Page 14 - KZN Business Sense 12.4 - Terry Flack

PREVENTION OVER CURE

WHY SMART DENTISTRY STARTS EARLY

By Chelsea Brand identify warning signs before they time, money and stress.
become major concerns.
Routine visits are generally
or many people, a trip to the When dental problems are shorter and less invasive than
dentist only happens when detected early, treatment emergency treatment. They can
Fsomething goes wrong. is generally simpler, more help reduce unexpected dental
A sudden toothache, a chipped
tooth, bleeding gums or swelling comfortable and less expensive costs and minimise disruption to
work, school or family life. No one
than leaving them until
often becomes the reason to make symptoms worsen. enjoys having to deal with urgent
an appointment. Yet modern pain or a dental emergency during
dentistry is moving away from this Why Problems Shouldn’t Be
crisis-driven model and placing Ignored a busy week.
greater emphasis on prevention, There is also an emotional
early care and long-term wellness. One of the biggest side to dental health. Healthy
misconceptions about oral health teeth and gums often improve
At Crown Dental Studio, under is that if there is no pain, there is confidence, comfort and quality
the guidance of Dr Mohamed no problem. In reality, tooth decay
Fareed Amod, this proactive and gum disease can progress of life. People are more likely to
smile freely, speak comfortably
philosophy forms an important silently. A cavity may begin as and enjoy meals when their
part of patient care. The focus a tiny weak spot in the enamel. mouths are healthy.
is not only on treating dental Gum disease can start with mild
problems, but on helping patients irritation or occasional bleeding Oral Health and General Health defences against oral disease. Preventive care offers a smarter,
avoid them in the first place. during brushing. The mouth does not function At Crown Dental Studio, calmer and more cost-effective
Across the world, healthcare By the time pain becomes separately from the rest of the patient education is part of path to lifelong oral health.
professionals are encouraging noticeable, the issue may body. Research continues to the preventive process. When At Crown Dental Studio,
people to think differently about already require more advanced highlight links between oral patients understand how lifestyle Dr Mohamed Fareed Amod
prevention. Dentistry is no treatment. What could have been health and wider wellness. Poor choices affect oral health, they
exception. Rather than waiting solved with a filling or cleaning gum health has been associated are better equipped to make supports this modern approach by
encouraging patients to take charge
for decay, gum disease or pain may later need a root canal, with conditions such as diabetes informed decisions. of their oral health before problems
to develop, today’s best practice crown or extraction. Regular and cardiovascular concerns, arise. Because when it comes to
supports routine examinations, check-ups help identify these while certain medical conditions Looking Ahead
professional cleaning, education concerns while they are still may also increase dental risks. The future of dentistry dentistry, prevention is more than
a slogan − it is the foundation of a
and early diagnosis. manageable. Dentists are trained This makes regular dental care is increasingly centred on healthier future. 
This change is significant to spot changes that patients may an important part of an overall prevention, technology and
because many common oral not notice themselves, including health routine, rather than an personalised care. Improved Hours: Open 24 hours
health conditions can often early decay, gum recession, isolated cosmetic concern. diagnostic tools, digital imaging A: 26 Mackeurtan Ave, Durban North,
be reduced or managed bite issues and hidden damage and better treatment planning Durban, 4051
through regular care and good between teeth. The Power of Everyday Habits allow dentists to detect concerns T: +27 (0)81 207 8621
daily habits. Cavities, gum While professional care is earlier and manage them more
inflammation and plaque build- Prevention Saves More Than important, prevention begins at effectively.
up rarely happen overnight. They Teeth home. Consistent daily habits For patients, the message is
usually develop gradually, which Preventive dentistry is not only remain one of the strongest clear: do not wait for pain to
means there is often time to about oral health. It can also save decide when to visit the dentist.

JOIN ONE MILLION PAIRS OF HOPE

CAMPAIGN FOR MANDELA MONTH

s Nelson Mandela Month all donations and pledges reach Non-profit aid organisation
approaches, Bata South children in need. Ashraful Aid is lending their
AAfrica is calling on Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder support to the initiative and will be
businesses to help tackle a silent of Gift of the Givers, said hope, involved in on-the-ground support.
barrier to education in rural KZN faith and action was critical to Sabera Asmal, Regional Manager
and Gauteng: the lack of proper see change in communities. “We for KZN at Ashraful Aid, said:
school shoes. know of children around the “Education is a key focus of our
For more than 2.8 million country who are in need, and often activities, but we understand that
funding a school is just one aspect
learners in rural communities, the supply children stationery, clothes, that needs to be fulfilled. Ensuring
journey to school is long, unsafe, uniforms, blankets especially after children have uniforms and school
and often done barefoot. Shoes are floods and disasters. Thank you shoes is just as important. We are
shared between siblings, worn long Bata for initiating this project.” very happy to partner with Bata on
past their lifespan, or simply not Businesses are invited to this campaign and ensure the shoes
available. participate through structured reach the most deserving children
sponsorship packages, where, as we have volunteers who work in
“This Mandela Month, the field and understand where the
our company is turning its starting from a few hundred need is.”
rands, a pair of shoes is sponsored
manufacturing strength into a towards a child in need.
large-scale social impact mission: Bata’s iconic Toughees school
placing 1 million pairs of Toughees “Every forward step in a shoes are proudly manufactured
school shoes onto the feet of child’s life should begin in a at its Loskop factory in rural
children who need them most,” shoe,” said Deenai Heralall, KZN – where the majority of
said Lorraine Dyer, Managing Marketing Manager at Bata SA. employees are women – and are
Director of Bata SA. “The initiative offers transparent built for durability, comfort, and
reporting, accountable the realities of the South African
In partnership with renown distribution, and the option school day. 
humanitarian aid organisation, for corporates to select the
Gift of the Givers and Ashraful communities and schools they For more information, visit:
Aid National, Bata SA will ensure wish to support.” www.toughees.co.za/pages/1-million-
pairs-of-hope

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