Today is World Oral Health Day – time to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene. Two of the world’s most common health problems affect the mouth – cavities (dental caries) and gum disease. Gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence, with an estimated 90% of South Africans experiencing the problem at some point.
While there is no substitute for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, a trustworthy home remedy can help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy between visits, and even reverse gingivitis.
Waterpik®
Unlike the not so popular dental floss which can be difficult and time consuming to use, the Waterpik® water flosser (from R999.00) is an easier and more effective way to improve your oral health and enjoy the cleanest, freshest mouth possible.
Using a Waterpik® Water Flosser is clinically proven to:
- Remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas along the gum line and between teeth
- Help prevent, reduce, or reverse gingivitis (gum disease)
- Help prevent tooth decay and future dental work
Waterpik Water Flossers are available from Dis-Chem and selected dentists, as well as online from www.waterpikflosser.co.za and www.takealot.com.
Philips Sonicare BreathRx
Bad breath is caused by, amongst other things, bacteria and their waste products which collect in the mouth. By simply adding the BreathRx range to your daily routine, up to 99% of this bacteria can be eliminated. Using a mouthwash in combination with your regular tooth-brushing helps to control the bacteria in difficult to reach areas such as between your teeth, on the tongue, back of the tongue, the throat area, and in the pockets around the teeth.
BreathRx Whitening Toothpaste (R199.00) combines the benefits of fluoride, tartar control and enhanced stain removal with the malodor protection of Zytex to eliminate odour-causing plaque and debris from the teeth and gums. Perfect for travelling, the BreathRx Starter Kit (R425.00) contains a tongue spray, 2 x tongue cleaners, a mouthwash (237ml) and toothpaste 112g.
BreathRx products are available from www.zoomwhitening.co.za and www.takealot.com.
Zoom Whitening
Offering a wide range of both in chair and at home products, Philips Zoom Whitening provides a professional, safe and effective solution to stained teeth, leaving you with a bright white and confident smile.
Improve Your Self-Confidence with a Brighter Whiter Smile
Feeling good about yourself is all about having positive self-esteem and feeling confident. Often people with yellow, stained, or discoloured teeth feel uncomfortable and less confident in social and professional situations. If you feel like this, there is a solution.
Emma King, Zoom Whitening’s head of marketing and clinical training says, “Amazing things happen when patients have their teeth whitened with Philips Zoom products. Whitening instantly improves your appearance making you feel younger and healthier, resulting in greater self-confidence in day-to-day life. Besides boosting your self-esteem, King says it tends to get people looking after their teeth a lot better after they have a new smile that they are proud of.”
Accessible to everyone, The Zoom Professional in-chair procedure is a non-invasive, safe and painless solution to a brighter smile. The procedure involves applying a gel to your teeth, which is activated by a special blue LED light and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to achieve a brighter smile up to 8 shades lighter, giving you confidence that glows. These treatments are done by some of the highest standards of dentists.
“Unlike many over the counter and non-approved home whitening products that contain acidic and abrasive formulas which can cause damage to your teeth and gums, Zoom Professional whitening products change the internal colour using hydrogen peroxide and is applied as an alkaline and not an acid, meaning no damage to the teeth,” says King.
You will get instant results after just one session that takes up to 45 minutes – 1 hour. Your teeth can be up to eight shades lighter, giving you confidence that glows. Emma recommends using Zoom’s at-home whitening products to maintain the shade you like.
Not only will your teeth be whiter, but customers tend to take far better care of their oral hygiene after the procedure. Therefore, you walk away with improved colour, health and self-esteem, all in one!
The majority of national dentists offer the Philips Zoom Endless Whitening Program. If you book and pay for a full in-chair whitening, you’ll get three free whitening syringes plus free customized take home bleaching trays at your first appointment. Visit the same dentist or hygienist every six months for a cleaning / checkup and in return for your commitment, they will keep your teeth healthy and white for life.
To find a dentist or for more information, please visit: https://www.zoomwhitening.co.za/
Earthsap
For those of you who want to try an all natural toothpaste please look no further;
Earthsap Peppermint & Baking Soda Toothpaste – R60 – This natural toothpaste is so fresh, and gentle enough for your whole family to use. It’s been made with a blend of special ingredients like peppermint oil and xylitol to look after your teeth and gums. Plus the baking soda will get rid of stains, so you can show off your pearly whites. And if that doesn’t give you enough to smile about, this toothpaste is also 100% fluoride-free, safe and biodegradable!
Stockists: Available at selected SPAR stores, health shops nationwide, Wellness Warehouse and online at https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/
What is World Oral Health Day purpose?
World Oral Health Day aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health
Why is World Oral Health Day important?
Oral diseases are a major health concern for many countries and negatively impact people throughout their lives. Oral diseases lead to pain and discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-confidence, and they are often linked to other serious health issues. And yet, there is no reason to suffer: most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages.
Who is World Oral Health Day targeted to?
• individuals to take personal action
• schools and youth groups to deliver learning activities about oral health
• oral health professionals and the wider healthcare community to educate the populations they serve
• governments and policymakers to champion better oral health for all.
