Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition

W hen talking to patients, many dental professionals find that although people are attract- ed to the idea of a sparkling smile, many still fail to take the time and ef- fort to care for their teeth properly. Patients often make the mistake of thinking that not brushing twice a day or forgetting to floss every now and again won’t impact on ei- ther the health or aesthetics of their teeth and gums. Getting the oral health message across loud and clear to patients can be difficult, but as a dental professional, you have an important role to play in educating them on how to manage their oral care regime. Your advice and professional recommendation carries considerable weight and a healthy mouth message needs to underpin any form of cos- metic treatment. Healthy habits and good oral hygiene are crucial in the fight against gum disease, one of the most common dental problems that affect 40-50% of adults worldwide and the major cause of tooth loss in adults. These statistics are evidence that a move to a more “prevention-focused” approach is required. Patients need to take more responsibility for their oral health and introduce effective, at- home oral healthcare regimes. The message of brushing twice a day, to benefit from good oral health, and prevent decay and gum dis- ease, needs to be reinforced to patients. Advice given by the dental team can go a long way in improving oral health, along with an increased awareness of the impor- tance of good oral health and fluoride-based oral hygiene products. As well as the health benefits, it is also financially beneficial in the long term, as patients can avoid cost- ly treatments and associated expenditures, as a result of problems that may have risen from poor oral healthcare. Bad oral hygiene can affect self-esteem and, of course, gener- al health, with studies discovering links be- tween gum disease and heart disease. One way in which dentists can advise pa- tients to take care of their oral health and aid prevention is by recommending an at-home oral care regime, including toothpaste, that has been specifically developed to offer a unique gum protection system that helps pre- vent the causes and effects of gum disease. Prevent rather than treat The variety of toothpastes available means that many choose a brand based on how ef- fective it is at targeting some of the most common dental problems, without giving a second thought to the ingredients and the effect they may be having on their teeth and overall oral health. The continuous developments and options available within the market mean that there is a not a one-size-fits-all solution but by gaining a thorough understanding of the in- gredients inside the toothpastes, you can be- gin to help patients make a better choice. Ed- ucate patients to discover what’s actually in- side their toothpaste by looking beyond the brand and fancy packaging, and instead into the ingredients so that they can see the ef- fects they’re having on their oral health. Any toothpaste brand with the patient at the cen- tre of their product developments will be able to offer a solution for all common den- tal problems. Bleeding gums can be a cause of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, and toothpastes which contain Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Ace- teate), Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) and B Vi- tamin Folic Acid, anti-inflammatory revital- Healthy Gums, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Smile ising agents, will help strengthen the gums to keep the oral tissue healthy, whilst tooth- paste which contains the ingredient Per- methol will help reduce bleeding. A study by Osaka University, Japan, found improve- ment in infection and inflammation after 3 weeks of using a toothpaste with the ingre- dient co-enzyme Q10, helping fight bacteria to assist in the healing and repair of the gum tissue. Toothpastes such as Beverly Hills Formula Dentist’s Choice Gum & Whitening Expert can actually help to combat gum disease. Specifically developed to help prevent the signs and effects of gum disease, this tooth- paste boasts a unique gum protection sys- tem that contains Vitamin E to invigorate and strengthen the gums, fluoride to protect the exposed root area, and Permethol to help reduce and stop bleeding gums. Panthenol, Q10 and Folic Acid are also incorporated to help promote healthy gum tissues. The de- sensitising agent Potassium Citrate found within this advanced toothpaste quickly and effectively blocks the transmission of pain, offering fast-acting, long-lasting protection whilst delivering a healthy, white smile. Re- moving 88% of stains over a 5 minute peri- od, this toothpaste is also proven to be less abrasive when compared with other leading brands of both whitening and regular tooth- paste, protecting against tooth decay whilst restoring teeth to a natural, white colour without using harsh abrasives or bleach. Thought For The Day To summarise, by providing your patients with a healthy mouth message, in a lan- guage they understand (no dental lingo), to- gether with preventive measures that can be easily achieved in the home, your patient’s can start to combat gum disease. In commu- nicating this, you will be making a dramatic improvement to their personal, professional and social life, boosting their confidence to eat, speak and laugh with friends and fam- ily again. Nominate a “gum health / healthy mouth” expert in the practice or hold a “healthy mouth” day/week/month; you’ll be sur- prised at how many patients will come for- ward to end their fight against gum dis- ease. Leave flyers/brochures on gum dis- ease and oral care around the practice, in reception or in the waiting room, and pa- tients will feel more inclined to tackle the subject with you. For more information call +353 1842 6611; email info@beverlyhillsformula.com; or visit www.beverlyhillsformula.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BHF_Whitening Contact Information GCC Oral And Dental Health Annual Week by Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa D ubai, UAE: Under the patron- age of MR. Nasser Al Budoor, di- rector of Dubai Medical District in the Ministry of Health and in corporation with Signal 2, Dental Servic- es Department in the Ministry of Health, Dubai, the GCC Oral and Dental Health week was held in Dubai, Festival City Mall on Thursday March 28th, 2013 with orga- nization of internship program Doctors in Al Baraha Hospital and other Dental Cen- ters in Dubai. Dr. Aisha Sultan always stresses on the theme of (Prevention better than Curing), as part of the GCC Oral and Dental Health Committee representing UAE, Dr. Ai- sha and the committee aim to have a com- munity free of dental diseases and spread healthy smiles over to all children and adults. They have chosen certain programs for their objectives among schools and pri- mary health centers and other organiza- tion like special need centers. They have chosen March as the month to hold their annual Dental and Oral health week. This year UAE had a different event in each Emirate. In Dubai they have chosen Dubai Festival City Mall on Thursday 28/3/2013 to have their activity. The activity includ- ed free Dental checkups, diet consulta- tions, Dental education for brushing and flossing, Dental experiment and compe- titions. The activities attracted more than 200 participants from 4:00-9:00 P.M. and the sponsor company prepared gifts for all participants. 18 Dental tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | March-April 2013oral Hygiene