Tooth decay, losing teeth and gum diseases are common problems as one ages. But do we take care of our oral health as much as we care for our physical fitness? Our expert Dentist, Dr. Rishikesh Gollapudi, B.D.S, Sai Leela Dental Clinic, Hyderabad says, “Our teeth are not only helpful in chewing food, but also have a psychological impact. If our teeth are crooked or decayed, they don’t look aesthetically good. Also, if a person is not able to chew properly, then the diet is also affected especially in children. Apart from diet, a child’s growth may also be hampered. Therefore, it becomes important to take care of our teeth from the very beginning, even if they are our milk teeth that are going to shed by 12-13 years of age”.
Here are some daily dental routine practices that Dr. Rishikesh recommends following:
For Everyone:
Brush your teeth twice daily
Brush in the morning when you wake up, and at night before going to bed. The food particles stick in the mouth and then on the teeth, that acts as food to the bacteria causing tooth decay.
Flossing Teeth
Flossing is important, especially during night time for the gums. Gums are an important part and bind our teeth. Flossing is the best way to keep our gums healthy and pink. It also helps to remove the debris between our teeth so as to avoid decay. Thus, flossing every day is a good habit.
It’s not just about sugar
People usually have a thinking that sugary substances cause tooth decay. But it’s not just sugar, any kind of food particle stuck on or between the teeth can cause the harm. Therefore, it is important to brush at night as well.
Food Habits
Just bruising and flossing won’t help. One should avoid consumption of foods and drinks loaded with sugar and carbs.
Snacking Between Meals
Snacking between meals is not a good idea, try having them along with the meals. However, if you are snacking in between the meals, make sure you rinse your mouth after that. Snacks are usually high in sugar and carbs and they have an acidic reaction on our teeth, which can be harmful. Therefore, rinse your mouth.
Routine Check-ups
Dental check-ups are as important as our general health check-ups. Periodic visits to a dentist can be helpful in regular cleaning and early recognition of a decay and can be easily treated before it worsens. Ideally, any person should visit a dentist at least once in 6 months or as per the requirement in case of tooth problems.
Recognize Problems Early
Children with Pediatric or milk teeth need a regular check-up. Not only tooth decay, but many tend to have growth anomalies or certain deformities related to the bone structure in the mouth, which can be corrected at a very early age. Therefore, for children it is mandatory to have a check-up ad not only when a tooth problem arises.
For Diabetics
People who have uncontrolled diabetes, then it can show effect on teeth as well, especially the gums. If the gums are damaged, then one may end up losing teeth and other problems. Therefore, keeping diabetes in control as well as following all the general practices is important.
For Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, there are certain problems like gum swelling or bleeding, due to hormonal changes. In this case, one can visit a dentist and general cleaning can be done. Also, try to get the procedure done in the first trimester or maximum by the second trimester. However, Dr. Rishikesh recommends consulting your gynecologist before getting a dentist’s appointment.
Therefore, brushing your teeth is very important, along with cleaning in between the gums. Dr. Rishikesh adds, “Toothpastes nowadays are also loaded with sugar, so it should be chosen wisely”. Therefore, a healthy diet and routine practices can help keep your gums pink and strong and your teeth white and far away from decaying.
