Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is primarily caused by the interaction of bacteria in your mouth with sugars and starches from the food you eat. This process leads to the formation of acids that erode the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Key factors contributing to tooth decay include:

• Bacteria and Plaque: Plaque, a sticky film of microbes, constantly forms on your teeth. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque multiply and produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up, increasing the risk of decay.
• Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks contributes to tooth decay.
• Dry Mouth: A lack of saliva, which helps neutralise acids and wash away food particles, can increase the risk of decay.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to dry mouth and increase the risk of decay.
• Malocclusion: Improper alignment of teeth can also lead to increased risk of plaque buildup and damage to teeth due to improper biting forces and forces exerted by misaligned tooth. 

To prevent tooth decay and cavities, follow these steps:

1. Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a good toothpaste. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss Daily: Floss between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
3. Mouth Rinse: Rinse well with plain water after every meal. 
4. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Reduce your intake of sugary snacks, candies, and acidic beverages like soda and fruit juice.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet to promote overall oral health.
6. Drink Water: Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 
7. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Early detection and treatment of dental issues can prevent more serious problems.

Watch this video to learn more about early signs of dental problems that are often missed out: 7 Signs Of Common Dental Problems 🦷💡| Dr. Nikita Toshi

8. Use Dental Sealants if needed: Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay and maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile.

Dear Reader, 

People who have been advised wisdom tooth extraction often ask What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal. 

Following wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice on a liquid diet or semi-solid diet. Choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, cold and won’t irritate the extraction site. Here are some recommendations:

Foods You Can Have

1. Soft Foods: Opt for foods that require minimal chewing, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Smoothies (avoid using a straw to prevent dry socket)
• Mashed bananas
• Pudding/Halwa
• Scrambled eggs/ Mashed boiled eggs

2. Cool/Normal temperature Foods: These can help soothe the area:

• Ice cream
• Sorbet
• Cool soups (blended)
• Milkshakes

3. Nutrient-Rich Options: To ensure proper nutrition during recovery:

• Smoothies with added protein powder
• Oatmeal (well-cooked)
• Blended vegetable soups
• Khichdi/Daliya

4. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid hot drinks and using straws.

Foods to Avoid

1. Hard, Crunchy, or Sticky Foods: These can irritate the extraction site and increase the risk of complications.
2. Spicy Foods: They can cause discomfort and irritation.
3. Hot Foods and Beverages: These can disrupt the healing process.
4. Alcohol: It can interfere with healing and interact with prescribed medications.

Remember, it’s a gradual process. Stick to these dietary recommendations for a smoother recovery, and reintroduce solid foods as your mouth heals and feels comfortable. If you have any concerns, consult your dentist for personalised advice.

For more detailed guidance on what to eat after wisdom tooth removal, check out this helpful blog post.

Dear Reader,

Wisdom tooth eruption often causes pain and discomfort. This happens because, along with evolution, our jaw size has reduced, making it difficult to accommodate the wisdom tooth normally. 

It is common to see problems related to impacted wisdom teeth these days because of lack of space for eruption. This results in wisdom teeth pushing the adjacent teeth or coming in unusual directions. 

You must consult a dentist for this problem. Treatment can vary from person to person. Some may require an extraction of the wisdom teeth, while others may benefit from minor interventions. So do not worry; let your dentist evaluate the condition first. 

Hope this helps.

Treating a snake bite without medical help can be life-threatening. Make every possible effort to reach the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Here are some do’s and don’ts to be followed to manage snake bite efficiently:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Call for an ambulance or ask someone to rush you to the nearest hospital. 
2. Avoid Self-Transport: Do not drive yourself to the hospital, as snakebite victims can become dizzy or lose consciousness. 
3. Antivenom Treatment: Antivenom is crucial for venomous snake bites. The sooner it is administered, the better the chances of preventing irreversible damage.
4. Snake Identification: If possible, safely take a photograph of the snake from a distance. Identifying the snake can aid in appropriate treatment.
5. Stay Calm: Keep calm to help slow the spread of venom. Deep breathing can help you relax.

First Aid: Apply basic first aid till you reach the hospital 

• Position: Sit or lie down with the bite area at a neutral level of comfort. Do not elevate the affected area.
• Remove Jewelry: Take off rings and watch before swelling begins.
• Clean the Bite: Wash the area with soap and water.
• Cover the Bite: Use a clean, dry dressing to cover the wound.
• Mark Swelling: Mark the leading edge of tenderness or swelling on the skin and note the time.

 Actions to Avoid

• Do Not Handle the Snake: Do not pick up or attempt to trap the snake. Avoid handling venomous snakes, even if they appear dead.
• Do Not Wait for Symptoms: Seek medical help immediately without waiting for symptoms to develop.
• Avoid Tourniquets: Do not apply a tourniquet or tie anything tightly around the bite.
• Do Not Cut the Wound: Refrain from slashing the wound with a knife or making any cuts.
• Do Not Suck Out Venom: Do not attempt to suck out the venom.
• Avoid Ice or Water: Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• No Alcohol or Painkillers: Do not consume alcohol or take pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
• Avoid Electric Shock or Folk Remedies: Do not use electric shocks or any local remedies.

Following these guidelines can help manage the situation until professional medical help is available. I strongly advise consulting a qualified doctor or reaching out to a hospital where anti-venom can be administered. The patient will be kept under observation if needed. 

Hope this helps.

Read more about tips to manage a snake bite here.