Brief Summary
In this episode of Food Pharmer, Dr. Sandesh Mayekar, a renowned dentist, shares essential tips for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. He emphasizes the importance of brushing once a day at night, proper flossing techniques, and regular dental visits. The discussion covers various aspects of oral health, including toothbrush selection, toothpaste usage, mouthwash, and the impact of oral hygiene on overall health, addressing common myths and facts along the way. Dr. Mayekar also highlights the dangers of pan masala and the role of celebrities in promoting harmful products, advocating for greater awareness and responsible advertising.
- Brush once a day at night
- Proper flossing techniques
- Regular dental visits
- Avoid pan masala
Intro
The host introduces Dr. Sandesh Mayekar, a celebrated dentist known as the Father of Modern Dentistry, who has treated numerous celebrity and political clients. Dr. Mayekar emphasizes that everyone's teeth are the same, and his focus is on treating the teeth, not judging the person. The episode is divided into three parts: hygiene, diseases, and solutions, covering topics from toothbrush selection to oral cancer and treatments like root canals and aligners.
Timeline
The episode is structured into three main sections: hygiene, diseases, and solutions. The hygiene section covers toothbrush types, brushing frequency, toothpaste selection, mouthwash usage, flossing, and the importance of regular dentist visits. The diseases section addresses cavities, gum bleeding, teeth yellowing, bad breath, and oral cancer, including the impact of pan masala and systemic diseases. The solutions section discusses braces, aligners, implants, and root canals.
Toothbrush
Dr. Mayekar recommends brushing once a day, preferably at night, to combat bacterial growth that occurs during sleep. He explains that morning breath indicates potential cavities or gum issues. Brushing after breakfast is preferable to brushing immediately upon waking. A toothbrush should have a handle that allows for an even grip, held lightly like a painting brush to avoid applying too much pressure. Soft bristles are recommended to remove soft food particles without damaging the enamel. Brushing should last about 120 seconds, ensuring all areas, including behind the teeth and under the tongue, are reached. Electric brushes can be effective, but proper technique is crucial. Tongue cleaning is essential to combat bad breath by removing food particles and coatings. Toothbrushes should be changed every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Toothpaste
Dr. Mayekar discusses toothpaste selection, emphasizing that brushing technique is more important than the brand of toothpaste used. He advises choosing toothpastes with antibacterial properties that prevent plaque formation. He debunks the myth that dentists are paid to promote specific brands. To properly apply toothpaste, hold the brush vertically and press the toothpaste into the bristles to avoid waste. Look for toothpastes with an RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion) value below 70 to prevent enamel abrasion. Fluoride toothpaste is beneficial for children over six years old to strengthen permanent teeth against acid. Toothpaste is not just cosmetic; it's health-related, so understanding its components is important.
Mouthwash
There are two types of mouthwash: medicated and cosmetic. Medicated mouthwash contains antibacterial properties and is used for limited periods, often after surgical procedures, as directed by a dentist. Cosmetic mouthwash is primarily for freshening breath. Dr. Mayekar cautions against overuse of cosmetic mouthwash, as it can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the mouth. Mouthwash should not replace brushing.
Flossing
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from areas that brushing cannot reach. Use 12 to 18 inches of floss, rolling it around the middle fingers and using the index fingers and thumbs to guide it between the teeth. Floss should be used in every tooth, including front and back teeth. Flossing once a day, preferably at night, is recommended. Alternatives to traditional floss include handled floss and water flossers, which are particularly useful for cleaning around bridges and implants.
Dentist Visit
Dr. Mayekar advises visiting a dentist every six months to catch and address dental problems early. He recommends seeking a second opinion and using personal judgment to find a dentist who is a good fit.
Cavities
Eating sugar does not directly cause cavities; rather, cavities are caused by sticky foods that remain on the teeth and promote bacterial growth. Glucose biscuits are more dangerous than chocolate due to their stickiness. Brushing immediately after eating sugary or sticky foods is crucial. In children, cavities often form due to a combination of sticky foods, sugary drinks, and acidic saliva. In older adults, cavities can develop due to food particles accumulating in the mouth. Acidic environments in the mouth erode enamel and lead to cavities. The process of cavity formation can take one to two years, so regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment.
How to avoid cavities?
To prevent cavities, maintain a diet rich in fiber and avoid sticky foods. Brush immediately after eating soft or sticky foods, or rinse the mouth with water. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help remove food particles.
Root Canal
Root canals are performed when decay reaches the roots of the tooth. Modern technology has made root canals virtually painless. Dr. Mayekar emphasizes that dentists are knowledgeable about medicine and advises against underestimating their expertise. He explains the difference between injections and anesthesia, noting that anesthesia numbs the area to prevent pain during the procedure. A good dentist will try to save a natural tooth whenever possible, rather than resorting to extraction and implants.
Gum Bleeding
Gum bleeding is often caused by gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums due to tartar formation. Tartar irritates the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, where the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates. The only solution for gum bleeding is to visit a dentist for professional cleaning and treatment.
Oral Cancer
Dr. Mayekar expresses concern over the high rates of oral cancer in India, exacerbated by the promotion of pan masala by celebrities. He praises Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kapoor for refusing to endorse such products. He highlights the deceptive marketing tactics used by companies, such as advertising cardamom while actually selling pan masala. Dr. Mayekar urges celebrities to stop promoting harmful products and calls for a nationwide ban on pan masala. He shares a personal anecdote about children consuming pan masala due to celebrity influence, underscoring the need for greater awareness and responsible advertising.
Oral Hygiene's impact on entire body
Poor oral hygiene can have systemic effects on the body, including heart problems, liver issues, kidney problems, and even Alzheimer's disease. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect various organs.
Braces & Teeth Aligners
Braces and aligners are used to correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites. Proper alignment is essential for chewing, muscle function, and preventing cavities. Misalignment can also contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. While braces are effective, they can trap food particles and increase the risk of cavities. Invisalign aligners are less visible but require diligent cleaning to prevent plaque buildup.
Myth or Fact
A quickfire round of myths and facts:
- Salt is not bad for teeth.
- Turmeric stains teeth.
- Flossing daily is recommended.
- Tea stains teeth.
- Black coffee stains teeth more than regular coffee.
- Chewing gum is good for teeth in limited amounts to remove food particles.
- Biscuits are worse for teeth than chocolate due to their stickiness.
30 second summary of the episode
Dr. Mayekar summarizes the key points: maintain oral hygiene at home with brushing, flossing, and toothpaste; visit a dentist every six months; avoid pan masala; and address any dental issues promptly.
Outro
The host reiterates the importance of brushing once a day at night, dedicating time to oral hygiene, and seeking professional dental care for any issues.
