Two days ago I reported having seen chocolate toothpaste in our local supermarket. After doing a little curiosity-driven online research, I found this disturbing article detailing some pretty scary statistics about the lack of dental care in Turkey. The idea that anyone would use the same toothbrush for four years is unimaginable to me, but that is what the statistics appear to indicate is common here, according to the study. That is, of course, when people bother to buy a toothbrush at all.
The one positive thing the article seemed to say was that toothpaste usage has gone up somewhat since the introduction of the new “fashion” flavours such as lemon and chocolate and lychee. So basically, the implication is that health benefits make a minor impression at best, and that Turks only will only take care of their teeth if dental hygiene has some fun novelty value. Yikes.
I’m curious to hear what my Turkish readers, in particular, think about this study and its findings. Do you guys brush with toothpaste everyday? How often do you buy a new toothbrush? Personally, I’m not great about flossing, but I do brush everyday, and replace my toothbrush at least three times a year. It has to be said, though, that I’m one of those freaks with perfect teeth who has never even had a cavity (not one in my entire life, ever), so I guess by Turkish standards I’m some sort of mutant. Link
Ewwwwww
Ewwwwww
This is an important issue that you raise, hopefully we can all keep in mind how important our teeth are.
I do brush my teeth ever day but there are hard to places where the toothbrush can’t really get into very well.
My recommendations:
1) Flossing now and again, or a tooth pick, or piece of stiff card.
2) Use mouth wash now and again.
3) Try chewing a stick of fennel or chewing gum, as this will help to loosen any plaque. Also the fennel is slightly abrasive which means it actually cleans your teeth as well.
4) Avoid smoking, drinking too much coffee and tea as this stains your teeth.
By the looks of the photo it looks like the teeth need more calcium.
This is an important issue that you raise, hopefully we can all keep in mind how important our teeth are.
I do brush my teeth ever day but there are hard to places where the toothbrush can’t really get into very well.
My recommendations:
1) Flossing now and again, or a tooth pick, or piece of stiff card.
2) Use mouth wash now and again.
3) Try chewing a stick of fennel or chewing gum, as this will help to loosen any plaque. Also the fennel is slightly abrasive which means it actually cleans your teeth as well.
4) Avoid smoking, drinking too much coffee and tea as this stains your teeth.
By the looks of the photo it looks like the teeth need more calcium.
I took that picture for your eyes only! So betrayed and crushed!
I took that picture for your eyes only! So betrayed and crushed!
One should floss every day. Don’t use mouthwash as it kills beneficial bacteria as well as the bad. Have a dental checkup every 6 months. Make sure your dentist let’s you take home a proper supply of nitrous oxide. Cut back on the methamphetamine.
One should floss every day. Don’t use mouthwash as it kills beneficial bacteria as well as the bad. Have a dental checkup every 6 months. Make sure your dentist let’s you take home a proper supply of nitrous oxide. Cut back on the methamphetamine.
This issue is really scary! Well, as a Turk, I can say that my family and I tend to brush our teeth at least once a day. I brush my teeth every after a meal but I don’t think that this is a common habit in Turkey — usually no one really cares about their teeth until a problem appears. Then they start regular brushing.
May be this depends on the city you live in — I live in a big city and am trained as a health-keeper — we don’t keep a toothpaste for 4 years 🙂
This issue is really scary! Well, as a Turk, I can say that my family and I tend to brush our teeth at least once a day. I brush my teeth every after a meal but I don’t think that this is a common habit in Turkey — usually no one really cares about their teeth until a problem appears. Then they start regular brushing.
May be this depends on the city you live in — I live in a big city and am trained as a health-keeper — we don’t keep a toothpaste for 4 years 🙂
Good gracious.
Those teeth…my EYES!!!
Good gracious.
Those teeth…my EYES!!!
@Shaunte: the decision was between this photo and a much worse one. Now, aren’t you glad I chose this one?
@Shaunte: the decision was between this photo and a much worse one. Now, aren’t you glad I chose this one?