Protect that smile
By Suman Bala

DENTAL diseases remain a chronic health problem, the answer to which lies in prevention. Good oral health can be maintained through good sense and preventive techniques. The health of teeth (hard tissues) and the gums (gingiva or soft tissues) both must be maintained if dental health is to be preserved.

Hard tissues are affected by decay process, which produces cavities (also called dental caries) and the gums are affected by plaque (an invisible film which forms on the surfaces of the teeth) and tartar,resulting in periodontal diseases and, ultimately, loss of teeth. The loss of teeth may be because of total destruction of the supporting structure of the teeth or periapical inflammation (advanced stage of dental caries).

Dental diseases are painless to begin with, since the outermost layer of the tooth (enamel) is non-vital and has no power of regeneration and repair. It is only when the second layer, dentin is affected, that the patient experiences pain. Most of the patients see their dentist when the destruction is in an advanced stage. At such a stage the success and treatment rendered to save teeth and their supporting structure is not only questionable but expensive also.

It is important to note all diseases of adulthood are the result of neglect in childhood. If simple rules are followed in early childhood, the ravages to dental health in adulthood could be prevented. Prevention starts from pregnancy and should be continued through-out life.

The following basic rules can help improve the child’s dental health:

Eat well during pregnancy, because baby’s teeth begin forming before he or she is born. The building blocks of healthy teeth are calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C & D.

Take care of milk (primary) teeth. Inspect your child’s teeth for white , yellow or brown spots, which could be signs of decay. The first visit to the paedodontist should be at the age of one year, so that he can advise regarding brushing, diet and provide parents-counselling about preventive measures.

Avoid the nursing-bottle syndrome, which is caused by giving baby a bottle with milk, formula or juice at bed-time for a long period during the day. The sugars in those liquids provide food for bacteria to feast upon and initiate the decay process.

Teach toddlers to care for their teeth. Children imitate very well, so let your child watch you brushing your teeth and they will follow. Children need supervised brushing and the process can be made meaningful for them by using disclosing solutions/tabs, which tint areas that have not been brushed properly.

Ask your dentist about sealants. These are special plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where cavities usually begin. Applied by the dentist, sealants form a barrier to keep food and bacteria away from the tiny grooves which are hard to reach by the bristles of a brush.

Snack wisely and avoid in-between meals snacking. Encourage your child to eat well during major meals so that he doesn’t have the urge to eat between meals.

Brush and floss thoroughly after meals especially at night. Brushing immediately after meals is most effective. Rinsing thoroughly after eating is a practical way of dislodging the food particles from teeth surfaces and other parts of the oral cavity.

So try these basic things at home to minimise dental problems and do not forget to visit your dentist for a regular check up!