Wasting your teeth in love for Soft drinks?



For many of us, a glass of soft drink has become a part of our meals, whereas there are others who are hooked on to sodas throughout the day. While a sip of it can be very tasteful and refreshing, it can cause tooth decay and erosion.

Believe it or not, some even consider it to be a style statement to drink sodas in place of water, but I urge you to think over it once. Can you believe that every ingredient of a soft drink is against your oral well-being?

A 300 ml bottle of soft drink contains more than 10 teaspoons of Sugar, which is as detrimental for an obese patient as much it is injurious to your teeth. Tooth Decay is caused by sugar, simple.  The bacteria in the mouth use this sugar for their metabolism, and the by -product of this process leads to formation of acid. This acid in turn causes demineralization of the tooth, consequently dental caries (or tooth decay). Click here to read more about Dental Caries!

Diet soda saves you from the above affect of sugars but they contain Phosphoric Acid and Citric Acid.  Most soft drinks are acidic, with pH of 3.0 or even lower. Drinking acidic drinks over a long period of time and continuous sipping can erode the tooth enamel.

Most sodas contain Caffeine in addition to sugar and acids.  The caffeine is a great stimulant that many of us like, but it dries out your mouth.  Salivation helps washing away of the sugar and bacteria, which is affected adversely when consuming large volume of Caffeine. People who combine caffeinated sodas and smoking (a disastrous recipe), can anticipate rampant tooth decay.

Sipping on a beverage is probably like stoking the fire of tooth decay.  It would be better to drink the soda promptly and then rinse your mouth with water to wash away the sugars that the plaque loves.  Don’t underestimate the value of rinsing your mouth with water. While use of bottle water is in vogue, but it is probably the second best choice as it does not contain fluoride.

I came across one interesting video the other day, though unrelated to this blog topic, but is an interesting one.

Quick Fact: It has also been suggested that brushing teeth right after drinking soft drinks should be avoided as this can result in additional erosion to the teeth due to the presence of acid.

Drinking through a straw is advised as the drink is then swallowed from the back of the mouth and does not come into contact with the teeth as much. Otherwise, I strongly recommend limiting the use of sodas.

Youngistaan is informed, isn’t it?

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

Teeth Whitening – it’s result-oriented, easy, safe and cost-effective...

People today are far more cognizant of their looks, and therefore one of the most sought after treatment procedures in the field of Cosmetic Dentistry is Teeth Whitening. Teeth whitening is considered as one of the safest and most conservative dental cosmetic procedures. Even individuals with healthy teeth try whitening systems for brighter smile, while others with stained teeth are looking for some solution.

Drinking coffee, tea, cola and smoking are the most common causes of teeth stains, whereas it can also result from your genetic make-up, ageing, antibiotic (tetracycline) use, excessive fluoride use or those old fillings.

The first step to teeth whitening is getting your teeth cleaned regularly – brushing and flossing twice a day. Toothpaste typically has small particles of silica, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate to grind off stains from the teeth. However a professional cleaning occasionally will help keep stains out of micro-cracks in the enamel. 

There are many products to whiten teeth, e.g., Whitening Strips, Whitening Pen, Whitening Gel, Laser Whitening, and Natural Whitening.

Power Bleaching (Laser Bleaching), uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental clinic. Different types of light can be used, such as Halogen, LED, or Plasma Arc.

One of the less know types of teeth whitening system is Internal Bleaching (Walking Bleach), which is performed on the tooth that has undergone root canal treatment but is discolored due to internal staining of the tooth structure. Unlike other teeth whitening methods which brightens tooth from the outside, internal bleaching brightens tooth from inside out.

Gel bleaching is performed with high-concentration gel in the dental clinic however low-concentration agents are advised at home. Hydrogen peroxide is typically used in treatments done in professional clinics while the Carbamide Peroxide is slow-acting and found in most over-the-counter products.  These products can be applied by wearing customized thin flexible trays filled with the bleaching agent.

