Majority of our countrymen are quite
ignorant of benefits of good oral health. Oral and Dental
diseases in India are on the upswing. The incidence of
Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) had gone up from 40% to 60%
during the sixties and it is around 80% to 85% today. It
is very much on the increase, especially among children.
The incidence of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) is
around 90% to 95% contributing to other general diseases
like arthritis, gastritis, various lung and heart
diseases. The negligence of oral hygiene, betel chewing,
tobacco chewing, smoking etc. contribute to oral cancers.
Out of 100 different kinds of cancers diagnosed in India,
about 45 are oral cancers.
With the advancement of Dental Science and proper home
care, it is possible to retain natural dentition
throughout life. IN order to achieve this, we must
concentrate on the following aspects.
Avoid soft diet poor in fibre content and rich in refined
carbohydrates (refined sugar) . These lead to the
formation of bacterial plaque underneath the gums and
around the teeth surfaces. Excessive smoking, use of
betel leaves and nuts, tobacco chewing and pan masalas,
should be avoided as they are known to be cancerous.
"A clean tooth never decays". The teeth
should be properly cleaned with a soft tooth brush after
every meal using fluoride toothpaste. This helps in
breaking up the bacterial plaque and minimising it to be
calcified leading to calculus (tartar) formation. The
calculus can only be removed by a Dentist/ Dental
Hygienist which will help prevent Periodontal Disease. A
proper way for brushing the teeth is very important.
Brush your teeth the way they grow. Upper teeth are
brushed downwards. Lower teeth are brushed from gums to
teeth, rotating the brush upwards. Inner surfaces are
brushed backward and forward. Massaging the gums, rinsing
mouth with fresh water, cleaning the tongue with brush or
tongue cleaner and using dental floss or tooth pick is
also very helpful in maintaining the oral hygiene.
Oral health depends to a great extent on proper
nutrition. A balanced diet plays a great role in
maintaining dental health. milk, fresh chewy fruits and
green vegetables rich in calcium, fluorides, phosphorous
and fibrous diet help to a great extent in maintaining
optimum dental health. Make the dentist your friend and
visit him at least once in six months for a check-up even
if you have no apparent dental trouble.
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