Bright, healthy teeth for a radiant smile.

A bright smile not only boosts confidence in communication but also reflects a person's oral health.

Doctors from the Department of Dentistry, Dong Nai General Hospital, perform oral health care procedures for patients. Photo: Hanh Dung

However, many people are still negligent in taking care of their oral health, leading to a number of dental problems.

Common oral diseases

Two months ago, Ms. NTTH (from Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province) began experiencing toothache symptoms. Due to work commitments and various other reasons, Ms. H. delayed visiting a medical facility for examination and treatment. Instead, whenever she felt toothache, Ms. H. would go to a pharmacy to buy painkillers.

A few days ago, unable to bear the pain any longer, Ms. H. went to Dong Nai General Hospital for examination. The results showed that two of her wisdom teeth were growing crookedly and had cavities, leading to prolonged pain. The doctor recommended extracting one wisdom tooth, and the other would be extracted later.

Ms. H. is not an isolated case. According to Dr. Ho Thi Hien, Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Dong Nai General Hospital, the department receives approximately 100 patients daily. Notably, two-thirds of them require procedures and surgeries such as: surgery for impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth; surgery for cysts, maxillofacial tumors, and maxillofacial trauma. In addition, doctors also receive many cases of gingivitis due to tartar buildup, cavities, and periodontitis.

Regarding tooth decay, Dr. Hien stated: The main causes are improper oral hygiene, consuming too much sugary food, the habit of drinking carbonated soft drinks, and smoking... Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque break down sugars and starches, producing acids that destroy tooth enamel. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress to the pulp, causing severe pain and even requiring tooth extraction.

Proper oral care

Mr. Le Thanh Dat (from Phuoc Thai commune, Dong Nai province) has two young children. Mr. Dat understands the importance of daily brushing but is unsure when and how to teach his children to brush their teeth correctly.

Regarding this matter, Dr. Ho Hien said: Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day, in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride to enhance enamel protection. Brush gently for 2-3 minutes in a vertical or circular motion to clean both teeth and gums.

Dentists recommend that people increase their intake of calcium- and vitamin-rich foods such as milk, fish, green vegetables, and fresh fruits to help strengthen teeth and improve gum health. Drinking enough water also helps clean the mouth, stimulates saliva production, neutralizes acids, and protects teeth.

Dr. Hien also noted: Many people have a habit of brushing their teeth horizontally with strong force, which can cause tooth neck erosion and damage the gums. Brushing too hard doesn't make teeth cleaner and can actually harm both teeth and gums. A common mistake is that many people only brush the surface of their teeth, neglecting the spaces between teeth, where food easily gets trapped and bacteria thrive. Therefore, Dr. Hien recommends using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean areas that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.

In addition, cleaning your tongue is also essential. The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing the surface of your tongue while brushing your teeth will help reduce bacteria and give you fresh breath.

For children, parents need to teach them how to brush their teeth properly from a young age and should not allow them to eat too many sweets and sugary drinks. Regular dental checkups will help detect problems with both baby teeth and permanent teeth early.

For adults, in addition to proper oral hygiene, it is important to limit smoking and alcohol consumption to prevent the risk of periodontal disease and oral cancer.

For older adults, tooth loss or weakened teeth are quite common. Therefore, proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups are necessary to ensure proper chewing function.

According to Dr. Hien, oral care isn't overly complicated, but it requires persistence and the right methods. With simple habits like brushing correctly, using dental floss, eating a balanced diet, and having regular dental checkups, everyone can effectively prevent oral diseases.

"Healthy teeth not only help with chewing but also bring confidence in life. Therefore, start taking care of your oral health with small things every day to always maintain a radiant smile," advises Dr. Hien.

Hanh Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202603/rang-sang-khoe-cho-nu-cuoi-rang-ro-d382c1c/