic health, with research suggesting connections between oral diseases and conditions like heart disease and diabetes,” said Leow.
Though it is important to maintain oral hygiene as it is essential for overall health and wellbeing, it isn’t solely about the cleanliness of the teeth; it’s also influenced by lifestyle choices.
Giving an example, Leow shared that a person may diligently brush their teeth three times a day, but can still struggle with poor oral hygiene due to habits like smoking, which leads to yellowing of the teeth.
“Upholding good oral hygiene not only enhances confidence but also contributes to mental wellbeing, as it significantly impacts one’s appearance and self-esteem,” he added.
To maintain good oral hygiene, brush the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use mouthwash, and maintain a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods.
Leow also emphasised that regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for detecting and preventing oral health issues.
“Dentists can detect early signs of dental problems, provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and offer personalised advice for improving oral hygiene practices.”
Common dental issues
Among the many dental issues that could occur, the most common ones, according to Leow, are cavities, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.
To prevent these issues, Leow said that practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding sugary and acidic foods can help.
“Not only that, one can try to limit snacking between meals, and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings as a means to prevent dental issues.”
But that is just the surface of dental hygiene. Leow disclosed that one important aspect of oral hygiene that is often overlooked is cleaning the sulcus.
The sulcus — the gum line, which is the groove between the teeth and the gums, is often forgotten during the process of brushing teeth.
According to Leow, this is mainly because standard toothbrushes have a rough surface; therefore, many don’t think that brushing the gum lines would be a good thing.
“And this is why choosing the right toothbrush plays a pivotal role in oral hygiene. A soft and delicate toothbrush helps to remove any plaque as well as massages the gums at the same time,” he said.
He also advised consumers to use the right interdental brush size prescribed by the dentist.
“This is because an interdental brush can remove plaque from the concave area of posterior teeth.”
Embedding good oral care practices in children
Good oral hygiene starts from a young age. When children are instilled with good oral care habits early on, they can establish a regular yet enjoyable routine.
“It is important to instil good oral care habits in children from a young age by teaching them proper brushing and flossing techniques, providing them with suitable and safe oral care products such as soft-bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, and making dental visits a positive experience,” said Leow.
By making teeth brushing enjoyable for both parent and child, it can ensure a consistent habit.
“One effective way to achieve this is by creating a positive atmosphere in the bathroom. For instance, we can incorporate my child’s favourite music or introduce fun routines like morning dances while brushing.
“Another idea is to add a theme to our brushing sessions, which can make the experience more engaging and enjoyable,” he said.
Leow also mentioned that children tend to perform better when they have control over their actions. For instance, allowing a child to choose their own toothbrush or toothpaste flavour increases the likelihood of regular use compared to when the items are chosen for them.
“Also, if parents maintain a healthy brushing routine themselves, their children are more likely to follow suit. For many adults, reluctance to brush stems from childhood experiences, such as being forced to use unpleasant, harsh substances by their parents, and never followed their own rules.”
He emphasised that creating a loving, caring, and nurturing atmosphere for children to brush their teeth can significantly improve their dental health in adulthood.
About Curaprox
Curaprox is a renowned oral care brand known for its innovative and high-quality dental products. With a history spanning several decades, Curaprox has been dedicated to promoting optimal oral health through advanced technology and scientific research.
Curaprox products are designed to provide effective and gentle oral care solutions. From toothbrushes with ultra-soft bristles to toothpaste formulated with enamel-strengthening ingredients, Curaprox products prioritise both cleanliness and comfort, ensuring a thorough yet gentle cleaning experience for users.
