Blog Posts
Saving kids’ teeth
The Dental Wellness Trust Up to 80% of children in South Africa have tooth decay before the age of six, which is perhaps not surprising with the combination of extremely high sugar consumption and limited access to dental care. Many people do not have basic oral care tools; it’s not unheard of for a whole family to share one toothbrush. The Dental Wellness Trust Foundation is on a mission to improve oral health around the world. The registered charity is based in London, but making a difference in South Africa, the UK and other countries. Dentist Dr Linda Greenwall, who is originally from South Africa, founded the dynamic non-profit organisation in 2011, to provide innovative oral health education programmes and treatment for children and vulnerable adults. “We believe everyone has the right to access oral healthcare, and enjoy a life of dignity, free from pain,” she says….
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Cleaning the tongue – a dummies guide
For fresh breath and a healthy mouth dental professionals recommend cleaning the tongue every day as part of an effective oral hygiene routine. Here’s how to clean the tongue in 7 simple steps: Ideally, use a tool specially designed for cleaning the tongue like the Sunstar GUM Tongue Cleaner. If you don’t have one, use your toothbrush or a metal teaspoon turned upside down. Clean your tongue each time you brush your teeth (twice a day), especially if you smoke or suffer from post-nasal drip. Gently scrape from as far back as you can without gagging, to the front of the tongue. Breathing out as your clean the back of the tongue helps prevent gagging. Rinse the tool between each swipe. Gargle with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash. Clean the tongue before or after brushing and flossing – whichever you prefer. Cleaning the tongue at night can help prevent ‘morning…
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Treat your tongue to a #FreshBreathFix
Rather than getting in a twist about smelly breath, treat your tongue to a fresh breath fix. For when it comes to bad breath, experts agree that the tongue is often the culprit. “We recommend tongue scraping as part of a regular oral care routine,” says Stella Lamprecht, President of the Oral Hygienists’ Association of South Africa. “The surface of the tongue has tiny grooves where bacteria and plaque can accumulate. Removing the bacteria and debris on the tongue is one of the simplest ways to ensure fresh breath and a healthy mouth. Everyone, from children to older people, should incorporate it into their oral care on a daily basis. Cleaning the tongue at night can help prevent ‘morning’ breath.” “Ideally use a tool specially designed for the job like the Sunstar GUM Tongue Cleaner,” says Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor. “Alternatively, use your toothbrush or a…
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