Oral hygiene is important for general health. It helps us to bite, smile, chew and speak. Professionals advise that you get your teeth checked by a qualified dentist every six months. However, most people only visit the dentist when they experience pain. Our mouth is a part of the body and improper care can lead to many other general health problems. Research indicates that a sign of head and neck cancer could be an ulcer which develops in the mouth and does not heal within 14 days. We speak to Dr Surinder Arora, a qualified dentist, on her expert advice on dental hygiene tips for a healthy and beautiful smile.

Q: What is the basic treatment to maintain healthy teeth?

To maintain healthy teeth, your diet and nutrition are very important. Secondary to this is oral hygiene – keeping your teeth and gums clean.

Q: Does mouthwash really help?

Conventional mouthwashes usually contain chemicals that studies show to support your oral health. The dental profession recommends using mouthwash that does not contain alcohol. There are also alternatives to a chemical mouthwash that can be used.

Q: Is chewing on ice bad for the teeth?

Chewing or crunching on ice can certainly crack the teeth and is not advisable.

Dr Surinder Arora

Q: Does flossing cause gaps between teeth?

Flossing does not cause gaps between teeth. However, poor oral hygiene does.

Q: Are braces a temporary solution for misaligned teeth?

Braces are useful in correcting the position of the teeth but retainers (a device to keep the teeth in place) are usually required as the final position is not stable. There are also other therapies that can be considered to utilise the tongue and muscles of the mouth to aid breathing and to gain a more stable position of the teeth.

Q: How do I prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and other dental problems?

Dental nutrition and oral hygiene are fundamental to preventing dental cavities and gum disease. A well-balanced whole foods diet with essential vitamins and minerals as well as being low in refined sugars and flours are essential. Brushing and cleaning in between the teeth are also important habits in preventing oral disease.

Dr. Surinder Arora carrying out a dental check-up at an outreach volunteering event

Q: How can we reduce teeth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can have a variety of causes. General prevention, managing tooth grinding and not brushing so hard around the gum line can help reduce sensitivity. Sensitivity can also be caused due to undiagnosed disease – see a dentist if you’re not sure.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a dentist?

All qualified dentists will have gone through the necessary training to perform general dentistry. I tend to look out for a health care professional who listens to my needs and explains what needs to be done and why. For me, I need to trust the person and know that they have my best interests at heart.

Q: In your opinion, what do perfect teeth look like?

Perfection, like beauty,is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone is designed differently and uniquely and thus what society dictates is ‘perfect’ for one, may not be ‘perfect’ for another.

Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth healthy and also allows your dentist to keep an eye on bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and other developments that may point to other health issues. A dentist may also ask questions about diet, oral hygiene, growth and development and also improper jaw alignment. Ensure that you provide your dentist with a complete medical history and also inform them of any recent health issues even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.

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Photo Credits: Dr Surinder Arora, Your Health, Protect Teeth and Shutterstock