Teething Problems of the Goans

by PRAVINKUMAR P SHIRODKAR
Posted on 2008-10-16
Oral hygiene is an important aspect of your general health. The teeth participate in different forms of facial expression, in eating and in communication. Neglect of teeth is most likely to reflect on your general wellbeing. The two dental diseases mentioned below are the ones that a large percentage of the Goan populace is primarily affected with leading to loss of teeth and has a marked repercussion on their quality of life at a later stage.
The diseases that affect oral health may be localised to the teeth or to the surrounding tissues in the mouth. The most common dental disease is Dental Caries. It occurs due to demineralisation of teeth as a result of organic acids forming in the mouth from metabolism of carbohydrates by bacterial flora. The onset of caries is silent till it reaches the dentine and pulp when the patient begins experiencing pain and/or swelling at the affected region.
In children, the caries is often rampant in nature and affects almost all the milk teeth, virtually leading to their massive destruction. Rampant caries in small children is attributable to sweetened milk given through feeding bottle. The milk gets retained in the mouth as the child falls asleep with the bottle and becomes an excellent nutritive media for a variety of germs present in the mouth. The milk is broken down by the germs to form harsh acids which lead to rampant formation of cavities on milk teeth.
Irregular & improper brushing, not flossing between teeth, not rinsing with water or mouthwash after meals speed up the process of tooth decay. Periodic snacking on aerated drinks, jam, marmalade, chocolates, even potato chips can lead to the formation of acidic byproducts which damage the surface of the tooth enamel. This is the reason why most young children and adolescents suffer from tooth decay.
When caries progresses through enamel to reach dentine, it starts to present symptoms of mild pain/ sensitivity. If not treated at this stage, it progresses to dental pulp which gets contaminated by micro organisms and leads to dental abscess.
Periodontitis is another disease which affects the gums around the teeth and ultimately leads to loss of teeth. The onset of Periodontal Disease is due to formation of bacterial plaque deposits on the teeth, particularly around their necks. Plaque is a deposit of micro organisms that forms a bio film on teeth surfaces and remains adhered to the teeth. If not brushed off after you eat, mineralisation of this plaque takes place and forms dental tartar / calculus on the teeth surfaces. It causes inflammation of gums or Gingivitis wherein the gums acquire a bright red colour and bleed spontaneously or on brushing. If this condition is not treated in time, it advances with further accumulation of tartar and the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth begins to recede. The fine periodontal ligament that holds the tooth to the bone is affected and the tooth becomes mobile, thereby warranting its extraction by the dentist.
Therefore, it should be the objective of every citizen, young or old, to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease to maintain an optimal state of oral health that is fundamental to achieving a good quality of life.