“SECRET OF BEAUTIFUL SMILE”

Healthy living is a secret of happiness. Most of the people are aware of keeping a sound body image and workout daily to remain fit. But when it comes to dental health, many people living in the underdeveloped countries neglect it that leads to poor oral condition with halitosis (bad smell), periodontal problems, calculus deposits, stains and multiple other oral and dental problems.

Always keep in mind that healthy teeth not only give you a brighter smile but also enhance your confidence amongst peers. Being a dentist, I would like to share some basic points that everyone should know.

First of all, it is important to remember that “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” so try to save your teeth before it’s too late.

ALWAYS BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL

Get into the routine of brushing your teeth twice a day, every morning and evening after meal time. Always use a toothbrush with soft and round bristles. Replace your toothbrush whenever bristles become shapeless. Place the brush at 45 degrees between your teeth and gums and gently rock the brush back and forth in the circular motion. Brush your front teeth vertically and avoid any horizontal movements. Never forget to clean your teeth from the back side of your teeth i.e. towards the tongue.

Electric toothbrushes are also available for people who are aged, febrile and handicapped. They have rotating and oscillating movements and run through the battery. They are helpful in case you are lazy and do not want to use manual toothbrushes.

SELECTION OF TOOTHPASTE:

Use fluoride containing toothpaste as fluoride helps in remineralization of demineralized dental tissues. It prevents tartar control and inhibits growth of bacteria.

You can use fluoride-containing mouthwashes if you have a problem of bad smell (halitosis) or on the occasional basis.

FLOSSING:

Proper brushing technique cleans all the tooth surfaces except interdental surface (between the teeth). Flossing is required to clean interdental surfaces.

The finger-wrap method: Cut off a piece of floss 18 to 20 inch long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other end around your right middle finger, until your hands are about 2 to 3 inches apart. Gently use the floss between the teeth, do not impinge on the gums otherwise, you will injure them. Flossing is usually required every alternative day and especially after eating meat.

HEALTHY DIET

Eat fibrous food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and whole wheat. Decrease intake of juices containing sugar, sticky sweets and chocolates, raisins and always brush after you take them. Avoid taking snacks between meals.

It has been researched that yogurt, cheese, and sugar-free chewing gums (containing xylitol) are good for the teeth. It prevents accumulation of plaque by increasing level of saliva and hence provides an alkaline medium that inhibits cavity formation.

Avoid Tea, tobacco, pan and smoking. These products lead to bad stains on your teeth and ugly smile. Tobacco, chalia, pan, gutka (usually taken in Asian countries) may cause mouth cancer.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILD’S TEETH AS WELL

Many people have a misconception that taking care of primary (baby teeth) teeth is not important as they will shed away. THIS CONCEPT IS COMPLETELY WRONG!!

Primary teeth are guides to permanent teeth, if you don't take care of your children's primary teeth, it will lead to the delayed eruption, shifting and crowding of the permanent dentition.

Hence, dental care starts from the birth. When your baby is on breastfeeding, good nutrition of mother plays a vital role in your baby's dental health.

If you bottle feeds a child, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice, milk, or other sugary liquid. The opportunity for tooth decay to develop increases while these liquids stay in the mouth. Always remove the bottle from the mouth when a child is asleep, also clean baby mouth with wipe cotton or cloth.

First primary teeth erupt at the age of six months, start cleaning or brushing with a soft brush. In the case of dental cavities, consult a pediatric dentist.

Do not use adult toothpaste for children as they usually swallow it and swallowing fluoride in excess can lead to fluorosis (systemic disease causing mottling of enamel and brittleness of bone)

First permanent tooth appears in the oral cavity at age of 6 years. Consult a dentist for use of sealants which are flowable resins inserted into pits and fissures of teeth to inhibit cavity formation in the deep grooves and fissures.

Encourage your children for brushing twice a day by giving them cartoon brushes and flavored toothpaste.

If accidentally your child primary teeth fall off before time then consult your child's dentist. They give your child a device called space maintainer which will prevent shifting or drifting of adjacent teeth and will keep the place for future permanent teeth. In this way, the chances of crowding will minimize.

If your child has actively participated in sports, give them mouth guards to protect tooth injury.

Keep your teeth clean and healthy and spread the smile of life!