Just like hair is our crowning glory, our teeth is the advocate to a greater smile. To ensure this happens, you have to take good care of it. Quoting the author of Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums, Nadine Artemis she said, “teeth are alive, and given the proper environment, they can regenerate; this is why internal factor that nourish the teeth are so important.”
Cover image via pathways.org
While the alarming rate of cavities in adults are constantly discussed, more needs to be said about the prevalence of cavities in children. A study by the Health Ministry of Malaysia found that 70% of children encounter dental caries. This figure increases to 76% in 5 year old’s who experience caries 2 , placing children in the high-risk group.
With bad care of your children’s teeth or your own, it could affect a person’s self-esteem, social development, sleep quality, eating style, as well as school participation.
Image via The Star Online
The main part of an effective oral health regime is the type of products used, and consumers need to be aware of the function that ingredients play in the toothpaste. There are 3 key ingredients that help combat caries and cavities effectively:
- Arginine, which provides nutrition for caries-fighting bacteria, weakens the effects of harmful bacteria, and shifts the bacterial composition to a healthier community. It feeds the good bacteria, making them stronger, while weakening bad bacteria to fight their harmful activity.
- Fluoride, which helps prevent mineral loss, and keeps teeth strong.
- Calcium, which naturally replenishes an essential mineral found in teeth.
In conjunction with World Cavity-Free Future Day 2019 (WCFFD 2019), Colgate and The Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF) have joined forces to launch an infographic to raise awareness on dental caries and cavities in Malaysia. Their mutual goal is to eradicate cavities in children.
In fact, it has been shown that caries can occur in children as young as 1 year old. Malaysian children aged 5 years and below have an average of 8 milk teeth inflicted with cavities 3 . It is time that we place more emphasis on the right steps to eradicate the most common chronic, and largely preventable disease in the world,” said Prof. Dr. Rahimah Abdul Kadir, Chairman, The Alliance for A Cavity Free Future (ACFF) – Malaysia Chapter.
Individuals must also commit to proper oral health maintenance, and adhere to a routine to remain cavity-free, such as brushing teeth for two minutes, flossing, and using mouthwash, twice a day; replacing one’s toothbrush every three months; and regular visits to the dentist.