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BE ALL smilES Dental care goes a long way in confidence and first impressions
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BY Farhana Chowdhury right pink gums and pearly white teeth are a sign of good health, but if you’re prone to suffer from bad breath, bleeding gums and toothaches, chances are that you’re not keeping up to date with proper dental hygiene. Not only does it affect your health but also the people around you. For instance, bad breath can lead to a horrifying experience in social settings. Anaerobic respiration from bacteria living off debris of food and other bacteria present on the tongue causes the foul odour. Often, others can also smell the foulness, leading to awkward situations. Oral hygiene is an essential part of an individual’s life where simple actions such as brushing teeth form part of a daily routine. Children and adults are recommended to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to protect their teeth from decay. Plaque is also one of the most common occurrences caused by bacteria in the mouth that act on the leftover bits of food. These appear as a pale yellow film covering the tooth and produce acid that irritates gums eventually deteriorates the tooth. These can be eas-
Tips for a healthy dental care • Brush your teeth twice a day and replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or if the bristles are frayed. • Clean between teeth daily with dental floss. This helps remove tooth decay–causing bacteria that linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. • Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks. • Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
ily removed regular dental care but once it hardens to tartar, removal requires special treatment by a dentist. According to the World Health
Organisation (WHO), the most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Dental cavities or caries is an infection where bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the tooth by acids that eat away the mineral coating. This can go down to the root of the tooth where the nerves are present, causing severe pain. This calls for immediate action, as the ache can be turn out to be unbearable. Periodontitis is another inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues present around the teeth and is caused by microorganisms that grow on the surface of the tooth. Once affected, it can lead to loss of teeth as the tissues around it weaken. Symptoms include bleeding of gums when an individual brushes his teeth, uses floss or bites into tough food, experiences recurring swelling gums and persistent metallic taste in mouth. Ease the pain Having food stuck between teeth may be inevitable, but there are a number of solutions in the market that help deal with it. Dental care is something that has been instilled in every individual since time immemorial; even animals have their own ways of taking care of their teeth. One of the basics is brushing teeth with a toothbrush and paste. The brushes come with different types of bristles that help reach the inner corners of the mouth, while toothpastes are loaded with
minerals such as fluoride that help remove plaque, strengthens the teeth, and prevents cavities by helping in enamel and bone formation. Saliva also assists in neutralising the acids. Dental floss is also used to clear out bits of food that may be stuck between teeth. Regular brushing and flossing helps remove the remnants of food that ends up wedged in the spaces between teeth. Aside from plaque, poor care of the mouth can give rise to several conditions such as tartar, tooth erosion (cavities), gum diseases such as gingivitis that can greatly affect selfconfidence and lifestyle. In addition, people use tongue cleaners to scrape bacteria and remnants of food off the tongue, while minty mouthwashes are gargled to freshen breath and kill bacteria. Gum massagers are also available on the market that helps revitalise gums. Other quick solutions involve chewing sugar-free gum infused with Xylitol, dental strips that melt on the tongue to give a minty fresh breath and mouth sprays. Positive step towards dental care Health authorities in the UAE are active in a number of campaigns to raise awareness on dental hygiene. Among these include educating schoolchildren on how to
Facts about oral hygiene [Source: World Health Organisation]
»» About 60 to 90 per cent of schoolchildren worldwide have dental cavities. »» Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in five to 20 per cent of middle-aged adults; the rate varies across geographical regions. »» Incidence of oral cancer ranges from one to 10 cases per 100,000 population in most countries. »» The most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
take care of their teeth through lectures hosted by experts at their schools. At the end of the event, students are given mini care kits containing a small tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss and leaflet with dental care tips as
a token to remind and encourage them to practice oral hygiene. As the nation moves towards a sophisticated integrated healthcare system, local authorities track institutions to ensure that quality and practice are top-notch. A recent health survey conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in line with World Health Organisation’s Oral Health Programme, revealed that students in Dubai, aged 5, 12 and 15, had poor access to oral health education. DHA has thus undertaken goals to promote awareness. Parents must also be involved in teaching young ones to diligently brush their teeth at least two to three times. Proper dental hygiene can give you the confidence to smile brightly. — farhana@khaleejtimes.com
Exchanging knowledge Inspiring minds
MENA’s largest dental event celebrates its 14th edition The three-day UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC) conference held in February this year saw over 6,000 delegates benefitting from 110 lectures presented by more than 96 regional and international speakers. The conference was a great platform for sharing valuable information and updating knowledge related to dental field. The conference attendees were extremely satisfied with the comprehensive scientific programme and activities offered this year. A dedicated session related to “Den-
Dental professionals explore latest innovations in the sector
tal Education — Problems and Solutions” was held for the first time within the conference and the speakers were deans from Sharjah University — Dental College, RAK College of Dental Sciences, Gulf Medical University — Dental College, Dubai School of Dental Medicine and the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health — A. T. Still University (ATSU).
AEEDC Dubai 2014 facts and figures: »» More than 1,400 exhibiting companies from 70 representing countries. »» 19 National Pavilions. »» Seven Exhibition Halls covering around 50,000 square meter of exhibition space. »» More than 30,000 Dental Professionals and Trade Visitors from 130 Countries. »» Over 110 Lectures Delivered by 96 Speakers. »» Four Conference Halls »» 17 Advanced Courses and Workshops. »» Representation of more than 66 heads and directors from the Dental Associations and Ministry of Health (Dental Department).
The recently held Dubai World Dental Meeting (DWDM) provided an outstanding opportunity for the dental professionals to gain up-to-date knowledge and enhance their dental practice skills and techniques. The courses presented this year covered a variety of topics included endodontology, restorative dentistry, dental practice growth, paediatric dentistry, implantology, and laser in dentistry. The programme also tackled issues about the indications and limitations in dental treatment, appropriate techniques and materials used in dental practice, effective ways of managing dental practice and dental team, infection control prevention and practices. Each course received specific continuing education hours from the Dubai Health Authority and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions (ADA CERP Recognised Provider).