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DENTIST Anna Shikwaya says many people wait until they need a tooth extraction before visiting a dentist.
Shikwaya works at both Windhoek Central and Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
She advises people to take care of their teeth on a daily basis and visit their dentists for cleaning and check-ups every six months.
“Many people do not pay attention to dental care. When people hear the word dentist, they think of teeth, but dentistry is about more than just teeth,” she says.
Shikwaya says good oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth twice a day – in the morning before breakfast, and in the evening before bed.
“In the mornings you can rinse your mouth and brush after eating to keep bacteria from accumulating. And in the evenings you should brush your teeth after prolonged hours during the day without brushing,” she says.
Shikwaya says bacteria can cause cavities, tooth decay and bad breath.She says brushing one’s tongue is also important, as this is the dirtiest area in the mouth.
“We must take good care of our oral hygiene and know when to brush, and what foods to eat,” she says.
If one notices any dental change, one should visit the dentist as soon as possible, she says.
“Some people perceive us [dentists] as tooth removers, but extracting a tooth is a last resort. Our aim is to save teeth, not to remove them,” she says.
BLEEDING GUMS
Shkiwaya says swollen and bleeding gums could be an indication of brushing too hard, or using a toothbrush with hard bristles.
“We recommend soft toothbrushes. Be gentle when brushing your teeth.
“Also, do not rush, take your time, and clean and rinse with water, starting from the back teeth in a circular motion,” Shikwaya says.
She says eating lots of sugary foods can damage the teeth as they are rich in carbohydrates, which bacteria feed on.
“Sticky food is hard to remove from the teeth and bacteria will therefore grow in your mouth,” she says.
Plaque and tartar can be removed by a dentist, she says.
ORAL CANCER
Shikwaya says there is a high risk of oral cancer among people who neglect dental care.
Oral cancer can be caused by poor oral hygiene, alcohol abuse, smoking and a lack of oral hygiene education.
Smoking could trigger the development of cancerous cells in the mouth, she says.
Early signs of oral cancer include a tumor/lump in the mouth, inside the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a bumpy tongue, she says.
“Cancer stages progress fast, and patients often only seek medical attention at a late stage, when the pain has become unbearable,” Shikwaya says.
She says gingivitis [inflammation of the gums] should be avoided by rinsing the mouth with warm water and salt if one cannot afford mouthwash. Flossing is also recommended, she says, to clean gaps between teeth which are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
“Flossing is safe, unless you do not use it correctly,” she says.
REWARDING CAREER
Shikwaya says her career as a dentist has been rewarding.
“What I enjoy most about my job is filling, and saving teeth. Extracting a tooth is just too sad.
“It is very rewarding to see a patient who walk in with teeth in a poor condition walk out smiling and with a mouth full of teeth,” she says.
“It brings joy to my heart, and their thankfulness makes me realise the difference I can make in somebody’s life, and the importance of my profession,” she says.
Shikwaya says she discontinued studying towards becoming an IT technician in 2013 to pursue a career in dentistry in Russia after she was granted a bursary by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“I am a general dentist and my role is to attend to patients with facial injuries, cuts, stab wounds or bottle cuts,” she says.
Her advice on dealing with patients with a fear of dentists is the following:
“We just assure them it is going to be fine. Great communication is key.”
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