RETAIN THAT  PRECIOUS SMILE

Taking dental care is as important as taking care of any other body part. DR GUNITA SINGH tells us why regular

Check-up is important 

Dental health has never been a priority in our country. We only go to a dentist only when there is an emergency but never for a routine check up. Following the principles of prevention is better than cure.

It is high time that we realise the importance of dental health as our entire physical health depends upon our diet and eating abilities.

It is mandatory to visit your dentist at least once a year for regular check up and cleaning. If the oral hygiene is not maintained and the teeth are not cleaned regularly there can be food accumulation which can lead to carie.

Dental health has never been a priority in our country. We only go to a dentist only when there is an emergency but never for a routine check up. Following the principles of prevention is better than cure.

It is high time that we realise the importance of dental health as our entire physical health depends upon our diet and eating abilities.

It is mandatory to visit your dentist at least once a year for regular check up and cleaning. If the oral hygiene is not maintained and the teeth are not cleaned regularly there can be food accumulation which can lead to carie.

Common problems that can occur

• Take care of poor oral hygiene
• Scaling/polishing: Once a year professional oral prophylaxis is a must that makes maintaining your oral health so much easier.
• Brush twice a day:  Whether it’s morning or night, brushing is a must. Due to busy schedules, people usually forget to brush at night or take it for granted, but this is the biggest mistake that they make.
• Gum massages: Spend some time with your gums as they are the foundation of our teeth. Healthy gums are equal to healthy teeth. Massaging in a circular motion for 5 mins in morning and evening with the oil of your choice ( olive oil, vitamin E oil, almond oil) can do wonders for your gums.
• Tongue cleaning: Once a day, tongue cleaning with glycerine and cotton pad can prove to be magical not only for the lovely pink tongue but also bacteria-free oral cavity.
• Mouth wash: Rinse your mouth after every meal for 2-3 times with a mouth wash of your choice, swirl it for at least 30 secs each for best results.
• Bleeding gums: Bleeding from gums while brushing and otherwise is one of the most common problems. Periodontal laser therapy will give back life to your gums.
• Caries: Small black spots on your teeth can get nasty and turn into major infections if not treated on time so better watch out for them to get simple fillings done so that you don't need to get into root canals later.

Most of the time the patient walks in with the pain, which means the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth and the nerves are exposed.

Root canal treatment (RCT) becomes the  only option. An early detection of caries is better but if the nerves are exposed, RCT is a must.

• Swelling: Swelling associated with teeth is a bad sign that means the tooth is now badly infected and one has to mostly get rid of the same. We can do extraction and then give an implant to replace the tooth.
• Oral cancers: Small ulcers or lacerations in the oral cavity if neglected and not attended, can lead to any kind of oral cancers.

The writer is BDS MD (Dental Lasers), Associate Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram HospitalvTake care of poor oral hygiene