The Dentist Is In

If there is one thing I'm very strict about in our household, it's about maintaining good oral hygiene. As evident in the photo above, K and the hubby are blessed with a nice set of teeth and healthy gums. I always tell nag them to take good care of their "asset". 

Revelation: I am a licensed dentist in my home country but I have not been practicing my profession since I moved to Singapore a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, I play as my family's personal dentist at home. Upon reaching home from work everyday, I put on the invisible door sign that says; The Dentist Is In.

Here's the usual scenario at home before bed time:

Me: Here's your warm milk sweetie! It's good for your teeth and bones.

K: Thank you, Mommy! You make the best milk in the world! I looooove you! *hugs me* (She has to say and do that partly because she doesn't want to move her butt and go to the kitchen to make her own milk. LOL.) 

Me: You are welcome, sweetie! You know what to do after drinking your milk.

K: Yes, Mom! Brush my teeth thoroughly and floss. 

Me: Good. Let me check your teeth after flossing, okay? If you don't pass the inspection, you'll have to brush your teeth and floss again. (Yes, I am super strict like that. LOL)

K: Ooooookaaaaaaaaay. *said lazily* 

Me: Someday you will thank me, sweetie! You don't want to loose any of your permanent teeth, do you?

K: Nooooooooo! I want to keep all my teeth. I can't imagine myself without a front tooth when I grow older. 

Me: Great! Then you better do a good job in brushing and flossing, okay?

K: Yes, Mommy dentist! *said with enthusiasm and smiles sweetly with matching twinkling eyes and dancing curly lashes*

Healthy Gums + Healthy Teeth = Healthy You

Just for today, please allow me to be your dentist as well. Let me share with you on how proper gum care can lead to healthy gums and healthier you. Here are some FAQs:

Q: Why is "gum care" important to everyone?

A: By properly taking care of your gums, you can expect lower incidence of gum disease, better oral and general health, and healthier and more beautiful smile. 

Q: What is gum disease?

A: Gum disease is an infection of the gums, supporting tissues and bones which hold the teeth. It is caused by the build up dental plaque (a filmy deposit on the surface of a tooth consisting of a mixture bacteria, bits of food and saliva) around the gums. If left untreated, it produces toxins, causing red and swollen gums which lead to gum disease.

Q: What is the impact of gum disease on general health?

A: Gum disease is a risk factor that can trigger other health ailments.

Cerebrovascular (Stroke) - 2.8 x higher possibility
A new study of fatty deposits lodged in the carotid arteries of stroke sufferers shown that, if the gums are inflamed, up to 40% of the bacteria that cause the deposits comes from the mouth!

Cardiovascular Disease - 3.1 x higher possibility
Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream when the gums are inflamed. They can get mixed up with blood-clotting cells called platelets. These clumps of cells and bacteria can lodge inside the walls of the blood vessels causing heart-stopping clots to form. These clots lead to heart disease.

Diabetes - 6.1 x higher possibility
The presence of any gum inflammation can make it much more difficult for a diabetic to control their blood sugar. Elimination of any gum inflammation can directly improve diabetic control.

Pre-term births - 7.9 x higher possibility
Women with gum disease are seven to eight times more likely to give birth prematurely to low birth weight infants. Researchers believe that low grade gum inflammation causes the body to release inflammatory chemicals which are linked to pre-term birth.


Studies proved that gum disease:

• contributes to the development of heart disease
• increases the risk of stroke
• can pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes
• increases a pregnant woman's risk of having pre-term births

For your ease of understanding, please refer to above illustration about the Stages of Gum Disease. Furthermore, another frequently asked question is this: My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Is it normal? You can find the answer here.

You may want to start using Systema, the Gum Care Expert. Using advanced dental technology from LION - Japan's No.1 Oral Care Company, Systema Complete Gum Care System helps you build a strong foundation with its patented super-tapered soft and slim toothbrush (my family have been using it for more than a year now and we all love it because it is so gentle to the gums and it cleans the teeth thoroughly and effectively), gum care toothpaste (proven 4x better in helping to prevent gum problems), gum care mouthwash (its alcohol free formulation with Triple Impact Protection helps to prevent gum problems), and interdental brush and gel (helps removes  up to 95% of plaque between teeth and gums when used together with toothbrushing, it is highly recommended to people with wide interdental spaces, those wearing braces and bridges).

Click here for complete information about Systema Complete Gum Care System. 

PS.

Remember these basic things about oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth after meals (at least 2-3x a day). If you love snacking, rinse your mouth with water after munching on finger foods.
• Avoid eating sweets. If you can't help it, drink plenty of water afterwards and brush if you must. 
• Floss your teeth after tooth brushing. It will help prevent the build up of dental plaque in between your teeth and underneath you gums.
• Visit a dentist at least twice a year for a dental check up and regular dental prophylaxis (professional cleaning). 
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months or as and when necessary. If the bristles flare in less than 3 months, you must consider buying a new toothbrush. I highly recommend (disclaimer: I wasn't paid to do so) Systema soft toothbrush. Most dentists recommend using toothbrush with soft bristles. Remember this: soft doesn't necessarily mean inefficient.

Here's the handsome Elvin Ng with his secret to a healthy and beautiful smile. Enjoy the video and have a better understanding why you need to have a strong foundation for your oral health.