Indians are a shy bunch. We don’t like talking about our personal issues, especially in public. This is why even though dental and oral problems are common in India, we don’t talk about them much. Talking about it makes us even more self-conscious than we already are. However, things have changed over the past few years. With social media becoming such an important part of our lives, many people have found a way to bring these once private issues into the limelight. Nowadays you can find several Indians who share pictures and videos of themselves on Instagram and YouTube, which is exactly what they don’t normally do. Why is this happening? Because people are more concerned with their appearance than ever before. And that has also led to a rise in the number of Indians who take their oral or dental care very seriously.
Why is oral and dental care so important?
Our oral health has a direct link to our general health. If you don’t take proper care of your mouth, there is a high chance that you will contract diseases such as oral cancer, cavities, gum disease, and much more. Bad dental hygiene is one of the biggest reasons behind diabetes, heart disease, and low birth weight babies. Some of these diseases might not have a cure. That’s why it is important to take proper care of your teeth, tongue, and gums from a very young age.
Early oral hygiene practices have been traced to the ancient civilizations of India, China, and Egypt. Dental care in ancient times was significantly different from the way we approach it today. Ayurveda has a very important role to play in Indian oral health. It considers oral health as an important part of overall health. In Ayurvedic medicine, teeth and gums are considered to be external organs of the body, and hence, are of vital importance.
Reasons for Indian’s fascination with oral/dental care
There are several reasons why Indians have become so fascinated with oral/dental care. This has been a long-running interest of ours, but social media has made it much more apparent. Also, a large number of us are now working in BPOs, call centers, and IT companies, where we are forced to eat weird foods, drink coffee several times a day and brush our teeth at weird hours.
This has caused a rise in the number of people who suffer from some kind of oral/dental disorder. They are trying to find ways to get their oral health back on track. We are also more aware of the impact oral and dental hygiene has on our overall health. This is why many of us are now making it a point to take care of our mouths.
Oral care habits we should have:
Brushing Your Teeth Regularly – Brushing your teeth should be a part of your daily routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (preferably after every meal) is essential for preventing dental problems like cavities and gum disease. You can use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. However, the best way to go about it is to use an oral irrigator.
Flossing Your Teeth Regularly – While brushing is important, it cannot reach every part of your teeth. This is where dental floss comes into play. It is a thin thread that is used to clean the area in between your teeth. This is a part of your teeth that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. It is recommended that you floss your teeth after every meal. This will help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Using Mouthwash – This is something that many people do not do. However, it is very important for oral health. It makes your mouth fresh and cleanses it of germs. You can use an alcohol-free mouthwash to get the best results.
Dental care habits we should have:
Regular Check-ups – Visiting a dentist at least once every six months is important to maintaining good oral health. The dentist will be able to identify any issues with your teeth and gums. They will also be able to guide you on how to prevent these issues.
Not Smoking – Smoking is harmful to your body in many ways. It is also one of the biggest causes of oral health issues. If you are a smoker, you will have to visit the dentist more often.
Stopping Bad Habits – Bad chewing habits such as gum-biting, nail-biting, and teeth grinding can cause your teeth to chip, break or become discolored. This is why it is important to stop these habits.
The problem with Indians and dental care:
Lack of awareness – Many Indians are not aware of the importance of oral health. They don’t visit the dentist regularly or brush and floss their teeth as they should. This is why they are more likely to contract dental issues.
Ignoring the symptoms– It is important to catch dental issues as early as possible. However, a lot of people ignore the symptoms. This is why their dental issue might become a serious problem. Seeking dental treatment late As mentioned above, it is important to seek dental treatment early. This will help prevent the issue from becoming a serious problem.
Conclusion
It is important to take oral health seriously. If you don’t take care of your teeth, you will end up losing them. This is why it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly. It is also important to visit the dentist at least once every six months. However, many Indians ignore these rules. That’s why the number of people who have dental issues is increasing.
