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Health For Mzansi

Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game

The state of your teeth and breath are dead giveaways when it comes to your daily oral hygiene habits. A dentist weighs in and urges people to pop in for a visit sooner rather than later

by Vateka Halile
21st July 2023
in My Health
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game

Oral hygiene encompasses more than simply brushing your teeth. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

There’s nothing worse than having a chat with someone with bad breath and rotten teeth. So, don’t be that person everyone avoids because of bad oral hygiene. Although your dentist can repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or gum disease, it is always better to prevent these problems from manifesting in the first place.

Good oral hygiene is essential in maintaining overall dental health. It provides numerous benefits, such as healthier teeth and gums, a more enticing smile, and fresher breath. However, people don’t change their toothbrush often or brush their teeth, which can create lots of problems.

Care for sensitive teeth

Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game
Yonela Makinana says that her sensitive teeth require special attention. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

Yonela Makinana, from Springs, KwaThema in Gauteng, says she learned in elementary school to clean her teeth when she wakes up, before breakfast, and in the evening before going to bed, which she has kept with her till today.

“Because of my sensitive teeth, I then use warm water to rinse my teeth and mouth, as well as my toothbrush.”

She claims that because she uses warm water, her toothbrushes don’t last long; in a year, she can buy or use three or four toothbrushes.

“I don’t count on when to change my toothbrush; I change it when the brush brittles and loses its shape, or when it hurts my gums.”

Yonela Makinana

 

Nothing worse than a stinky breath!

Mivuyo Malo, from eMaHlubini village in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, expresses her strong aversion to having bad breath. In that regard, she utilises a range of oral care products, including toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

“To maintain fresh breath and a clean tongue, I follow a few practices. First, I avoid eating hot food and opt for warm meals instead. Additionally, I make sure to brush my teeth and tongue regularly.”

Mivuyo Malo
Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game
Malo employs a variety of dental care practices to maintain good oral hygiene. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

Malo points out that certain foods can contribute to poor oral hygiene. If someone goes to bed without brushing their teeth, the strong aroma of foods like garlic and ginger can lead to bad breath and tooth decay due to the presence of food particles.

“I prefer to use cold water. I believe that using warm water can negatively affect the quality of a toothbrush.”

She says that chewing gum is also useful when she eats anything like chocolates or flour-based foods to help clear the food out.

What does proper dental hygiene look like?

According to Dr Mohamed Mayet of Athlone, Cape Town, the mouth is a vital functional organ related to the digestive system through the mastication of food facilitated by saliva production.

“It is also connected to the trachea as part of the respiratory process. Other functions include breathing and speech.”

Mayet emphasises the importance of brushing the teeth, gingiva (gums), and tongue, among other adjacent structures, with a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride-containing toothpaste, particularly in the Western Cape, where the fluoride content of the water supply is low.

“At least once a day, these structures should be brushed in a circular motion, rinsing with lukewarm water.”

Toothbrush care

He recommends that a toothbrush may be used for up to a year and should be well-cleaned with warm water.

“To avoid contact with insects and microorganisms, keep toothbrushes covered.”

Dr Mohamed Mayet

“A toothbrush should not be shared with anyone because it can alter the normal oral bacterial flora, introducing pathogens and resulting in infection.”

You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don’t have mouthwash, you can use two teaspoons of baking soda mixed into one cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.

Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game
A toothbrush soaked in a solution of white vinegar, water and baking soda solution. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

Brush this way

If you’ve been battling bad breath without results, it might be due to your routine, or your health is screaming for help.

Some oral health issues, according to Mayet, cannot be resolved with toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

The easy procedures below will help you reduce bad breath by reducing bacteria buildup. Don’t only concentrate on your teeth, he says.

Banish that bad breath and up your oral hygiene game
Dr Mohamed Mayet is a dentist who practices in Athlone, Cape Town.

“Remember to pay attention to the tongue because it may be loaded with decaying food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.”

Drinking enough water and washing away food particles is a basic step towards good dental hygiene. However, if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently, he recommends.

“Preventive dentistry is less expensive than restorative or emergency dentistry. In the long run, effective dental hygiene may save you time, concern, and money.”

People with gum disease should see their dentist every three to four months. This is because oral bacteria proliferate more quickly in certain people.

“Ask your dentist about the best cleaning schedule for you.”

Regular dental appointments also assist your dentist in detecting and treating issues before they develop, says Mayet.

ALSO READ: HIV/Aids crusader Mnguni still fighting the fight

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Tags: Bad breathDental careOral hygiene
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers