DIAL DFOR DENTIST

Are we really as aware as we should be when it comes to oral health? Debarati S Sen finds out how to ward off diseases with proper dental care

    Dental care is something not many people in India bother much about, and 'daily dental hygiene', an almost alien concept for most, just translates to brushing teeth twice, instead of once a day. 
    And the alarming part is that even that little use of the toothbrush is not up to the mark. A recent survey conducted by Indian Market Research Bureau on Consumer Usage and Attitudes has found that India has the lowest per capita toothbrush consumption as most people use their fingers, neem sticks and other tools for brushing teeth. 
    Experts say that we do not take a teething child to a dentist, usually. Dr Sagar Shah, dentist, stresses on the importance of the same, "It is important to take your child for a dental visit when the first tooth erupts or the child's first birthday. Don't ignore the treatment of milk teeth as decay is passed on easily from the milk to the permanent teeth." 
    Experts suggest visiting a dentist twice a year is a 
must. Senior dentist Dr 
Mukul Dhabolkar says, "The mouth is where the digestive system begins and is the gateway for most of the nutritional processes. It is the starting place for keeping bacteria out and letting essential oils in." 
    Recent studies illustrate the link between dental health and diseases like diabetes and heart diseases. Dr Dhabolkar states, "If oral health is not maintained well, the endocrine system has to work harder to break down foods during the digestive process and the immune system has to struggle to fight harmful bacteria that ultimately lead to compromised or incomplete efficiency." 
    Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. Dr Shah says that the mouth is also the gateway to your overall health and keeping it clean may keep you healthier and younger for longer. 
    A well-balanced diet is also important — it not only enables you to watch your waistline but your dental health too. Choose a diet that's rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, salt and added sugars says Dr Dhabolkar 
Here are a few 
    other points that 
    you need to keep in mind... 
Brush with essential oils 
Add a drop of cinnamon oil on to your toothbrush before brushing. It is anti-bacterial and anti-viral and can prevent infection and protect you against colds and flu bacteria in winters especially. 
Get the whole mouth involved 
Brush into your gums and tongue at the end of a brushing cycle to build resistance against cold/flu bacteria and other sickness. Rinse after meals. 
Take professional help 
A professional deep clean is the best way to clear out all the bacteria from the mouth. Visit a dentist every six months to proactively combat hard-to-reach bacteria and keep your mouth extra clean. Thorough gargling with water after every meal will help in absolute cleanliness of the mouth. 
Brush and floss regularly 
Brush after having sticky, sweet food and brush twice a day at least, with a soft bristled, brush that does not damage your enamel. Dr Shah says, "People brush their teeth vigorously thinking their teeth will become white — actually they become yellow, as the white outer layer gets worn out by brushing hard." Flossing will remove the bacteria and food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach. 
Say not to tobacco and smoking 
Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking — this is one of the major causes for tooth and complete oral tissue damage. The tobacco powder and its smoke causes stains on teeth and weakens them. It can lead to discolouration of teeth and sometimes is also responsible for oral cancer. 
Avoid aerated drinks 
Soda, cola drinks contain citric acid, and phosphoric acid have a corrosive effect on teeth and dissolve them. 
    With inputs from IANS DID YOU KNOW? 
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