It is however most important to get your teeth checked by a dentist before using any of these whitening systems. Your dentist will examine your health and dental history, examine the hard and soft tissues, any placements and conditions of restoration, and sometimes perform an x-rays investigation to determine the nature and depth of possible irregularities.

It is wrong to assume that – all teeth whiten the same, as some of those stains which are deep-seated will not go even with professional cleaning. Moreover crowns and fillings will not change its color when considering teeth whitening. All whitening gels are not the same, and that sometimes it requires weeks to see the results. It is best that you see dentists first, even if you are just considering over-the-counter methods.  Your dentist can show you what you can hope to expect.

Lastly, if you are planning to undergo the whitening or bleaching process, remember the following:

·         Bleaching agents cause sensitivity and can aggravate gum diseases.

·         It may be painful if you have "sensitive teeth" caused by open dentinal tubules.

·         Crowns, fillings and veneers will not be bleached.  If you have veneers on the front teeth, they may need to be replaced in order to match your other teeth.

·         Some teeth whitening methods could end you up with unnaturally white teeth. Over-bleaching is known in the profession as "over-white teeth" aka "Hyperodonto-oxidation".

·         Rebound, or teeth losing the bleached effect, particularly with the intensive treatments (products that provide a large change in tooth color over a very short treatment period, e.g., 1 hour).

So remember to trade carefully, between looks and health.

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

What you eat can affect your dental health!

In my previous post, I elucidated the importance of regular tooth care to avoid cavities; however your diet can be the culprit too. Eating healthy is just as important as routine brushing and flossing.

The teeth has to go through a cycle of de-mineralization and re-mineralization, which means that they slowly breakdown and then repair themselves, and your dietary intake is in charge to strike the balance.

Blame it on the Sugars:

If you have read my previous blog on Caries, you already know that the dietary components that contribute mostly in development of caries are fermentable carbohydrates. The food products containing sugar and sticky food are fermented by bacteria present in the mouth to produce acids responsible in erosion of the tooth. Sucrose has been identified as the arch-criminal in inducing dental caries. Sucrose refined from sugar canes or sugar beets is the most common dietary sugar and is largely responsible for the effects of sugar as described here. In addition to well-known sweet products such as candies, cakes, desserts, jam, dried fruits and soft drinks, surprisingly a large variety of other common foods contain added sucrose, e.g. most breakfast cereals, many milk products, some meat and fish products, salads, dressings, ketchup, etc.

Again it is important to remember that the frequency of sugar intake is more important than the amount of sugar consumed, so one has to cut down on frequent eating/snacking.

The Balancing Act:

The caries inducing effect of sugar is modified (either increased or reduced) in several ways by other foods. Caries reducing effect of phosphates, which are found naturally in many foods (especially unrefined cereals) or which could be added to foods has been demonstrated to be effective and safe. Nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds and walnuts) are rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphate, which are important nutrients for the tooth and are vital in re-mineralization of teeth. Vitamin A (sources: mango, peach, carrot, spinach, apricot) and Vitamin C (sources: citrus fruits, muskmelon, strawberry, broccoli, potato, tomato) play a role in maintaining healthy teeth. Fluoride, proteins and fats also prevents in development of caries.

Guru Mantra: Drink plenty of water which will help flush food particles from your mouth.

For the little ones:

American Dental Association recommends:

·         Limiting the frequency of consumption of drinks with sugar.

·         Avoid giving baby bottles filled with milk or juices to put the infants to sleep (if unavoidable, give water instead).

·         Mothers/ Caregivers should avoid sharing utensils and cups with their infants to prevent transfer of bacteria from their mouth to the children.

Preventive Care:

As discussed in the previous post “Sealants” are a great way to avoid cavities, as they form a protective layer and saves from the acid attack. Sealant is a liquid resin used to fill those grooves in the enamel of a tooth, where the food usually gets stuck and is difficult to clean. Sealants usually are long lasting, but they may sometime need replacement if damaged.

