Dewan Rai

Kathmandu:

How many of us pay proper attention to our dental hygiene? As people frequent different doctors for healthcare, they hardly turn a hair when it comes to their teeth. “We have only a few patients who regularly visit their dentists,” says Dr Shushil Koirala of Nepal Dental Care Centre. Most people see the dentist only when they get their gums swollen and the pain is unbearable. The magnitude of the dental ailments is significantly high in far off places owing to lack of awareness, unavailability of services and people’s beliefs and practices. Care of teeth is crucial not only for oral health but also the entire health of an individual. “From the mouth begins every metabolic function in our body. It is the main gate,” says Koirala and Dr Prakash Bhattarai, orthodontist, of The Orthodontic Centre, Kamladi, agrees. Teeth also play a role in human speech. In addition to that, teeth provide structural support to the muscles in the face and form the human smile.

Common Ailments

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases, second only to the common cold. Most children suffer from tooth decay at the age of 14 or so. When bacteria are exposed to sugars - commonly found in foods - they produce harmful acids that attack tooth enamel. If left unchecked, the acid deteriorates the teeth enamel and forms cavities. According to Koirala, 40 per cent of the rural children and 90 per cent of urban children suffer from tooth decay. Gum disease or periodontal disease is a progressive condition that worsens with age. It occurs when bacteria eat away gum tissues causing it to pull away from the teeth. This space between the tooth and gum, called the periodontal pocket, traps even more bacteria. Gum disease develops into red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis when bacteria attack the bone supporting the teeth. Malocclusion is teeth that are crowded crooked or out of alignment. This makes it more difficult to clean teeth, which can lead to other oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Precautions and preventions

Dental health primarily depends on the type of food you eat and the way you eat. People who consume junk food do not use water, which is an unhygienic practice. “Rinsing the mouth with water after every meal can save you from many dental diseases. It is as simple as that,” Dr. Koirala says. But it is not sufficient. Brushing is always crucial for dental care. “Brushing twice a day after every meal is the solution,” Koirala suggests. Chocolate and sweets are harmful for teeth. They contain sucrose, which softens the teeth inviting bacteria for shelter. “It is sensible to avoid sweets if you care for your teeth,” Dr Bhattarai recommends.

What is a wisdom tooth?

Human beings have 12 molars (three sets in each jaw) where the most vigorous chewing occurs. The third molars are often called wisdom teeth. We have a common belief that one becomes wise only after one’s wisdom teeth appear. In fact, we don’t need the set of wisdom

teeth at all. Wisdom teeth sometimes overcrowd other teeth causing malalignment of teeth. They are often removed because they are not needed for chewing.

Why do teeth fall?

It is a common phenomenon that teeth start falling, as one grows older. Is falling of teeth inevitable? Dr Koirala says, “No. Teeth are a part of our body like any other organ. They can

remain as long as other organs remain in our body. They need proper care.” In fact, oral health can save you from many diseases. After all, health is wealth.

Brushing tips

•Dentists suggest that everyone should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

•Move the brush towards the teeth from the gum in a sweeping movement.

•Brushing should be done after every meal, not before the meal for the main function of brushing is to remove and extract food residue from the mouth.

•Rinse your mouth with water if brushing is not possible at the moment.

•Do not use medicated toothpaste for long periods of time. They contain more abrasive materials than normal toothpaste does.