Iza shares tips on having winning smile

MANILA, Philippines - If you got healthy teeth, there is no way you can’t flash that smile. But to have a healthy smile, one must have good oral hygiene practices.

Unfortunately, majority of Filipinos are not aware of the importance of good oral habits in one’s overall health. In fact, reports reveal that nine out of 10 Filipinos suffer from dental caries and worse, the Philippines has the  second worst rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth in Asia. Because of this, Oral-B, in collaboration with UP Dental Alumni Association (UPDAA) launched Smile Pilipinas to uplift oral health in the country.

Joining the campaign is Oral-B brand ambassador Iza Calzado, who shared her personal dental care tips behind her winning smile. “Taking good care of our teeth should always be a priority because it greatly affects our overall health. For me, on top of the list is to brush my teeth regularly with a trusted oral care brand that I have been using for many years.”

According to World Health Organization (WHO), oral health affects people physically and psychologically and influences how they grow, enjoy life, look, speak, chew, taste food and socialize, as well as their feelings of social well-being. If oral health is taken for granted, oral diseases may occur.

To prevent it from happening, practice good oral health care habits regularly. Committing to your dental hygiene habits can make a lasting impact on your oral health over time. Oral-B shares the important dental hygiene tips:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. What you eat matters to your oral health —from candy cane and chips, to soda and caffeine — too much consumption of these can be harmful to your teeth. Food loaded with sugar forms plaque bacteria on the surface of your teeth. While you may not see it, the plaque bacteria turn into acids, and over time, the acids attack the hard covering of your teeth called enamel which may result to the formation of cavities. Eat food low in fat like raw vegetables and fresh fruits which can help prevent tooth decay. Keep a healthy, balanced diet for better oral health.

Brush and floss regularly. Plaque is one of the biggest causes of oral care diseases that is why daily brushing is important. Brushing, preferably three times a day, makes your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. It removes plaque bacteria in your teeth and gums that may cause cavity and gum disease. Brush your teeth with a trusted, superior brand that’s tough on plaque but gentle on enamel and gums like the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush. It has perfectly angled CrissCross bristles that remove 90 percent of plaque and help clean hard-to-reach places with its Power Tip bristles.

 To remove plaque and food debris stuck in areas that can’t be reached by your brush — in between teeth and under the gum line — daily flossing is highly recommended. Also make sure to use oral care products with fluoride that is present in your mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that’s packed with fluoride to help prevent further plaque build-up, tooth decay and for instant fresh breath.

Visit your dentist every six months. For complete oral health care, visit your dentist every six months. Have your teeth professionally cleaned and checked to prevent possible oral health problems from occurring. Maximize your dental visits by keeping your dentist informed about dental symptoms like pain or sensitivity in the teeth and gums, difficulty in chewing or swallowing, or possible cavity formation in your teeth.

“Despite my busy schedule, I make it a point to have regular dental visits every six months or more often than that, so I can maintain my healthy teeth and gums,” Iza said.

Good oral hygiene is key to a healthy, winning smile. By seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.