Learn what takes toll on oral health

Many oral hygiene problems are easily preventable.

As GCC Oral Health Unified Week comes to a close, dentists in the UAE are warning of an alarming lack of knowledge and understanding about the basic steps that need to be taken to ensure a clean mouth and a bright, healthy smile.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Nisha Velayudhan, GP dentist at Aster Clinic, Al Nahda, noted that many of the oral hygiene problems she regularly sees are easily preventable.
"Tooth decay and gum diseases are the most common dental issues we see here," she said. "There is a lack of oral hygiene, and a lack of education."
When asked if she believes the average dental patient is knowledgeable about necessary oral hygiene steps, she noted that "not really."
"Though many people are aware that brushing is important, they are much less aware of the proper technique, and the type of brush," she said.
Importantly, Dr Velayudhan added that she has noticed that many people don't brush at the correct times, using the proper method, or floss regularly.
"It's important that we brush immediately after meals. Food immediately lodges there, but many people brush much later after they eat," she said. "Also, it's not (supposed to be) horizontal brushing. It's vertical. The brushing should be upwards on the lower teeth, and downwards on the upper teeth."
"Flossing is also very in between to clean in-between areas," she added. "But very few people do. The main problem quoted is lack of time, but I'd say that five minutes of time spent is worth it."
Smoking, a bad idea
Another dentist, Dr Joy Antony, founder and managing director of Dr Joy Medical Clinics, noted that many people ignore the fact that smoking can be particularly damaging to one's oral health.
"Everyone does know smoking causes lung cancer but what doesn't get much attention is that it takes a toll on your dental health," he said. "When you smoke, tobacco causes problems right from cosmetic to severely painful gums."
"Due to the nicotine component in tobacco, it causes staining and yellow discoloration. Smoking turns the oral cavity into a breeding ground for bacteria, thus causes periodontal inflammation and delayed healing in the gums," Dr Antony added. "It causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum diseases to get worse as compared to non-smokers."
Additionally, Dr Antony said that smoking increases the chances of developing oral cancer by five to 10 times, compared to a non-smoker.
Visit dentist every 6 months
Both Dr Velayudhan and Dr Antony noted that patients would be well advised to visit a doctor every six months.
"It has been observed in our practice that oral health is highly neglected and people don't like to visit a dentist unless they face severe pain," Dr Antony said. "The general thumb rule is to see your dentist every six months."
"Having a professional cleaning, in addition to following brushing and flossing practices will help prevent many dental diseases," she added. "At a regular check up, your dentist will check for symptoms of dental problems, such as periodontal disease and dental caries."
Dr Antony added that "being too busy" is no excuse not to take proper care.
?"In our today's busy lives, societal events playing havoc and tempting treats all around with sugar in ?profusion, it becomes all the more important to visit a dentist," she said. "Don't wait till its too late. Give your oral health the attention it deserves."
bernd@khaleejtimes.com