Professor Dr. Ibrahim Hashish, dean of the dentistry department at Battarjee Medical College and head of the dental department at Saudi German Hospital, talked with Arab News on the occasion of launching the oral health awareness campaign “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Nation.”
He discussed the need for an educational component in a preventive oral health care program to create a positive relationship between good oral health and good general health. He emphasized on tooth brushing and using mouthwash at homes.
“We want to help the community understand the significance of oral health, as it can both directly and indirectly affect the general health. It is very important to go for dental health checkups regularly — at least twice a year,” he said.
Many ailments, he continued, like tartar, plaque, stains, bad breath, gum problems, sensitivity and cavities can be prevented by regular brushing and use of mouthwash. “Oral hygiene helps keep major problems away, and both children and adults need to pay attention to their teeth,” the professor said, adding that there are two types of care: “Oral health clinical care” and “home care.”
“The most important is home care of your teeth, because this is everyone’s own responsibility. It is the basic care that minimizes inflammation and different types of teeth problems,” he said.
Hashish also explained that for small children, the most serious problem that could affect the teeth is dental caries. This can create holes in the teeth and lead to early tooth loss. It happens when parents leave the milk bottle in their baby’s mouth to keep it quiet at night, or when a baby’s teeth are frequently in contact with sugars from fruit juices, milk and sometimes even human breast milk, which can cause tooth decay as well. This may result in the “bottle syndrome,” when bacteria start feeding on the sugars, causing tooth decay. Apart from this major dental problem, other problems are plaque and black teeth, he explained.
If left untreated, decayed teeth cause pain and make it difficult to chew and eat. Damaged baby teeth also create a problem for permanent tooth to grow at their proper position, possibly resulting in crowded or crooked permanent teeth.
Experts therefore advise not to give a bottle filled with sugary liquids or milk to calm or comfort your baby, even during daytime. At bedtime, don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with sugary liquids. Besides, never dip your baby’s pacifier in sugar, honey, or any sugary liquid. Use a wet cloth or gauze to wipe your child’s teeth and gums after each feeding.
“It is very important for parents to teach their children from the very beginning to use a toothbrush. In truth, it is not the sweets that make the teeth bad, but carbohydrates and remnants of food. However, if you clean your teeth properly, you will escape from a lot of pain and problems,” the professor explained.
Hashish continued saying that children could eat whatever they like, but they should rinse their mouth after eating, adding that proper use of the toothbrush was essential. Brushing the teeth, he said, removes the remnants between the teeth, in the roots and in the mouth, and it minimizes the risk of dental problems.
Using a mouthwash also minimizes dental plaque, which accumulates everyday and is the main cause of tooth loss.
“The number of dental problems in Saudi Arabia is higher than in other countries, not because of eating habits, but because of unawareness of teeth cleaning. My advice is to visit a dentist at least twice a year.
As concerns the various brands of toothpaste and brushes, Hashish said there were little differences among them.
The doctor warned that diabetic people, who always have more problems than others, should be extra careful. Besides having their blood sugar levels checked regularly, their teeth need extra care, as diabetes directly and severely affects the periodontal ligament and soft tissues structure that build the teeth. He advised them to check with their diabetic doctor and visit the dental care doctor more often.
Up to 1 million free dental checkups started Tuesday with Oral-B and Crest’s “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Nation” campaign. In Saudi Arabia, the campaign is held in coordination with Battarjee Medical College.
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Hashish launched the campaign. “It is our pleasure to participate in this event and help young orphans of Al-Bir Charitable Society as part of our social responsibility,” he said.
Oral-B and Crest have launched their first long-term campaign ever, offering residents in the Kingdom a chance to receive a dental examination for free with the aim to deliver up to 1 million free checkups through checkup stations hosted across shopping malls, universities, department stores, dental clinics and charity organizations throughout the Gulf.
Hasheesh, on behalf of Dr. Khalid Battarjee, dean of Battarjee Medical College, said they always aimed to be part of corporate social responsibility initiatives, and he was pleased they participated in the campaign.