Your dentist can advice you further on a diet plan.

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

Dental Caries is common!

Dental Caries or Tooth Decay or Tooth Cavities is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Caries are visible region of the tooth in brownish black color and soft to touch. In severe cases dental caries progresses to surrounding soft tissues and results in swelling of the facial region around the mouth.

How can one get these?

To put this in a simple form, the bacteria in the mouth convert food debris in the plaque into acids. The acids dissolve the enamel of the tooth to create a hole. Plaque is formed rapidly after eating and this is the time when bacterial activities are also at its peak.

Take action, before it’s late!

As you may be aware that when these cavities are left untreated they develops further and destroys the internal structures of the tooth and may cause loss of the tooth. Cavities are usually painless unless they impinge on the nerves as they grow deep, and therefore a routine dental checkup is so critical. A dental x-rays can help detect cavities even before they are visible to the eyes.

It’s advisable to spend a few hundred rupees every 6 months and save thousands!

Cavities are usually treated using restorative measures – cleaning and filling with tooth color composite. However, in advance stages a Root Canal Treatment may be required. Please do not forget the crown after the Root Canal Treatment.

Prevention is better than cure:

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to stay away from painful cavities and subsequent tooth loss. Here is an eye chart to uphold that oral hygiene:

·         Brush well for 2 mins, two times a day – Don’t neglect those teeth which are not reachable effortlessly.

·         Floss once a day.

·         Pea size toothpaste is enough, as use of excess toothpaste will erode the teeth. Gel toothpaste contains silica which is more abrasive.

·         Fluoride is known to protect against dental caries as it can neutralize the acids. Fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash is common, however topical fluoride application during routine dental visits may be advised.

·         Rinse your mouth with Chlorhexidine mouthwash, occasionally.

·         Rinse your mouth well after meals.

·         Cut down on frequent snacking.

·         Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks.

·         Avoid sticky foods, candies and mints, else rinse your mouth after you are done with the treat!

·         Cut down on those alcohol parties.

·         A professional cleaning every 6 months, with a dental check-up.

Infants should not be put to sleep with a bottle of juice and milk, as both contains sugar. The sugar remains on the teeth overnight resulting in the formation of "Nursing Bottle Caries". If it is unavoidable to put the baby off to sleep without a bottle, put some water in the bottle instead.

Dental caries is the most chronic disease of the childhood, which begins when bacteria are passed from mothers or caregivers to children.

Notable:

Sugars increase the risk of tooth decay.

Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods.

Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

Did you know?

Dental sealants can prevent some cavities. Sealants are thin plastic-like coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the accumulation of plaque in the deep grooves on these vulnerable surfaces. Sealants are usually applied on the teeth of children, shortly after the molars erupt. Older people may also benefit from the use of tooth sealants.

Be informed and take good care of your white pearls.

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

What should I know about my child’s teeth and its development?

It is important for the parents to be aware of the development of the Milk Teeth (or Primary or Baby Teeth) and the Permanent Teeth for their child. An accurate chronology of primary and permanent tooth calcification is of great significance and requires monitoring by a qualified dentist for early signals of anomalies if any. The formation of tooth is an intricate and complex phenomenon which involves five stages, namely:

ü  Initiation (Bud Stage)

ü  Proliferation (Cap Stage)

ü  Histodifferentiation or Morphodifferentiation (Bell Stage)

ü  Apposition

ü  and Calcification (Crown Stage)

Development starts in utero: Primary teeth begin to form prenatally about 14 weeks in utero. The first tooth usually erupts by the 6th or 7th month, but some may not get their first tooth until after the age of 12 months. Usually the lower teeth grow out before the upper teeth. At 18 months, babies usually have 12 teeth and by 3 years, all 20 primary teeth will have erupted. Review the chart in the end of this blog to understand the tooth development timelines, further.

