The importance of a healthy smile....

Smile... because it irritates those who hates / would destroy you 

 The human smile is a very most powerful expression, but sometimes, we tend to take it for granted. A smile not just a friendly greeting, it is a very important part of communication and is essential to our physical and emotional well-being.

Even a little baby will seek out a human face, in the hope of seeing a smile. Babies will start smiling when they are around six weeks old, all on their own. But, if their smiles are not returned by those who takes care of them, they will stop smiling, and one of the most important developmental and social milestones could be lost....

A smile can boost and enhance our mood. If you find yourself feeling blue, try humming, whistling or singing softly to yourself for a few moments. You will be surprised how much better you feel.

Smiling is contagious and makes us appear more approachable and attractive to others. People crave happiness and are naturally drawn to any type of positive energy we project.

Showing off a beautiful smile is also great for your health! Studies have shown that smiling helps lower blood pressure, relieves stress and naturally boosts the immune system by releasing serotonin and endorphins throughout the body. Smiling and laugher are simple and effective methods to increase longevity.

However, some individuals' would feel self-conscious because they suffer from gum problems. Do you know a whooping total of 94% of Malaysians are suffering from gum problems?

Conducted by the Oral Health Division in the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the 2010 National Oral Health Survey of Adults revealed that 88.9% of Malaysians were reported to have dental caries, 7.3% have lost all their natural teeth and a shocking 98.3% of Malaysians are in need of oral healthcare. 

This is in contrast to the 52.4% of Malaysians who believe that they have good oral health.. and this would include you and me.. and yes, I have to admit I have gum problems too... 

The solution to it would be to maintain good oral hygiene as it helps to prevent dental problems - mainly plaque and tartar (calculus) which are the main causes of gum disease and caries (tooth decay). Good oral hygiene may also help to prevent or delay dental erosion.

• Dental plaque is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It forms when germs (bacteria) combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria. You can remove plaque by good oral hygiene

• Tartar (calculus) is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by scaling.

However all hope is not lost as Philips is committed to improving peoples' oral health by developing innovative products that enhance their existing routines and in the long run, improve their quality of life. A lot of Malaysians do not realize that the severity of gum problems and tend to turn a blind eye to it when they are brushing their teeth, avoiding painful areas (I am one of the guilty ones!!!). 

Studies has proven that powered toothbrushes with a rotation-oscillation action (where the brush rapidly changes direction of rotation) remove plaque and debris better than manual toothbrushes. So you should really consider investing in a good one...and this is it....

The Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ comes with the new Gum Care mode which helps you pay special attention to those problem areas that have been pointed out by the dentist. It decreases gum bleeding and helps prevent recession, contributing to a lifetime of good oral health.

Equipped with sonic technology, the Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ brush provides a unique dynamic cleaning action that gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and along the gum line for a brushing experience unlike any other power toothbrush.

 With five cleaning mode including the Gum Care mode and Refresh mode, the Sonicare Flexcare+  provides a thorough cleaning experience for both teeth and gum

The five modes of the Sonicare Flexcare+ are:

·         Clean mode – for an outstanding clean in two minutes

·         Sensitive mode – for gentle yet thorough cleaning of the gums.

·         Refresh mode – for quick one minute touch-ups

·         Massage mode – to stimulate the gum

·         Gum Care mode – to help improve gum health.

The brush head is available in standard and compact sizes for a personalized brushing experience:

·         ProResults standard – All-round cleaning

·         ProResults compact – Focused cleaning

I started using my Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ with the ProResults compact brush to focus more on my gums, as I tend to have bleeding gums.... 

I was very surprise that the brush came with a two-minute timer . This is to ensure brushing time as recommended by the dental professionals. A 30 seconds interval timer lets you know when to move your brush to another side of your mouth for more consistent cleaning throughout their mouth. The special angled brush head neck allows it to reach the back teeth easier, removing plaque in those hard-to-reach areas.

 It significantly removes plaque and in just two weeks, improves gum health in just two weeks. 

When I first used it, the vibration and feel reminded me of how the dentist would scale our teeth. The brush head however felt ticklish at my lips and gums... and when I finished after brushing for 2 minutes, there were some bloody residues in my brush. 

However, now, after a week later, the bleeding has lessened every day and my gums have seemingly stopped bleeding now. My teeth and gums also feels much cleaner then before.

I am definitely loving my Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ toothbrush. 

I only charge it once before I used it, but even after a week, the  battery level is still half full. So I am guessing you only need to charge the Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ toothbrush body every couple of weeks once....

I have also read somewhere that you should brush your teeth either just before eating, or at least an hour after eating. The reason for this is to help prevent tooth erosion. Many foods contain acids - in particular, fizzy drinks (including fizzy water) and fruit juices. After your teeth are exposed to acid, the enamel is a little softened. But, the action of calcium and other mineral salts in the saliva can help to counteract and reverse this softening. 

So we should not brush our teeth immediately after eating when the enamel tends to be at its softest. In particular, do not brush teeth straightaway after eating or drinking acid foods and drinks. It is best to wait at least an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing 

Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ is priced at RM635, a little pricey but a very good investment for your overall dental health!!! And that would be cheaper then going to the dentist always for filling, or so on.... 

You can get the Sonicare Flexcare+ at any Philips authorised retailer nationwide or at the Philips Brand Store in Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur and also online via www.blipmy.com. 

For more information, check out  www.philips.com.my. 

Now, Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ gives you even more reasons to smile...!!

Life is short, so whenever you go outside, hold your head up high, and take a deep breath...Drink in the sunshine and greet your friends with a smile....

Don't worry about being misunderstood and don't waste your time worrying about those who hate you. Instead, fix your mind firmly on what you would like to do and move straight to the goal. Be positive and keep your mind on the great and splendid things you would like to do...

And Insya Allah/ God Willing, as the days go by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the opportunities that is waiting for you....