At times when most of us suffer from some or the other problem related to our teeth, opinions by an expert comes as a relief as it solves many of our questions and doubts. In an exclusive interview with Pooja Biraia, a well known dentist, practicing in Mumbai, Dr Gopal Kamath, answers intriguing questions about dental health and care and demystifies the commonly known myths about tooth, gums, braces et al.
The Colgate Active Salt, promises tooth whiteness in 14 days, and removal of surface stains based on the extra salt that has been added. How true is this claim?
The main function of any toothpaste is to clean the tooth surface by removing soft food left over on the teeth, plaque and stains due to colored foods. Regardless of the brand used, all toothpastes will function the same way, as the cleaning function is dependent on the abrasive and surfactant (soap) present in the paste. Any other claim is based on the addition of other ingredients like peroxide (for whitening), potassium nitrate (for sensitive teeth) etc.
Can the lost whiteness of childhood be regained?
An off white appearance is normal and that is how the teeth are made by our bodies. Colour of the teeth in any individual is genetic as well as environmental (medication during childhood, illness during childhood, location of residence, for water supply and diet). The so called “lost whiteness of childhood” is again a fallacy as people compare the whiteness of milk teeth (which have less density of minerals in their enamel thereby looking whiter) as compared to permanent teeth which are denser, thicker and bigger.
A study suggests that chocolates actually retard tooth decaying process, rather than enhance it. Comment.
The claim that any food alone, leave alone chocolates, causes tooth decay itself is wrong. It the lack of regular tooth brushing, by not using proper technique, combined with frequent snacking that is the cause of tooth decay.
Can invisible braces ease the problem of maintaining oral hygiene?
No. The braces fitted on the teeth have only one function that is to move the teeth to the desired position. The end result is what counts, where the teeth are positioned in a new balanced, functional position that is pleasing to the eye and satisfactory to the patient. Different techniques of moving teeth like lingual braces or invisible braces or tooth coloured brackets have evolved more to pander to the patient’s ego and desire to not show their peers in society that they are undergoing treatment.
Can plaque be an indicator of underlying heart disease?
Current research shows that gum disease and systemic diseases like Heart disease and Diabetes have very strong correlation. So it is the patient’s best interest to have regular six monthly checkups, yearly cleaning of their teeth by the dentist, if required, and active treatment of gum disease, if present, to prevent systemic problems.
What are the options for the removal of stubborn stains on teeth, which do not lead to a loss of tooth enamel?
There is nothing that we use our teeth for that does not cause some of loss of enamel on a microscopic scale throughout life. Acids present in all the food that we eat (acetic acid, citric acid, tannic acid, Phosphoric acid, etc) as well as tooth brushing will remove minute levels of enamel every time it comes into contact with enamel. The only option available to remove such staining is to clean and polish the teeth at the dentist. But this will also result in microscopic loss of enamel due to the polishing. But the scale of loss is much less as compared to the loss of enamel caused by the patients themselves when they use tooth powders, ash, burnt tobacco, proprietary medicines etc. The main advantage of having teeth polished regularly by a dentist is that the smooth surface obtained after polishing prevents food and stains from sticking to the teeth.
The daily regimen that goes into the making of healthy, shiny, strong teeth.
Brush twice daily, after breakfast and after dinner. Change your toothbrush every 3 months. Restrict meals to 3-4 times daily. Rinse after every meal. Combine all treats with your main meals. Do not snack or drink beverages often, but if you do so, then rinse immediately afterwards. Visit your dentist at 3-6 monthly intervals for checkups.
Porcelain veneers, mask virtually any cosmetic problems. Do these come with long term disadvantages?
Porcelain veneers though an excellent treatment for correcting minor crookedness in the teeth, deep staining due to tetracycline, fluorosis, or fractures of teeth etc. The sheer cost makes it a vanity treatment on the lines of Botox, breast augmentation, liposuction etc. Even if one considers a total life of about 10 years for a set of veneers, at current longevity of approx 70 years, a 30 year old will need at least 2-3 replacements in his/her lifetime due to wear and tear, breakages or changes in the gum line.
The problem of bad breath seems to continue even after maintaining regular oral hygiene. Comment.
Some of the other causes of bad breath not related to oral hygiene are food habits like such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese in their diet. Occasionally calcified deposits found on the tonsils can cause a foul odour.