Teething problems: Babies often start drooling a month or two before the first tooth erupts. While teething, they may be uncomfortable. This can be soothed by use of pacifiers (teething ring). Please be cautious to buy a branded and approved one. If the baby is still uncomfortable, acetaminophen drops can be started in consultation with your dentist. Myth, myth, myth: Fever, Cold, and Diarrhea are not caused by teething. If indeed these symptoms exist they should not be assumed to be due to teething and a pediatrician should be consulted.

Primary teeth are to shed: Yes, the primary teeth are not permanent; however they play a vital role. They are necessary for chewing and eating until 6 yrs or more, maintain space and guide the eruption of the permanent teeth in position, and allow the jaw bones and muscles to develop normally. Especially the molars are not replaced until the teenage years and so they will serve a child for 10 years or more.

Human tooth development timeline
(Source: Wikipedia)

Neither should one worry more if the primary teeth appear late or if they appear early, however consulting your dentist is advisable.

Signing off!

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S. (Pediatric Dentist)

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

How to prepare my child for his/her dental visits?

The visit to the dentist can be a pleasant adventure for your child.

It is imperative to inform the child prior and talk about the upcoming visit in a positive, matter-of-fact manner. To make the dental visit an enjoyable outing, don't let the child know of your own anxieties or fears with dentistry, if you have any. It is advisable to not relate dentistry to pain as with modern techniques, the treatments are almost painless. Come may what, but don’t portrait dental visits as a way to punish your child for their bad behavior.  

You can reward your child for good behavior during the dental treatment. You should not bribe them, as children generally believe that bribes are related to their negative experiences. A well-trained pediatric dentist is usually an expert to tackle your child’s behavior during the dental procedure, and to reinforce positive attitude towards dentistry. Moreover your encouraging approach can strengthen a positive dental experience for the child, leading to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

During the first visit the teeth and gums will be examined for dental problems like decay, improper alignments, bad breath, etc. Simple procedures like teeth cleaning and fluoride application could be done in the first visit. Depending on the severity of dental problems, a treatment plan is decided. Home care skills should be discussed to help the teeth stay strong and healthy.

Noteworthy: The primary teeth or “milk teeth” are very important for the future development of the permanent teeth. They maintain the space that is needed so that the permanent teeth can erupt in a normal alignment. Other than this vital role of the primary teeth, it has other important functions like mastication (or chewing), speech & aesthetics. The first visit should be after the first milk tooth erupts (that is by 6 months of age) and no later than 1 year of age.

Stay connected and informed!

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Welcome New Year 2011. I wish endless smiles for everyone this year!

When a root canal procedure is done, a crown is most often suggested to be placed on the tooth. It is advisable to wait for a few weeks, if possible, before having a crown placed. The reason is you want to make sure the tooth is healing well after the root canal therapy procedure. Should there be any problems with the tooth, it is much easier for your dentist to retreat the tooth. In most cases, a composite filling can be placed on the tooth until a more permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be placed.

A lot of patients do not return to have a crown placed subsequent to a root canal treatment procedure, and believe me this is an awful choice to make. The usual reason for patient not returning for a crown being placed is the cost, but let me advise you that it is worth the money you spend in long run.

Read further to learn about the two essential reasons that you need to consider a crown:

1.       Save that brittle thing: You do not want the tooth to crack, break, or crumble into pieces from the stress you oral cavity undergo daily. After a root canal treatment the tooth becomes brittle which leaves the tooth in a vulnerable condition and placing a crown on the tooth will protect the fragile tooth and gives the tooth some added strength and durability for chewing.

2.       Save from infections: The aim of root canal therapy is “Hermitic Sealing” – which is to make the tooth sterile and free from infections in the future. During the final stages of the root canal therapy the inside of the tooth is filled with root canal cement. If the infection re-occurs, the root canal therapy has failed and the tooth will either need to be retreated or extracted. A crown covers the entire outside of the tooth, acting as a protective barrier against bacteria and debris, thus helping to prevent the root canal therapy from failing.

Be informed and take good care of your white pearls.

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com