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Keep smiling: Regular
brushing and flossing is recommended as is avoidance of sugar
and acid drinks. Lots of water and plenty of fresh fruit and
vegetables will help not only your teeth but your general well-being.
Photo by LS Yuri Ramsey |
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For many of the older generation, a trip to the dentist used to be an
unpleasant experience to be avoided where possible.
Thanks to improvements in equipment, materials and techniques, also with
the benefit of having fluoride added to the drinking water in most cities,
a visit to the dentist is no longer dreaded.
That’s not to say that people today are immune to cavities and toothaches.
Bad oral hygiene and trauma can still cause you pain and hurt your general
well-being.
Researchers are now finding strong associations between periodontal disease,
commonly known as “gum disease”, and a number of health problems,
including increased risk of heart disease and risk of low birth weight
in newborns.
So what can you do about it? Simple. Prevention is better than cure.
A strategy for success
For the ADF population, the general approach to preventing dental disease
is given in ADFP 1.2.2.
Maintain dental readiness
Ensure that you have regular dental check-ups. This is an essential part
of the preventive strategy by detecting dental diseases early when they
can be easily fixed.
For ADF personnel, this is part of the requirement for individual readiness
as outlined in DI(G) Pers 36-2.
If you are Dental Class 3 or 4, or have not had a check up in the past
12 months, you are not dentally fit and should ensure you have made a
booking with your dentist.
Any outstanding treatment should be attended to promptly.
If you have any dental problems, consult your local dental facility for
assessment.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Nothing new here. Brushing and flossing regularly is your best defence
against painful and costly dental treatment. It is recommended that you
use fluoride toothpaste with a toothbrush with a soft bristle and small
head.
Flossing makes brushing more effective and significantly reduces the risk
of developing decay between the teeth and in developing gum disease. Waxed
dental tape should be used on at least a daily basis
Maintain a healthy diet
Sugar and acids are the two things in your diet that will cause you dental
problems.
Sugar will aid the growth of dental bacterial plaque, which will lead
to the development of dental decay.
Increasingly, acids are causing problems such as dental erosion, which
can develop slowly but results in extensive and complex treatment to correct.
Sources of acids that can be damaging to your teeth include such things
as sports drinks, soft drinks, cordials and white wines.
Saliva protects your teeth against both acid attack and decay. Make sure
you maintain good hydration with plain water, especially in hot weather
and after physical activity.
It is recommended that you only ever fill your Camelbak with plain water.
Mouthguards
The ADF will provide professionally made, custom-fitted sports mouthguards
to entitled personnel.
These mouthguards provide excellent protection against trauma and are
far superior to the “boil and bite” types available in sports
stores.
Mouthguards aren’t just for sports. There are a number of tasks or
activities within Defence where the use of a mouthguard may be worthwhile.
Don’t misuse your teeth
Don’t open bottles, packets, strip wire or hold tools with your teeth.
If you do damage your teeth at work or while undertaking an approved sports
activity, ensure you complete an AC563 form and have a dentist review
your problem as soon as possible.
Take care
The ADF is highly regarded within the dental profession as providing quality
dental care and maintaining a high level of oral health.
Your dentist plays a small but important part in the maintenance of your
oral health.
Your personal oral hygiene routine is equally important.
Brush, floss, think low sugar, think low acid and drink plenty of water.
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