Share

Mentadent P stresses the importance of Daily Hygiene Habits

Heightened awareness around personal hygiene practices goes beyond washing hands — it also includes closer attention toward oral hygiene. (Image: Supplied)
Heightened awareness around personal hygiene practices goes beyond washing hands — it also includes closer attention toward oral hygiene. (Image: Supplied)

The President recently addressed South African citizens on Covid-19 and expressed, “The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic.”

With the heightened awareness around personal hygiene practices and with many schools closing, now is the opportune time to shed more light on what hygiene should mean for both adults and children during these trying times. It goes beyond washing hands, good sanitation and covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing (amongst others); it also includes closer attention toward oral hygiene which is often neglected. Good oral care can help prevent cavities and gum disease, there is evidence that gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and long-term respiratory disease, just to mention a few. 

Follow these top tips from Mentadent P:

How to maintain good oral hygiene:

  • Brush for at least 2 minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Change your toothbrush at least every 3 months, if you have been ill it’s advised that you change it more often
  • Clean between teeth with interdental brushes or floss
  • Mouth wash can be used to complement toothbrushing

Wear a Mask only if you think you have symptoms of the virus:

  • If you are healthy you don’t need to wear a mask, unless you are caring for someone with suspected COVID-19. Wear a mask if you are coughing and sneezing and always replace masks as soon as they get damp.

What you should know about visiting the dentist during the outbreak:

  • Be reassured that dentists wear clean, single-use masks and gloves to protect patients from all infections.
  • If you are coughing or sneezing, you might be asked to wear a clean mask in the  waiting room.
  • Try delay non-urgent procedures until the peak of infection has passed if possible.
  • You should trust your dentist to keep the clinic medically clean, protecting people in the waiting room and sterilizing all equipment.
  • If you are concerned about attending a dental appointment chat with your dentist about the points mentioned above to find out if you can delay your appointment or ensure they are taking strict measures towards keeping their practice hygienic and safe for all patients. 

The World Health Organisation has a list of things that won’t protect you against coronavirus:

  • Living in a hot or humid climate
  • Living in a cold or snowy climate
  • Vaccination – there is no vaccine at present
  • Antibiotics don’t work against any virus, including COVID-19
  • Hot baths or hand driers
  • Ultraviolet disinfectant lamps
  • Spraying alcohol or chloride cleaners over your body.
  • Rinsing your nose with saline
  • Eating garlic

Furthermore, Mentadent P is also calling on South Africans from all walks of life to support oral hygiene and purchase Mentadent P on World Oral Health Day (20 March). In a bold move, they will be donating 100% of profits made on the 20 March towards providing oral health care in schools.

Untreated tooth decay is the world’s most widespread disease affecting almost 1 in 2 people. 1 in 12 children won’t smile because of their dental health.

“Mentadent P has taught over 2 million children oral health education, across the country through the National Schools Hygiene Programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and plans to reach 5 million children by 2021. We are proud of the work we do, together with our partners, ensuring we educate and empower as many children as possible to adopt good oral hygiene habits from a young age,” said Queen Mgobhozi, Purpose Strategy and Partnerships Lead.

Well-known South African dentist, Dr. Alexander Rawháni, BDS, MSc is also known as Dr. Smile adds, “Good Oral and Dental Health and the vital role it plays in Whole Body health is often underestimated. Our mouth is the most important portal of entry to our body, and so what we put in it, and how clean we keep it, will naturally affect our overall well-being and health.” 

https://www.unileverschoolsprogramme.co.za/#/

 *Source: Guidance from the World Health Organisation

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Mentadent P.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE