Shanghai offers a large variety of dental services, with quality dental clinics in virtually every international hospital, as well as individual clinics located throughout the city. Check your insurance policy for coverage and take time to find the right dentist for your family’s needs. When looking for a dentist, it’s handy to know that while most are listed as a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), some may also be a DMD
(Doctor of Dental Medicine). Both qualifications mean the dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school. Services offered by Shanghai dental clinics range from general cleaning to complicated procedures, such as crowns and root canal surgery. Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics are also available.
What does a healthy home dental routine look like?
According to Dr Alex Shaw from PureSmile Othodontics and Dentist- ry, it’s recommended that you brush your teeth two to three times a day for two minutes each, spending an equal amount of time (30 seconds) in each quadrant of your mouth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, pointed toward the gums. Floss your teeth once a day using 45 centimeters (18 inches) of floss. As you move to the next tooth, wind the dirty floss around one finger and unwind the clean floss from the other finger. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash for 30-40 seconds after you brush and floss your teeth.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities by making the outer surface fo your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause decay. Fluoride can benefit children and adults when ingested, as well as topically (when you brush with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride rinse) and can even reverse early tooth decay. Your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements in tablet, drop or lozenge forms for children 6 months to 16 years living in areas, such as Shanghai, without adequate amounts of flouride in the community drinking water.
