PATTAYA, Thailand – Preventive care, modern technology and timely treatment can help residents continue enjoying Pattaya’s food and lifestyle without sacrificing their oral health, two local dentists told their Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) audience on September 9 during their practical presentation on common dental problems.
Dr. Nawapol (Dr. Mong) Wuttikorn and Dr. Chawanan (Ploy) Chaiyami focused on tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss, emphasizing that many serious problems can be prevented or managed more easily when detected early.
Dr. Mong explained that cavities form through a combination of vulnerable tooth surfaces, bacteria, sugar and time. Reducing any part of that process, especially plaque buildup or repeated sugar exposure can lower the risk of decay. Early damage may respond to fluoride and improved hygiene, while advanced cases may require fillings, crowns, root-canal treatment or extraction.
Older adults face particular risks from root decay, gum recession and dry mouth, Dr. Mong said. He recommended moist foods, soups, slow-cooked meats, fruit and adequate water for people with dry mouth, while advising caution with crackers, cookies, alcohol, coffee, candy and spicy foods.
The dentists also warned that untreated gum inflammation can progress from redness and bleeding to recession, tartar buildup and bone loss. Treatment may then move beyond routine cleaning to deep scaling, root planing or grafting.
For missing teeth, the presentation compared dentures, bridges and implants. Dr. Mong described implants as a leading option because they function much like natural teeth and can replace a tooth without grinding down healthy neighboring teeth. Patients with insufficient jawbone may first need bone grafting and several months of healing.
Modern equipment is making treatment planning cleaner and more precise, the speakers said. Their clinic uses CT imaging, digital X-rays and 3D intraoral scanners to map teeth and bone, design crowns and dentures, and plan implant procedures without the traditional impression material that many patients find uncomfortable.
Patients should not ignore tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath or mouth sores, the dentists said. Such symptoms can signal conditions that become more complicated and costly if treatment is delayed.
The clinic also announced a free treatment plan and a 20 percent discount through the end of the year for expatriate-club members who present their membership card. It said fillings carry a one-year guarantee and commonly last five to eight years.
The meeting concluded with recognition of the Bangkok Dental and Medical Foundation, whose volunteer dentists, doctors, nurses and assistants provide free care in communities across Thailand. Organizers described one-day missions capable of treating hundreds of patients through examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions and denture services.
Dr. Ploy joined the question-and-answer session as audience members asked about Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, floss alternatives, bone grafts, sleep-apnea appliances and the best time to brush. The dentists said conventional floss generally cleans between teeth more thoroughly than a Waterpik, although a Waterpik may be a useful supplement. They discouraged ordinary toothpicks because they can damage gums.
Their core advice was straightforward: brush for two minutes twice a day, floss regularly and see a dentist twice a year. They recommended fluoride toothpaste for protection against acid and decay, rinsing with water after sugary or acidic foods, and electric toothbrushes for people whose dexterity makes manual brushing difficult.
The broader message was that oral health depends not only on technology and treatment, but also on prevention and access. Regular home care, early professional attention and volunteer outreach can help more people keep their teeth—and continue enjoying the foods they love.
Following the presentations, MC Ren Lexander brought everyone up to date on upcoming Club events followed by the Open Forum portion of the meeting where questions are asked and comments made about Expat living in Thailand, especially Pattaya. To learn more about the PCEC, visit their website at https:/pcec.club. A video of the presentation will be uploaded to the PCEC’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@pcecclub6255/videos.
