Healthy teeth are one of life's most valuable assets. A beautiful smile not only boosts self-confidence but also reflects overall health. However, tooth decay remains a challenge for many people. Therefore, maintaining dental health is essential, and it starts with adopting a healthy lifestyle. This article will discuss some effective ways to prevent cavities that you can practice in your daily life.
One of the first steps to consider is diet. What we consume plays a significant role in dental health. Sweet, acidic, and starchy foods can increase the risk of tooth damage. It is important to limit sugar intake and choose fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Foods such as apples and carrots are not only good for overall health but also help clean teeth naturally. Similarly, dairy products rich in calcium, such as yogurt and cheese, are excellent for strengthening tooth enamel.
In addition to diet, maintaining daily oral hygiene is a fundamental practice for preventing cavities. You should brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. Moreover, using dental floss daily is equally important, as it cleans between teeth that are not reachable by a toothbrush. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce plaque buildup, the primary cause of cavities.
Oral health is also influenced by daily habits, including drinking habits. Therefore, just as it is important to monitor your diet and hygiene, it is crucial to ensure that you drink enough water daily. Drinking water is not only essential for hydration but also plays a role in dental health. Rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food residues and reduce acidity in the mouth. For those living in areas where drinking water contains fluoride, consuming this water also provides additional benefits for dental health.
To support these efforts, FKG UGM provides education and preventive actions to the community. Together with the UGM KKN Team from Sampang District, the Cilacap Regency Government, and Pepsodent, FKG UGM organized a community service activity at SDN 1 Karangjati, Cilacap, due to the high rates of tooth decay in the area.
However, maintaining healthy teeth is not just about diet and hygiene. It is also important to avoid harmful habits that can damage teeth and gums. Habits like smoking or thumb sucking can increase the risk of dental problems. Smoking, for example, can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, if you have these detrimental habits, it is important to change them to ensure long-term dental health.
The high incidence of tooth decay in Indonesia is a complex issue, but by understanding the connection between this issue and the Sustainable Development Goals, we can formulate more holistic and integrated strategies. Through collaborative efforts, proper education, and improved access to dental health services, we can reduce the incidence of tooth decay and enhance the overall quality of life in communities. Achieving a healthy and prosperous society is a shared responsibility that must continue to be promoted to achieve the SDGs, especially Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality), and Goal 17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals).
Author : Rizky B Hendrawan | Photo : Freepik
