SWAN Hill District Health’s dental team want to shine the spotlight on the burden carried by oral diseases and the actions that can be taken to prevent and control them.
World Oral Health Day was marked on March 20.
It is important to maintain a healthy mouth at all ages because it plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of us all.
The team urged people to make the best decisions for their mouths and practice a good oral hygiene routine, visit the dentist regularly and eat a balanced diet.
Bad oral health affects everyday function and although most oral diseases were preventable, it was estimated that 3.5 billion people were managing an oral disease.
This year’s campaign theme focused on the importance of caring for your mouth at every stage of life and called upon people to “look after your oral health for a lifetime of smiles”.
Caring for your mouth and looking after your oral health remained important no matter your age, so SHDH pulled together some information for age groups providing facts and advice on actions you can take now towards better oral and dental health.
Good dental and oral health is possible for everyone. Contact the dental team on 5033 9336.
ORAL HEALTH FOR EVERYONE
Babies and toddlers
It is important to start protecting a child’s mouth as soon as they are born:
• Gently wipe gums with a clean, moist washcloth especially after feeding and before bed.
• Ensure feeding bottles are not filled with fruit juice, sugary drinks or sugared/flavoured milk or water.
• Begin regular visits to the dentist or as soon as the first tooth comes through.
• Try to wean your child off of their dummy by the time they are 2.5 years old.
Children and teenagers
It’s never too early to establish and encourage good oral habits and it’s up to parents/caregivers to lead the way:
• Encourage twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Visit dentist regularly to check teeth are growing correctly and gums are healthy.
• Encourage healthy food and drink options.
• Protect teeth during contact sports by wearing a mouthguard.
Adults
We use our mouth a variety of ways every single day and a healthy mouth can make life more enjoyable:
• Brush for two minutes two times per day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Visit the dentist regularly to stay on top of your dental and gum health.
• Eat a well-balanced diet low in sugar and high in fruit and vegetables.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
• Use protective equipment when playing contact sports to reduce the risk of injury.
Seniors
By better understanding the oral health risks associated with aging and taking preventative action you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.
Ensuring good oral hygiene, adequate nutrition and regular visits to the dentist will help you:
• Avoid pain and infection.
• Avoid falls.
• Enjoy a healthy and diverse range of foods.
• Avoid dry mouth issues.
