Dental Health Week
Good oral hygiene is necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. This involves effective, mechanical removal of bacterial plaque from the teeth and from between the teeth every day. Maintain good oral health by eating a variety of nutritious foods, drinking plenty of tap water and maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing, flossing and regular dental check ups.
The five most important things you can do to maintain good oral health:
• Eat well - eating a wide variety of foods is important. Choose fresh fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packaged foods that are high in sugar/fat. If you eat sugary foods and sweets, limit their intake especially between meals.
• Drink well - An adequate intake of fluids is important at all ages and what you drink can affect your oral health. Drink plenty of tap water especially fluoridated asitis always the preferred drink rather than sweet or fizzy drinks. Milk is also an important drink and is a great source of calcium. Milk is also preferable to sugary drinks.
• Clean well - oral hygiene is important to help reduce the likelihood of gum disease and dental caries decay. It can be maintained through brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.
• Play well - when playing contact sport where there is risk the mouth may be knocked or injured, it is important to wear a professionally fitted mouth guard, full-faced helmet or face guard for training and playing.
• Stay well - encourage healthy habits from an early age. These include habits that maintain good oral health such as tooth brushing, flossing, a nutritious diet and protection of face from the sun.
(Source: Australian Dental Association)
Jenny Hill
College Nurse
