If there are deep fissures on a tooth, dental plaque can easily accumulate in these fissures where the toothbrush bristles cannot access to and clean these areas thoroughly. Therefore, these teeth are prone to tooth decay.

如果牙齿表面有深的窝沟，牙菌斑就很容易积聚在牙刷刷不到以及无法彻底清洁的地方。因此，这些牙齿就很容易发展成龋齿。

Seal up fissures and prevent tooth decay

窝沟封闭和预防龋齿

Fissure sealant is a tooth-coloured or transparent material, which is well adhered to the enamel of the tooth. Fissure sealant seals off the fissures of a tooth to prevent tooth decay by blocking the plaque bacteria in the fissures from getting access to the dietary sugars.

窝沟封闭剂是一种颜色与牙齿相似或透明的材料，能与牙釉质紧密粘合。窝沟封闭剂能填补牙齿的沟纹，阻止牙垢膜细菌与饮食糖接触，达到预防龋齿的效果。

Applying fissure sealant is good for both adults and children to prevent tooth decay.

成年人或儿童都能进行窝沟封闭以预防龋齿。

In order to clean the teeth effectively, you have to thoroughly remove the dental plaque that adheres on the tooth surfaces.

要有效清洁牙齿，你需要彻底把附在牙齿表面的牙菌斑彻底清除。

For most people, a dental check-up per year is adequate. However, for those with high risk or special needs, a dental check-up every six months or at shorter interval may be necessary. People with high risk or special needs include:

对一般人来说，每年进行一次口腔检查即可。不过，以下高危或有特殊需要的人群每半年需要进行一次或多次口腔检查。高风险或特殊需要人群包括：

1

Patients who have received radiotherapy in the head and neck region

头部和颈部曾接受发射治疗的患者

In the process of radiotherapy, normal oral tissues are affected. The treatment may give rise to a decrease in saliva secretion and inflammation of the oral mucosa, which may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

        放射治疗过程中会影响口腔的正常组织。治疗可能会导致唾液分泌减少以及口腔黏膜发炎，这可能会导致龋齿和牙龈疾病。

2

Smokers

吸烟人群

The chance of developing gum disease for smokers can be five times higher than that of non-smokers.

        吸烟的人患牙龈疾病的几率比非吸烟者要高五倍。

3

Patients with severe oral diseases 

严重口腔疾病患者

Patients with severe tooth decay, gum disease, oral tumour or cleft palate need to have more frequent oral examinations to maintain their oral health.

        一些有严重龋齿、牙龈疾病、口腔癌、腭裂等口腔疾病的患者，需要接受更频繁的口腔检查以保持口腔健康。

4

Patients with systemic diseases 

系统性疾病患者

The immunity systems of patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Haemophilia or AIDS are compromised, leading to a lowered body resistance to bacterial infections. If their oral hygiene is poor, the dental plaque accumulated on the tooth surfaces will easily give rise to gum disease and the disease will then progress rapidly.

        糖尿病、血友病、爱滋病会影响患者的免疫系统，导致抵抗病菌感染的能力下降。如果他们口腔卫生不好，牙齿表面的牙菌斑就容易引致牙龈疾病，也会让病情更迅速恶化。

（来源：香港卫生署）

统筹：维维安

翻译：曦檬子

美编：晓马哥

往期精选【戳下方标题】

《黄曲霉毒素致癌！这东西还能不能吃了？》

《开学季，学校如何守护孩子舌尖上的安全》