Say 'No Way!' to Tooth Decay

Words like “decay" or "cavities” aren't what you want to hear during a visit to the dental office. Keep your teeth healthy with these tips from our EQ Benefits Service Partner, GPA Dental Group.

Brush Twice Daily

Brushing your teeth two times a day gently and thoroughly with a soft bristle toothbrush for two minutes will greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay. It is important to focus on brushing the biting surface of the teeth, and in the sulcus (where the teeth and gums meet). Angle the toothbrush 45 degrees towards the sulcus, move the brush head horizontally, and then roll out. Use very light pressure to avoid causing damage, since the goal of brushing is to remove plaque, which is soft bacteria.

Get Some Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen teeth and potentially remineralise or arrest dental decay if caught early. Aside from consuming it through various fruits and vegetables, you can use fluoridated toothpaste or drink tap water as well.

Be Sure to Floss

Brushing alone cannot remove plaque in between teeth, so make sure you floss once daily in conjunction with brushing. Not only does flossing prevent tooth decay, it also helps keep gum disease at bay. Grab about 30 to 45 centimetres of dental floss and wrap it around each middle finger so that you have a working area of two to three centimetres. Pass it between each tooth, reach below the gum line, and move up and down, hugging the tooth. The working area should be clean when passed between each contact. If there is bleeding, which could be a sign of gingivitis, consult your dentist.

Watch What You Eat

Limit how often you consume sugary foods. When you do consume them, aim to brush an hour after eating. If you are unable to do so, try rinsing out your mouth with water instead.

Consider Trying Dental Sealants

If you have especially deep grooves on the biting surface of your teeth, your dentist may recommend sealants, which are protective coatings to make the grooves shallower. This allows for easier cleaning.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Make it a point to visit your dentist twice a year to get an overall oral health checkup, and to remove any plaque or tartar (hard bacteria) that you might have missed.

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Sign Up Now for EQ Benefits Privilege Card (Click here to learn more) and enjoy exclusive member rates when visiting our medical, dental & wellness service partners. Visit GPA Dental Group at:

GPA Centre For Dentistry

600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, #14-04/05, Singapore 188778

Tel: +65 6732 1020

GPA Dentalcare @ Goldhill

101 Thomson Road, United Square,

#01-96 to 99, Singapore 307591

Tel: +65 6251 9633

Website: https://gpadental.com/