Zimbabwe Dental Association

03/06/2026

ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, the mouth can be affected by hormonal changes, so it is important to pay special attention to oral health at this time to help keep you and your baby healthy. A good oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups and a healthy lifestyle will help protect your mouth and body.

Practice good oral health for your child

A child’s oral health begins in utero. Poor maternal oral health and malnutrition during pregnancy may lead to disruptions in enamel formation and a predisposition to early childhood caries. Despite being preventable, dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease globally.

Visit the dentist regularly

The possible hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect gums, causing swelling or tenderness as well as bleeding. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, tell your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible, as they may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into more serious gum disease, which may be associated with a higher risk of preterm and low-birthweight babies.

Work together with your dentist for a healthy mouth

Just like other major diseases, prevention, early detection, and treatment are important in keeping your teeth and mouth healthy, and to stop any potential negative effects on the rest of the body and on the baby. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant and if you are taking any medications, or about any other special advice from your medical doctor. If your pregnancy is high-risk or if you have certain medical conditions, your dentist and your doctor may recommend that some treatments be postponed.

Protect your mouth during morning sickness

Morning sickness can affect some women. Gastric reflux (regurgitating food or drink) or vomiting can increase the amount of acid your mouth is exposed to, which can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay. If vomiting, rinse the mouth out with water and either rub toothpaste onto the teeth using a finger or use a fluoridated mouthwash. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth.

Eat a healthy low-sugar diet

Eat a healthy diet, with limited snacking of foods and drinks high in sugar. Adults should not have more than 6 teaspoons of sugar daily. Beware of sugars added to foods and drinks by manufacturers. Consuming protein and calcium-rich foods are beneficial to both you and your developing baby. These include foods such as lean meats, eggs, fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grain products as well as dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt etc.).

23/03/2026

23/03/2026

World Oral Health Day Outreach at Tariro Clinic.

17/03/2026

We are coming to your community! 🦷💙

In celebration of World Oral Health Day, we will be offering FREE dental services and oral health education at Tariro Clinic on 21 March 2026.

Good oral health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and this initiative aims to make dental care more accessible for our community.

📍 Location: Tariro Clinic, Hopely
📅 Date: Saturday 21 March 2026

Please share this post so everyone in the community knows about this opportunity for free dental care. Let’s work together to build healthier smiles! 😁

Zimbabwe Dental Association

24/03/2025

Made up of highly mineralised calcium phosphate crystals, enamel which covers our teeth, is incredibly durable and resistant to wear.
However, this does not meant it is indestructible!
Our enamel can be damaged by acids from food, drinks, plaque and bacteria.
It is important to establish good oral health habits to maintain our enamel’s super strength.
-Brushing 2/day with a fluoride toothpaste
-Flossing daily
-Limiting intake of sugary and acidic foods and drink
-6 monthly checks and cleans with your dentist

20/03/2025

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Dental floss is an effective and easy to use tool that can be among your best defenses for preventing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Your daily oral hygiene routine should include a thorough brushing that lasts for two minutes, at least twice each day. You should also be incorporating floss into your routine as well. Dental floss is effective at cleaning areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Small gaps and tight spaces between teeth catch food debris as well as sugars and acids from drinks all day long. Flossing helps to clean out these tough to reach spaces.
It only takes a few minutes to floss your teeth each day, but those few minutes can contribute to a lifetime of optimal oral health. Floss is among the most effective tools at your disposal to keep your gums clean and healthy. Get into the habit of flossing your teeth regularly, your gums will thank you.

toothbrushingThursday

18/03/2025

Did you know that it is important to keep your baby teeth healthy?

Baby teeth keep space for the permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth too early in life may be a traumatic experience for the child and may also result in a crooked smile when the permanent teeth come in, requiring orthodontic treatment. Decayed baby teeth are a source of pain and discomfort for children and may impact how well they eat and their overall health.

Parents and guardians can help keep baby teeth healthy by starting to clean and brush their teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth. It is also important to ensure the child has a healthy diet while limiting foods such as sweets and sweet drinks including fizzy drinks.

Children should never be allowed to fall asleep while drinking sweet drinks without cleaning their teeth and mouth soon after as this can result in tooth decay.

17/03/2025

FALSE!
Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing are not normal. The bleeding is caused by inflammation of the gums which is caused by the presence of plaque.

Ways of reducing plaque in the mouth:
* Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
* Flossing daily
* Bi-annual dental cleans

If you do notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, persist with your brushing and flossing and seek help from your dentist.


😁

13/03/2025

Why is it important to brush your teeth with a toothbrush?

- Toothbrushes come in different sizes and shapes, and start off with very small ones for toddlers, all the way up to large adult size heads. Make sure you look for a soft bristle tooth brush and that the shape and size of your toothbrush easily fits into your mouth. It should provide you with enough room to easily reach all the different areas.

* It is important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.

* If you have a new toothbrush and the bristles are quick to fray, then there is a chance you could be brushing too hard.

* It is a good practice to change out your tooth brush every 3-4 months. Just like trying to brush your hair with a hairbrush that doesn’t have proper bristles, a worn out tooth brushis equally as inefficient.

* The toothpaste you use should be an ADA-accepted toothpaste. This is important to ensure the right amount of fluoride is in your toothpaste.

12/03/2025

Comfort foods loaded with sugar might give a quick “feel-good” high, but they can take a big toll on your oral and overall health. Frequent sugary treats feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay, which can lead to pain, cavities, and even tooth loss—ultimately affecting your confidence and mental well-being.

Remember, sweet snacks won’t fix underlying stress or emotional issues. Practicing healthy coping strategies—like talking to someone you trust, doing breathing exercises, or seeking professional help—can help you deal with challenges more effectively, while keeping your smile bright and healthy.