Does the extraction of teeth affect vision?                                                                       

*There is a myth among many people, surprisingly even in the urban population, that extraction of teeth affects vision. The nerve supply to the eyes and the teeth are independent of each other and therefore, vision is not affected in any way by undergoing an extraction procedure.

Can an aspirin tablet kept beside a painful tooth reduce the pain?

*It is dangerous to create remedies without consulting a dentist. People often put an aspirin or a lime concoction in the cheek pouch; apply pain balms next to an aching tooth to get relief instead of seeking professional help.

This will do no good to your tooth ache but would in turn result in a chemical burn of the tissue, as these substances are extremely corrosive.

Are dental procedures always painful?                                                                                

*The toothache is usually caused by damaged or infected tissues in the tooth or the structures surrounding it. Most dental procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia, which makes the procedures relatively pain free.
The advents of high-speed drills and ultrasonic instruments have made procedures more comfortable and acceptable to the patients. Professional dental treatment helps to find solutions to these problems, thereby relieving the pain.

Does soft bristle or hard bristle toothbrushes make a difference?

*Yes, it makes a remarkable difference. A soft bristle brush is much preferred. Improper brushing with a hard bristle brush may cause damage to the gums like recession of the gums and trauma to the soft tissue in the mouth. A hard-bristle brush can wear down and damage teeth, especially when used with abrasive toothpaste.

It may be up, down or sideways! Does it matter how one brushes?                             

*Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gum line and sweep or roll the brush away from the gum line. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. Brush with a soft bristle in a up-down direction for your teeth in the front.

Is flossing really necessary after brushing well?                                                    

*Brushing removes the plaque and food debris from the surfaces of the teeth. A dental floss is used to physically remove debris and bacteria from the regions between the teeth which are not accessible to the toothbrush.

Flossing helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and to maintain good oral hygiene. It is recommended that flossing should precede brushing.

Do yellow teeth signify neglected oral hygiene and untidy teeth?                                              

*The colour of a tooth is determined by the shade of the dentine. Like the colour of the skin and eyes, dentin colour is genetically programmed. The enamel is a translucent covering on the tooth that lets light pass through it. So the shade of the tooth in all real terms is the colour of the dentine underlying the enamel. There are instances where the teeth discolours due to fluorosis or tetracycline staining. A dentist is the qualified person to tell you the difference. 

Is it better that you do not brush your teeth when the gums bleed?

*Bleeding of gums is a sign that they are inflamed and are not healthy and is an indication that the person has to seek the dentist's opinion for treatment.

Gums bleed due to the aggregation of plaque and food particles around the teeth. These inflamed gums continue to bleed until the irritants are removed by a professional cleaning procedure. Plaque control measures after dental treatment like, brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, flossing and use of inter dental aids removes the irritants and helps the gums return to normalcy.

Does cleaning aggravate your dental problems?                                                               

*Dental prophylaxis (cleaning) is one of the most gentle and useful services provided at a dental practice.

Occasionally teeth move slightly or gums are sensitive after prophylaxis.

Generally this is in proportion to preoperative inflammation. The dental patients seem to be more aware of their overall dental condition just after prophylaxis.

Is brushing sufficient after a meal and flossing can be skipped by children?

*Children should learn to use dental floss, specially after all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Gum diseases usually start at a young age, although they manifest much later in life. Primarily it helps to prevent dental caries to which young children are prone to.

Are loosening of teeth just a regular part of growing old?                                                  

*Loosening of teeth is a part of gum disease. Loosening of teeth occurs due to the loss of bone surrounding the teeth.

Although the aging process does account for its minimal share of bone loss, frank and exaggerated bone loss occurs due to the accumulation of calculus and plaque due to long drawn oral hygiene neglect. Regular dental checks can help to keep gum diseases under control.

Can a set of dentures made once, be used forever?                                                  

*Although a good set of dentures  can be used for a long period of time, it is an illusion that it can be used forever. The bone and the soft tissue that lie underneath the denture undergo changes over a course of time. The dentures that are made of rigid material are incapable of adapting to the changes occurring in the mouth. An ill fitting denture if continued to be worn may damage the oral tissues. Wearing away of the tooth surfaces of the artificial teeth and the loss of strength in the denture are the other reasons advocated for its periodic change. It is advised to change the denture set at least once in 5 years.

Should pregnant woman avoid dental treatment?                                                     

*This is a frequently encountered delusion. Routine dental procedures can be carried out safely. However, major surgical procedures may require medical opinion before treatment.  The best time to get treated is the second trimester. Dental treatment is avoided in the first trimester, the stage of pregnancy where the baby's organs are being formed and the third trimester where the dental chair is uncomfortable for the pregnant woman. Research has suggested that gingivitis has a link between pre-term and low birth babies.               

Are dental x-rays dangerous?                                                                                           

*Although radiation exposures are known to be harmful, safety is related to the minimisation of x-ray power and to the number of exposures. The use of minor exposure is weighted against the benefit of diagnosing the disease. Newer technologies like digital radiography where there is a remarkable reduction in radiation exposure time and dosages have minimised the risk to the patient and the dentist alike.

Should you visit a dentist only if pain occurs?                                                             

*The true spirit and aim of modern dentistry is disease prevention. It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine oral health examination.

The author is a lecturer in Dental Anatomy, Vydehi Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield