Start good oral habits early!

November 11, 2021

During our growing years, all of us remember hearing these golden words “Keep sugary foods in check. Did you brush and floss your teeth?” These were essential words of wisdom. But in the olden days, no one pushed to visit a Dentist regularly unless it was a dental emergency – tooth pain, irritation in the mouth, or a possible infection.

Today is different

Our eating habits have changed drastically, with packaged food available at the drop of a hat and “fast food” available on call. We order when we want to eat and what we want to eat, and there is no restriction. But, while doing so, do we ever sit back and think – what will happen if we don’t look after our health and well-being? What if my tooth starts paining? Do I have a Dentist available to find the root cause of pain and resolving?

In this fast-paced world, did you know that as per the National Library of Medicine, basis the responses received from 73 countries, there were reported 703,947 – the total number of dentists. So you can do the maths basis the world population. It’s scary, isn’t it, especially for a dental emergency – be it for a kid, adult, or older person. Therefore, we must identify a Dentist much in advance and regularly visit for a dental check-up. 

Think, visit and confirm

Shekhar walked into his friend Neelam’s office. He looked pain-stricken and uncomfortable. Upon asking, he shared that his wisdom tooth was giving him discomfort, and while he tried reaching out to several dentists nearby, he couldn’t get an appointment. Why? Because he didn’t have a regular dentist as he never felt the need for one. Neelam immediately called her regular Dentist, requested an appointment, and personally took him along.

This may happen to anyone, and you may not be as lucky as Shekhar. .

Strengthen basic dental habits since childhood

Not many are aware that a baby has 20 primary teeth at birth, some fully developed in the jaw. So before your baby starts teething, as a parent, you must run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria. Once their teeth are visible, brush them with an infant toothbrush and use water and toothpaste recommended by the Dentist. When two of your baby’s teeth touch, you can begin flossing between them.

You will be surprised that even babies can get tooth decay. This may happen because of several reasons – for example, putting a baby to sleep with a bottle can harm a baby’s teeth, sugars from juice, milk may stay on a baby’s teeth for hours can eat away at the enamel. As a result, the front teeth may get discolored, and cavities might form, resulting in tooth decay.

Regular Dentist visit – A habit for life!

Children must see a dentist by the first birthday because they will explain proper brushing and flossing techniques important to keep in mind. In fact, as the kids get older, these regular visits will not only help allay their fear of being in a dentist’s chair but also form a habit for life.

Focus on preventing cavities

Remember, cavities happen when bacteria and food left on the teeth after eating are not brushed away. Result – cavities. But you can take precautions and keep cavities away:

• Encourage kids and adults to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly.
• Ask your Dentist for toothpaste recommendations.
• Limit and/or avoid sugary foods, juices, aerated drinks etc. Encourage kids to rinse or brush afterward in case they consume these things.

And lastly, remember, sometimes even the best brushing and flossing habits can’t prevent a cavity. Therefore a regular dental check-up with your very own Smile Circle Dentist is recommended.