Riya Gupta explains the importance of giving special attention to your teeth during the festival, while sharing tips to maintain a healthy smile
Deepawali, or Diwali, the festival of lights is around the corner. The festival is full of celebrations with family and friends, there is laughter, there are crackers and the most tempting part of Deepawali are sweets. Mithais are packed with beautiful wrapping papers, where chocolates have recently become one of the favourite gifts to exchange.
Varieties of sweets/foods are prepared during this festival which could incorporate sticky sweets, sweets containing artificial colours and fried foods. Afterall, Deepawali is the time for savouring these luscious delicacies but, at the same time, it should not pose damage to our healthy smiles.
What actually happens:
Whenever we eat sweets, the food particles stick to our teeth. This leads to the formation of a sticky bio-film called plaque. This plaque serves as a treat for harmful micro-organisms, which, in turn, become acidic. This acid creates holes in the outermost covering of the teeth, that is, enamel. If left untreated, harmful micro-organisms can reach to the roots of your teeth. The result usually is tooth pain, sensitivity, loosening of teeth or even swelling of the mouth.
Why this does happen?
As it is always said ‘Dentistry is not expensive but negligence is’, the reasons are not brushing regularly, consuming sticky foods and carbonated drinks often, chocolates and refined foods. Not rinsing your mouth after meals and not staying hydrated could also be other reasons. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol regularly are only added threats.
Here are some tips to show a beautiful smile this Deepawali-
Brushing teeth
It is very important, during the festival, to stick to tight schedule. Irrespective of exhaustion from late night party or stress, it is always advised to brush twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. This routine is also important for denture wearers.They should clean their dentures twice a day.
Flossing
Flossing prevents food particles from sticking in between teeth. Flossing can be done by a manual dental floss or by a powered dental flosser. Flossing should be done at least once a day.
Tongue cleaning
Tongue harbours harmful micro-organisms. These micro-organisms can lead to oral malodour. It is very important to clean your tongue twice a day with a tongue scraper.
Mouth rinsing
It is always advisable to rinse your mouth with plain water after eating. This will prevent food particles from sticking to teeth which, in turn, prevents both tooth sensitivity and dental decay.
Mouth washes
Mouth washes are an excellent option to prevent tooth decay, gums sensitivity and oral malodour. But mouth washes should only be taken after dentist prescription. Warm saline gargles should be performed after meals this will not only prevent Covid infection but will also provide a good gums care.
Habits
Stress causes people to grind their teeth .This leads to erosion of outer surface of teeth. If you think you have a habit of grinding teeth or you experience pain in jaws after you wake up in the morning. You should discuss this with your dentist, your dentist might suggest you a mouth-guard which will prevent tooth damage. During Deepawali, we all decorate our houses and wrap gifts for our loved ones but we should remember that we should not use our teeth as tools for piercing tapes and cutting threads.
Deepawali vacations
If you are planning to go on vacations, do not forget to take your oral health kit. Note that we should not share our tooth brushes with anybody, because this can lead to transfer of harmful micro-organisms from one person to another.
Diet
Sweets are one of the most tempting parts of Deepawali and they cannot be avoided. Consuming sweets before or during meals reduces the chances of tooth decay. Avoid eating sweets containing artificial colour as it can stain your teeth. Drinking carbonated or acidic drinks with straw reduces the chance of tooth erosion. It is always advisable to consume sweets or drinks made from milk, which aids in building strong teeth. It is always advisable to eat unpeeled apples, raw green leafy vegetables like spinach and radish after meals. This increases the flow of saliva and reduces the chance of tooth decay. One can also chew xylitol chewing gums that also reduce tooth decay.
Prescribed dental visit
If you are noticing bleeding gums, blackish discolouration of tooth, tooth pain or oral malodour, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. The issue will be treated and you will be able to enjoy your festival to the fullest.
It is very important to visit your dentist after the festival is over. A routine dental check-up will be performed, which will help in retaining your beautiful smile.
Warning
One should never perform stunts like burning crackers in the mouth. It is very harmful, not only to craniofacial structures, but also to the entire body.
Have a safe, happy, beautiful and smiling Deepawali.
(The author is a practising dentist who frequently writes articles on oral hygiene.)