Today is World Oral Health Day with the theme ‘celebrating healthy smiles’. Have you got a healthy smile? Does it draw people in or send them scampering for cover? Do people come close and lean in or do they come close and head in the opposite direction?

Remember that with a healthy mouth (filled with healthy teeth), the world is your oyster as you can eat, drink, laugh, bite, whistle…and yes, even kiss your hubbies or wives etc without any problems. Did I see you raise an eyebrow as to what these activities have to do with a healthy mouth? Take my word for it…you’ll have to trust me on this one. Don’t experiment to find out yourself…the results may be disastrous 😀

In honour of this day, I shall be treating two questions on dental health.

Q: How do I treat scales on teeth?

A: Normally, our teeth are constantly bathes by saliva in which there is calcium and a host of substances: food pieces, bacteria, acid etc. This combination is known as plaque and begins to build on the teeth within 20 minutes after eating. Over time, they tend to accumulate on the teeth, oftentimes having the same colour as the teeth but sometimes, a different colour and ultimately giving the teeth a caked-on feel and appearance. These substances on the surface of the teeth provide the right environment for bacteria and other germs to breed and grow leading to tooth decay.

Plaque that is left becomes tartar which leads to irritation of the gum

Scaling and polishing gets to the heart of the matter…peels away this chalky substance on the surface of the teeth and leaves it squeaky clean such that bacteria cannot stick to their polished surface 😉 Now, you can run your tongue all over that lovely, clean surface 😀

Q: Dr, I have a hole in my tooth. What should I do??

A: Holes in the teeth are also known as dental caries or cavity. Ordinarily, one can have a cavity in their tooth and be happy with the world 😀 Absolutely no pain! The pain sets in when the cavity spreads and involves nerves or fracture of the tooth. If left untreated, this can lead to a dental abscess (like a boil in the area).

If you’ve ever had a tooth ache or been close to someone who’s had one, you don’t need to be told the symptoms 😀 It is sheer excruciating pain especially when cold, hot or sweet things are taken. There may also be visible holes in the teeth.

Treatment is focused on putting a filling on it, root canal treatments or crowns.

Prevention is to practice oral hygiene. Remember the rule of 2s? Brush your teeth at least twice a day, brush for at least 2 minutes and see your dentist at least twice a year. Be sure to use fluoride tooth pastes.

Limit your intake of those sugary drinks and foods/snacks including dry fruits. If you do indulge, please brush immediately afterwards.

Have a super-oral-healthy day! 😀