Kuala Lampur, March 15 -- Recently a friend contacted me because he was worried about his swollen and bleeding gums.

Apparently, he was hospitalised for a week and had not been brushing his teeth during the one-week stay in the hospital.

I believe he is not the only one who neglects their oral health when they are sick. Most people do not brush their teeth when they are sick.

Actually, brushing teeth plays an important role when you are sick. Imagine, you need to take a lot of medication, some are sugar coated especially medication for kids, this will lead to caries for those children on long-term medication.

Prior to checking into the hospital, one should make sure to bring along a toothbrush and toothpaste. This will ensure the oral...