Our teeth are meant to last us a lifetime, but their ability to serve us is only as good as how well we take care of them. Care of your teeth goes beyond general dental hygiene; it also requires regular visits to your dentist – and the younger you are when you start, the better.
Our limited medical infrastructure, financial concerns and cultural attitudes about seeking out preventative medical care likely contribute to how rarely Ghanaians visit dentists. These rare moments, overwhelmingly for emergency reasons, are highlighted by chaotic scenes in overcrowded government facilities that make subsequent visits even less likely. Factor in the high cost of private dental care and an annual review increasingly looks like a luxury.
Visit a Dentist
Some of these symptoms indicate Gingivitis and Periodontitis. They start off as a buildup food, bacteria and saliva close to the teeth which cannot be removed by daily toothbrushing. The bi-annual visit cleaning session can and does get rid of these deposits. After 6 months, the bacteria involved become more virulent and cause more harm to the supporting structure of the tooth; and as we get older this can be more severe, even resulting in the loss of teeth. Contrary to popular Ghanaian opinion, losing teeth, particularly at an advanced age is not normal
A typical dental visit may take between 8 and 20 minutes depending on the skill level of the clinician, the quality of equipment, the severity of the dental problem and the tolerance of the patient. Think of it as a trip to the car wash for a pressure wash: the equipment is used to dislodge debris that house harmful bacteria after which the teeth are polished to smoothen them and reduce opportunities for adhesion by new debris.
To prevent dental pain, make visiting your dentist frequently a habit. A good maintenance regime keeps your teeth functional throughout your life. Remember your teeth are meant to last you a lifetime, so keep them well.
SAM J Specialist Hospital , Haatso-Ecomog .
Instagram handle@ sneakerdentistgh
