Renowned dental surgeon and World Oral Health Day Ambassador, Dr. Louisa Ansong Satekla, has emphasised the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene to safeguard both social interactions and overall health.

During a discussion on JoyNews’ Konsulting Room 5 on Saturday, March 15 with host Dr. Sue, she provided expert insights on maintaining optimal oral hygiene and debunked common misconceptions about dental care.

Dr. Satekla began by stressing the broader significance of oral hygiene, explaining that it goes beyond just keeping the teeth clean.

"A lot of people think that brushing just once a day is enough but there is so much that oral health is linked to in terms of our overal health.

"We turn to overlook it sometimes but there are so much linkages to our oral health and our overall well-being so it's very important that we take good care of our oral health," she explained.

Dr. Satekla outlined the essential guidelines for maintaining optimal oral health.

"The basic one that we all know is brushing twice a day," she stated, "but it's not just about brushing. ...It's the technique that matters, not necessary the frequency."

Using a model, she demonstrated the proper brushing method, emphasising the need to angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees and employ a gentle, circular motion.

She stated that brushing twice daily is essential but must be done correctly for maximum effectiveness.

Flossing, often overlooked by many, was another crucial topic. Dr. Satekla highlighted its role in removing debris and plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

“Flossing is very important, it's part of our oral healthcare routine that many people do not know about and those who know underestimate the importance of flossing.

"We realised that when you brush, the toothbrush can reach the front and back of your teeth but there's an area between two teeth - the toothbrush can't fit in there so the floss goes in between and you would be surprised what comes out of there when you brush," she said.

Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Satekla debunked the belief that harder toothbrush bristles clean better.

She urged the use of soft or medium-bristled brushes to prevent gum and enamel damage.

"We have the soft, medium and hard bristle ones - we do not recommend using the hard bristle toothbrush. A lot of people think the harder the toothbrush, the better it cleans. It turns to damage your gums and wear-off the enamel on you teeth."

She also underscored the importance of regular dental check-ups, recommending visits to the dentist at least twice a year for preventive care and early detection of potential issues.

She also reminded people not to neglect cleaning their tongue, an often-overlooked step in oral hygiene.

Dr. Satekla encouraged people to prioritise oral health, stating that simple daily habits—brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits can lead to a healthy smile and improved overall well-being.