www.womanthismonth.com August 2016 44 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing Our teeth may not be the very first feature that people notice, but they are definitely on the first impressions radar; reason enough to maintain a healthy smile. We’ve been warned about cavities since we first bit into candy, but Dr Komal Sharma, endodontist at Al Hilal Hospital, Muharraq, addresses common dental issues that you may be oblivious to. Gingivitis: “Your gums actually attach to the teeth at a lower point than the gum edges that you see. This forms a small space called a sulcus. Food can get trapped in this space and cause a gum infection or gingivitis,” says Dr Komal. She continues: “Plaque, a thin film of bacteria, constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. As plaque advances, it hardens and becomes tartar. When plaque extends below the gum line, infection can develop.” Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, but is reversible with professional treatment and good dental hygiene. Other causes of gingivitis include hormonal changes; diseases such as cancer, diabetes and HIV; certain medications; and smoking as well as heredity. Those who are genetically predisposed may be up to six times more likely to develop some form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Left unchecked, it can advance to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets, which collect debris and can become infected. “As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose and fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults,” warns our expert. Prevention of this problem lies in proper plaque control. Dr Komal advocates professional cleanings at least twice a year, daily brushing to eliminate plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached and flossing to get at food particles and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Antibacterial mouth rinses can help Your pearly whites are companions for life – that’s enough reason to give them regular, loving care, which may not be so tender for their own good, writes Behnaz Sanjana. Dr Komal Sharma THE TOOTH of the Matter! reduce plaque-causing bacteria. Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding clenching and grinding of teeth and not smoking also reduce the risks associated with gingivitis. Tooth Sensitivity: Often referred to as the ‘common cold of dentistry’, dentin hypersensitivity is highly prevalent among the global population. Those who know what it feels like wince at its very mention. “A layer of enamel protects healthy teeth. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic hollow tubes. When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth,” says our expert, explaining the cruel sensation. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede due to forceful brushing, brushing with an abrasive toothpaste or gum disease. And, if you are contemplating getting your teeth whitened, think again. Dr Komal states that dental bleaching is a known cause of hypersensitivity, others include smoking, cracked teeth or grinding. Females are slightly more likely to develop dentin hypersensitivity than males.
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