You only brush 30 per cent of your teeth

By Veronica Kirigo

Did you know that you only brush 30 per cent of your teeth? This is the portion that is above the gums, while the 70 per cent below and is much softer remains untouched.

Even worse, majority of Kenyans rarely brush the recommended two to five minutes. This means that their teeth, which by the way are alive, neither get sufficient amounts of fluoride to strengthen them nor are they properly cleaned.

Dr Agnes Wambua an oral health officer at Public Health ministry expressed concern that most of the gum problems dentists are treating emanate from poor brushing habits.

“You find parents giving their children many sweets, but not encouraging them to brush their teeth, especially before going to bed. This gives bacteria a conducive environment to thrive and attack their gums,” cautions Dr Wambua.

The resulting situation is that both young and old people suffer from gums diseases and this makes their teeth loose.

Unfortunately, most toothpastes available can only offer protection to the 30 per cent of the tooth, while the rest doesn’t benefit.

However, Dr Wambua says innovators have now come up with some toothpastes that can offer whole teeth protection.

It means that the 70 per cent below the gum can now be accessed with modern toothpastes.

One such product she notes is Aquafresh Ultimate, which contains zinc chloride — a component that helps tighten the gum to prevent bacteria from penetrating and by offering whole tooth protection.

According to the GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Group Product Manager for Oral Health, Zippy Kalia, the toothpaste was formulated following realisation that many Kenyans are in danger of gum diseases.

Gum sealing

The toothpaste, she explained, works by strengthening the tooth above the gum-line and protecting what is vulnerable below by killing bacteria to help keep the gum-seal tight and healthy.

Kalia explained that poor oral health care encourages development of plaque — a clear film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth.

When plaque accumulates, the gingival tissue becomes inflamed and the gum seal is compromised. Controlling dental plaque keeps the gum seal healthy, hence protecting the tooth below.

Dr Wambua observes that many elderly people have long teeth and suffer bad breath because bacteria have worn out their gums.

The oral health care expert points out that many Kenyans have picked the habit of using tooth picks to dislodge food particles that have stuck in their teeth.

“Using tooth picks is good but ensure that you don’t bleed your gums,” she warns.

She also recommends the use of dental floss threads, which she touts as better able to remove problematic food particles like meat.

However, she says while using dental floss and toothpicks are helpful, nothing beats regular teeth brushing.