(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
FEBRUARY is Dental Health Month.
This week, dentists from all over the country meet in Boracay Island for the annual Philippine Dental Association (PDA) convention.
The conference emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing – daily tasks that dentists insist are non-negotiable.
Good oral health habits are important. In 2024, according to the PDA, seven out of 10 Filipinos (or 72 percent of the population) have tooth decay.
PDA dentists recommend that good dental habits should be part of the daily health routines that we should not take for granted. This is to prevent issues such as cavities and gum disease.
The Department of Health also encourages children to adopt these practices early, highlighting the long-term benefits of good oral health habits such as visiting the dentist regularly and brushing the teeth (these also apply to adults).
Brushing and flossing, for example, prevent the accumulation of plaque on the teeth surface which could cause tooth decay.
The proper way to brush the teeth is to cover as much as possible all the surface of the teeth.
Brush at a 45-degree angle. Up and down, and not sideways; the latter irritate the gums, causing the edges to move up and expose more teeth surface to abrasion.
Flossing is also essential to healthy teeth. Daily flossing removes plaques and food particles from the areas in between each tooth and below the gumline that cannot be reached by the conventional toothbrush.
What is left out in places not reached by the toothbrush are food particles that encourage the growth of bacteria which in turn could cause gum diseases.
Stop smoking which darkens teeth and may compromise healthy gums.
Avoid grinding, clenching and gnashing teeth at night. Called bruxism, the habit can cause injury and infection to the upper part of the gums. If it’s unavoidable, wear a mouth guard at night.
Use a mouthwash to disinfect and rid any remaining bacteria in the mouth.
Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, eggs, pulses, fish, and milk. Avoid processed and sugar-rich foods that encourage the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
Visit your friendly dentist regularly, and not just when you have dental health issues. Regular dental cleaning, for example, is advisable.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
