Could these queries be yours too ?

HERE are a few doubts most commonly expressed. Check out if they are yours too.

1.Can I get my teeth straightened with braces, now that Im in my 40s ?

By all means! Once it is ascertained that your bone support is good (with a few radiographs), your teeth may well be brought in line. And with the option of ceramic brackets now available, you are saved the embarrassment of a metallic smile. Although the treatment could take a little longer; and the orthodontist will put you on a retainer (a thin metallic wire attached to the back surfaces of the front teeth to prevent relapse), its worth the time and effort. Better late than never!

2.Why do my gums bleed though I brush my teeth twice a day?

Bleeding gums are not healthy gums. Poor oral hygiene (especially in areas where the toothbrush doesn’t reach) leads to the accumulation of tartar on teeth, which moves deep into the gums causing them to loosen and bleed on touch/brushing. If neglected further, the infection moves on to the bones altering support to the teeth, making them loose over a period of time. Approach a dentist for a professional cleaning to remove tartar; he will also put you on a mouthwash and brief you other oral hygiene aids and their appropriate use. If the infection has already progressed to a certain extent, you may be advised to go for gum surgeries and bone grafts to restore back the healthy status.

3.Are there any quick remedies for bad breath?

Breath mint, lozenges, drops, spray, chewing gum etc provide instant relief but only for a short while. Bad breath could be due to odouriferous foods, bacteria, smoking or gum problems. Regular use of a mouthwash along with ultrasonic cleaning at dentist will definitely make a difference.

4.Are wisdom teeth meant to be extracted?

Not always. Wisdom teeth (the third molars) are the back teeth on either side of each jaw and normally appear between 17 and 25 years of age. More often since there is scarcity of space for them to emerge in the right position, they get stuck in the bone in all possible angulations. Such a situation frequently causes pain radiating to the ear or lower jaw, infection in the tissues surrounding the tooth and recurrent tooth decay due to inaccessibility to maintain hygiene. Only then is it justified to get them removed. If the wisdom teeth have erupted normally without any hassles, you don’t need to bother about them.

5.Decay in my child’s milk teeth doesn’t necessarily have to be treated, as they are going to fall anyway, right?

Wrong! Unchecked decay in any set of teeth, ilk or permanent could lead to pain, swelling and infection. Toothache at a tender age drastically changed your child’s attitude towards dental health and the impression could remain for a lifetime. On the other hand, if you get milk teeth removed prematurely instead of getting them filled, it creates psychological problems especially if front teeth are lost. There could be severe space and alignment problems when there is a huge time gap between the exfoliating milk teeth and the erupting permanent teeth as the former plays a crucial role in the development of the latter. Your child needs a dentist just like you do!

The author is dental surgeon and can be contacted at ALL SMILES DENTAL CLINIC, 26673439, 9845085230.