Chew on this

Toothaches are usually the result of cavities due to plaque formation on the teeth. Over time, plaque from sugar and starch contained in food and drink contributes to the build-up of acid on the teeth. This attacks the tooth enamel and dentin.

What’s right, what’s not

To keep dental problems at bay, people should brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, visit their dentist regularly and also chew sugar-free gum. Studies show chewing sugar-free gum for a period of 20 minutes after a meal helps to significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

 Sugar-free chewing gum is clinically proven to help fight cavities, strengthen teeth and reduce harmful plaque acids. Chewing sugar-free gum also stimulates the production of saliva by upto 10 times the resting rate.

Increased saliva flow carries with it fluoride, phosphate and calcium to help strengthen teeth. Nineteen dental associations worldwide and the prestigious FDI World Dental Federation have recognised the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum for oral health.
Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables is another way of ensuring that teeth stay healthy. Be careful while choosing what  you drink. Not all drinks are good for your teeth. Besides sugar, it is the PH value of some drinks that has negative effects on the teeth. The excessive intake of tea and coffee also leads to stained teeth.  

Oral hygiene

Dental care and dental hygiene is a must for all. The Indian Government is promoting ‘Oral Health for all by 2020’. The FDI (World Dental Federation) and the WHO established the first Global Oral Health Goals targeted to be achieved by 2020, focused towards reducing mortality from oral health and craniofacial diseases and developing accessible and cost effective oral health systems for its prevention and control.
Taking oral care a step further, the Indian Dental Association is organising the World Dental Show 2009 from October 9-11, in Mumbai.
On the occasion of World Oral Health Day, let’s commit ourselves to continue working towards better oral health.
 
The writer is Secretary General,Indian Dental Association


Do’s

*Brush your teeth at least twice a day
*Floss your teeth after eating to get rid of any food particles.
*Visit your dentist at least twice a year
*Quit smoking

Don’ts
*Rush through brushing
*Eat too many sweets as these hasten tooth decay

Trends

Cosmetic dentistry is growing in a big way and transforming dental practice in India. Consciousness about one’s appearance is causing people to be more aware of what’s possible today in cosmetic dentistry, fuelling the demand for elective procedures.
Recent trends in cosmetic dentistry show a rising number of people who visit their dentist for teeth-whitening, teeth restructuring and smile makeover. There are diverse treatment procedures available depending upon the person’s needs.