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IN CHILDHOOD Mothers need to watch out for grinding of teeth in kids too

Most of us fall prey to toothache and sensitivity. Many of us go on to loose teeth, and consequently the original cheek contours and speech quality change as we grow older. And not only does teeth trouble inflict trauma, it also puts restrictions on the kind of food and nutrition we can imbibe.

But the fact is, you don’t really have to loose your teeth down the years, neither in quantity nor in quality. Properly taken care of, teeth can last a lifetime with all its glory intact. And thankfully, 90 per cent of teeth trouble can be averted if a proper teeth care routine is maintained.

The most crucial factor is to rinse and brush your teeth regularly and in the right way. “Food particles on the teeth attract bacteria, which secrete acid and consequently remove calcium from your teeth causing tooth discolouration, tooth decay and gum disease”, explains Dr. M.B. Aswath Narayanan, Professor and H.O.D., Preventive and Community Dentistry, Tamil Nadu Government Dental college.

Here is how you can take care of your teeth.

* Use toothbrushes labelled ‘soft’, unless specified otherwise by the dentist.

* Overhaul toothbrushes every three months.

* Use any toothpaste, preferably of the herbal kind.

* A pea-sized quantity of paste will do; tap the brush so that the paste sinks into the brush and is available for brushing all the teeth.

* Do not use coal, salt or even toothpowder; rough particles wear away teeth.

* Brushing movement should be up-and-down. Horizontal brushing merely wears away teeth

* Brush the inner sides of the teeth too, not just the side facing outside.

* Rinse your mouth after every meal.

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day - before going to bed and on waking up.

* The best mouth wash is salt water - two tablespoons of salt in half a glass of water, unless you have hypertension. * Stay away from cola and aerated drinks. They are acidic and will wear away teeth.

* Do not keep snacking in between meals. This keeps food particles constantly available for the bacteria to chew on and cause tooth decay.

* Bad breath need not be a simple fallout of the kind of food we eat, tooth decay or gum infections;

“Bad breath could also be indicative of gastro-intestinal and kidney disorders, diabetes, and even lung infection”, says Prof. Narayanan.

* And in areas where bore wells reach deep, fluoride content in water goes up and causes dental fluorosis and discoloured teeth with the fluoride in the water acting on the teeth. And never give tetracycline to children below 12 years of age.

HEMA VIJAY

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