Oral health means overall health

Teeth are the index of body’s health. There is an established link between oral diseases and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases. Worldwide nearly 90 per cent of the population is at risk from some form of disorder ranging from cavities, periodontal (infection of gums and bones that support the teeth), tooth decay to oral cancer

Naga Sundari

According to a study conducted recently in rural Andhra Pradesh, there was high prevalence of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease in rural population. And most of the cases were untreated. People suffering from kidney ailments and those on dialysis may have periodontal disease and other oral health problems when compared to general population. Patients with poor diabetes control frequently have gum problems and lose teeth. They are also prone to tooth decay, fungal infections etc. In general, poor dental health and lack of oral hygiene leads to diseases of liver, heart , oral cancer, osteoporosis and lack of immunity power in the body etc. And experts stressed the potential link between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease.

Due to gum disease, bacteria flow into blood stream and infections spread and affect each and every part of the body. Tobacco is the leading cause of cancer in India. Early detection saves the life of oral cancer patient .

“Drink plenty of water. Avoid eating sweets as it is the prime enemy for strong teeth and good oral health. Don’t go to bed immediately after dinner. It deteriorates oral health. Go to bed three hours after dinner. Having more soft drinks, following sedentary life styles and taking fast foods and sweets mar the oral health,” said Dr Chandrakanth, Dental surgeon, Mahaveer Hospital, Hyderabad.

“I diagnose four to five oral cancer cases every month. According to one survey conducted by us in city and rural schools, the oral health practices are good in corporate schools but poor in government school children. They should be taught to take good care of their teeth,” said renowned dental surgeon Dr MS Goud.

“Poor dental habits and lack of oral hygiene can create dental problems. Gum disease aggravate risks like respiratory diseases, stroke, liver, digestive problems, heart, osteoporosis and diabetes ailments. Poor dental habits result in kidney diseases, arthritis and affect the health of brain. The sad fact is that during these days most people do not chew food properly. Everyone is in a rush to finish food. In fact in our body, teeth is the strongest part, but it is not used adequately as a potential metabolic weapon ” Dr Chandrakanth added.

Dr Pardhasaradhi, CMD, Partha Dental, said, “Nearly 70 per cent of dental problems do not show any kind of symptoms. That is why it is essential to see the dentist so that problems can be diagnosed before it is too late,” he added.

Dental diseases in India

• Tooth decay
• bad breath
• gum disease
• mouth sores
• tooth erosion
• tooth sensitivity
• gum bleeding
• toothaches
• oral cancers

One survey reveals

• Almost 60 per cent of people never visit dentist.
• Two per cent visit the dentist regularly.
• Almost 50 per cent of people are unconcerned for curing or preventing their dental illness.
• Tooth decay is prevalent among 63.1% of 15 year olds and as much as 80.2% among adults in the age group of 35-44 years
• Gum diseases are prevalent in 67.7% of 15 year olds and as much as 89.6% of 35-44 year olds.

How to maintain oral hygiene?

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss
• Replace toothbrush every three or four months
• Eat balanced diet
• Go for regular dental check-ups
• Teach children basic dental health practices

Invisible teeth braces

Orthodontic braces are actually invisible teeth braces placed behind your teeth using state-of-the-art technology. These hidden teeth braces are 100% customised to the shape of your teeth and to your individual orthodontic situation. There are many types of braces such as metal braces, ceramic braces, tooth-coloured braces to clear braces. They are high tech and your treatment can be computer simulated. They will not stain or damage your teeth. You can easily remove them for meals and cleaning. Brace models made from your impressions are scanned into a computer. Information provided by a lab technician to your orthodontist determines the individual treatment needs. The orthodontist determines the individual needs and Incognito Orthodontic Braces (braces behind teeth) are created. Brackets and wires are made to fit your teeth.

The treatment procedures of dentistry

• Cosmetic to Smile Design
• Laser Dentistry
• Treatment of Gummy Smile
• Orthodontics
• Invisible Braces
• Teeth Whitening
• Dental Implants
• Dental Jeweler Treatment for Black Gums to Teeth
• Root canal treatment
• Pediatric dentistry
• Advanced orthognathic procedures (irregular teeth)

Laser Dentistry

A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. It can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures and are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments. The dental lasers can be used to reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores, expose partially erupted wisdom teeth. And remove muscle attachments that limit proper movement and manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns or other procedures and perform biopsy procedures, help treat infections in root canals etc. Laser procedures can be more precise and reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities and control bleeding during surgery.