If you grew up in the 70s and 80s in Ghana then you are familiar with “NC.NC – No Contribution, No Chop.” It is even possible that it is still often used but I hardly hear it. The concept is simple; to benefit from a reward you must have played a role. Casting my mind back, it was a beautiful concept and many investment gurus have adopted this strategy. Does this play out in democracy and politics? Well your guess is as good as mine.
My title for this piece was what reminded me of NC. NC. Some of us are so stubborn when it comes to dental care. We take it for granted and will only visit a dentist after spending sleepless nights due to pain from dental caries or other complications. The tools, the sounds, the huge chair and bright light at the dentist may have put fear in many of us as children but that is no excuse to avoid professional care for your teeth and mouth in general.
Dentists do not only repair damage we have caused to our teeth but also practice a lot of preventive medicine. They remove plaque that our regular tooth brushes would otherwise have had no chance against; they examine for cancers of the mouth and play a vital role in our fight against other diseases including the dreaded diabetes.
Uncontrolled Diabetes makes it more difficult to fight bacteria leading to more accumulation of plaque and hence more gum and teeth challenges. Gum disease also makes it more difficult to control blood sugar and the cycle continues.
A quick dental class may put everything in the right perspective; “There are four (4) types of dental problems; Decay, Gum Disease, Oral Cancer and Acid Erosion. Current evidence based advice suggest that all patients (including those who are not at risk) should be accorded the benefit of advice with regard to their dental and general health.
a. Prevention of Decay; brush twice daily, last at night and on one other occasion. Spit out your toothpaste after brushing and do not rinse. Frequency and amount of sugary foods should be reduced and when eaten should be restricted to meal times.
b. Prevention of Gum Disease; brush twice a day. Do not smoke. Clean in between teeth using floss or interdental brushes.
c. Prevention of Oral Cancer; do not smoke. Do not use smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco). Increase fruit and vegetable intake – 5 portions per day.
d. Prevention of Erosion; avoid frequent intake of acidic foods or drinks (orange, grapefruit, lemon, black currant juices).
We have only a few days to Christmas and I do not plan to play dentist here but consider these basic steps and ensure you see a dentist. Maybe you should adopt my slogan too “No Dentist. No Christmas.”
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
a. The second brushing should definitely be before bedtime and do not rinse out the toothpaste. This ensures contact with the teeth and prevention of bacteria invasion during the long sleep hours.
b. Chewing sticks may play a role but ensure you use a soft bristled brush and FLUORIDE toothpaste.
c. Hard bristles may benefit smokers but please don’t treat your mouth and teeth the way you scrub a basin. Treat gingerly.
2. Floss your teeth at least once a day – for many of us it’s a huge challenge but I am sure that just as in other scenarios practice will improve our skill.
3. Change your toothbrush every three to four months or as soon as the bristles cry for help.
4. Do not smoke
5. Visit a dentist twice a year. I am still struggling to schedule an appointment this year, so let’s get it done together.
6. Acidic fruits such as oranges and lemon should be restricted to mealtimes. Meal times because a lot of saliva is produced and it neutralizes the acidic juice. Never brush your teeth after drinking orange (acidic) juice, as you will wash the saliva away during that process and the acid will be the lubricant left.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Moms’ Health Club
(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)
*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.
Thought for the week – “Watch your intake of sugar; including the hidden sugar in foods and drinks. Overcoming your sugar addiction could be the beginning of the end of obesity.”
References/Contributions
2. Dr. Nana Kofi Acheampong, Dental Surgeon UK, Clinical Tutor University of Ghana Dental School Korle Bu.
