Did you know that 9 in 10 Malaysian adults experience gum disease and tooth cavities?
According to the National Oral Health Survey of Malaysian Adults in 2010.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that two billion people have permanent teeth cavities, while 520 million children suffer from primary teeth cavities.
The good news is that it’s never too late to make small adjustments to your daily routine for better oral hygiene.
To help you answer every question you have about your teeth, healthcare company Haleon recently partnered with TV3 to come up with Helo Doktor Gigi, a weekly 10-minute segment, with every episode featuring dental experts and topics on oral care.
Here are some common questions Malaysians have about teeth:
If you’ve ever felt a jolt of discomfort after biting into an aiskrim potong or sipping a hot drink, it could be a sign of tooth sensitivity.
You may also experience a similar feeling when brushing your teeth or inhaling cold air.
Over-enthusiastic brushing
Tooth whitening products
Grinding your teeth
Tooth decay or injury
Recent dental procedure
Long-term usage of mouthwash
Receding gums caused by gum disease
What you can do:
Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste contains NOVAMIN, an active ingredient that builds a repairing layer over vulnerable areas of your teeth and can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Spin to find out! 👇🏻
Mouth infections
Poor dental hygiene
Dry Mouth
Smoking
Food like garlic and onions
What you can do:
Brush your teeth after eating
Stay hydrated
Adjust your lifestyle
Schedule regular dental checkups
Brush your tongue
Did
you
know?
A national oral health
survey found that 94% of Malaysians suffer from gum
disease,
woah!
According to Helo Doktor Gigi: Episode 5, gum disease may not be apparent in the early stages, which is why it’s often overlooked. However, if not addressed, it could lead to gingivitis (swollen gums that may bleed), or even periodontitis (where teeth may fall out).
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Over time, the bacteria in plaque can cause an infection, eventually leading to gum inflammation and eroding the tissue and bones that support your teeth.
Signs of gum disease:
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loss of teeth
What you can do:
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene, and you can do that by brushing your teeth twice a day using specialised toothpaste with fluoride that can address gum issues.
This helps to remove the plaque and bacteria in your teeth.
You are also advised to visit a dentist once every six months for a professional check up. If you face any signs of gum disease, do consult your dentist immediately.
According to Helo Doktor Gigi: Episode 1, one of the most common mistakes is that people do not brush their teeth carefully, often missing the tongue and back of their teeth.
Another mistake is brushing your teeth vigorously (or using a toothbrush that is too hard), which can wear down your gums and enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Instead, the proper way is to brush your teeth at a 45° angle, gently for two minutes, front and back, from the base to the tips of your teeth.
What you can do:
If you’re looking for a soft toothbrush, Sensodyne Deep Clean toothbrush is designed with micro filament bristles for effective cleaning.
You can also pair it with the Sensodyne Deep Clean toothpaste that relieves sensitivity and leaves a lasting sensation of freshness with foam boost technology.
Pick a method to clean your dentures! 👇🏻
According to Helo Doktor Gigi: Episode 3, a 2019 survey by GlaxoSmithKline found that almost half of denture and retainer users in Malaysia clean their oral devices with their toothbrush and toothpaste.
However, this is not a good method, because it, because this may leave scratches on your dentures and retainers, allowing plaque to form in those crevices.
Instead, the proper way is to use specialised cleansers for oral devices that will fully clean and remove any trace of bacteria, ensuring your teeth stay protected.
There you go, now you know a bit more about how to jaga your teeth properly, yay!
Watch the summary of all five episodes of Helo Doktor Gigi below:
If you’re looking for oral care products, Sensodyne has everything you need:
Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste
Sensodyne Deep Clean toothbrush
Sensodyne Deep Clean toothpaste