Oman dental care: Caring for your mouth? Here's what you need to know

Good oral health can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits. From greater self-confidence to better opportunities in careers and relationships, a healthy smile can truly transform your visual appearance. There are certain ‘must-dos’ in caring for your mouth which while many might do as default, is important to stress to others who might be missing the benefits of some simple daily care:

1. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with fluoride toothpaste.

2. Clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or floss.

3. To check if you have bad breath lick your wrist, let it dry and give it a sniff. If it smells, your breath probably does too.

4. If you use mouthwash don’t use it directly after brushing as you rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

5. Quit smoking to help reduce the chances of tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases — mouth cancer.

6. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride; it helps strengthen tooth enamel making it more resistant to decay.

7. Change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if it becomes worn out.

8. Whether you realise it or not, what and when you eat also affects your oral health.

9. Chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking, especially sugary foods, to help protect your teeth and gums in between meals.

10. Wait an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing as then enamel will be softened and you could be brushing away tiny particles.

11. A varied diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit, and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease.

12. Finishing a meal with a cube of cheese is great and a tasty way to reduce the effect of acids from other food damaging your teeth.

13. Avoid snacking and try to only have sugary foods and drinks at mealtimes, reducing the time your teeth come under attack.

14. If you have a sweet tooth try to choose sugar-free sweets and drinks which contain xylitol.

These routine habits will go a long way in maintaining the health of your teeth. We also recommend visiting your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, make sure they are aware of why so they can improve your treatment. You can also try to overcome dental anxiety by taking a friend with you for support or by listening to music to help you relax.

Dr Dinesh Gopal (BDS, MDS, MOS RCS, FDS RCS) is Consultant Oral Maxillofacial and Implantologist at Wassan Specialty Dental Center