Oral Health Basics: Q And A With Dr. Shariq Ali Khan

Oral health/ hygiene is the practice of keeping one’s mouth clean and free of disease by regular brushing of the teeth and cleaning. It is important that oral hygiene is carried out on a regular basis for the prevention of oral disease.

We believe that an excellent oral health regimen is important to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy. So, we sat down with Dr. Shariq Ali Khan is an experienced Cosmetic Dentist and Implantologist, to give his expert advice on how to maintain oral health. Certified in Orthodontics and Implantology courses, he provides all kinds of services for general and cosmetic dental issues.

Q.1. What are the basic steps for a healthy dental care routine?

Well, whenever I talk about oral health on a forum, I urge my viewers to take utmost care of their teeth. Brush twice a day and floss regularly. 

Next, you should also observe your teeth for signs of any visible change or damage (once a week). Also, it is highly recommended that you visit a dentist every 6 months since a professional would be able to point out any serious oral concerns.

Q.2. Which toothpaste is best for the teeth?

Well, this is the most commonly asked questions that propagate many myths. Well, there is no one brand that is good for the teeth. What’s important is that you religiously brush your teeth and not the toothpaste brand. It’s vital to protect the health of your teeth whether you use a toothpaste/brush system or a miswak. 

Q.3. What are the causes of cavities in kids?

Another common question that we are asked is about the cavities on milk teeth of children. Well, such cavities are developed by the “baby bottle syndrome”. When small children sleep with their milk bottles inside their mouth, the milk stains their teeth causing bacteria and cavities.

Prevention is always better than cure, so mothers should take note of that. If mothers can detect a cavity, they must immediately visit a dentist to get those cavities filled up.

Q.4. How does smoking affect the teeth?

In my clinical practice, there are many patients that come for the removal of nicotine stains. But there are many deep-seated oral concerns that must be taken care of if you are a smoker.

When smoking is in the initial stages, it causes plaque buildup to form that eventually turns into dental calculus. Dental calculus is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discolouration. As calculus increases, it starts to separate the teeth from the gums and cause loosening of teeth.

Another deadly side effect of smoking is oral cancer caused by carcinogens in cigarettes. I would like to mention that the majority of oral cancer patients are heavy smokers, “gutka lovers and pan gorgers”!

Q.5. Would you like to give any general advice to the viewers?

Before I leave, I would like to urge my viewers to take care of their oral health. Also, never forget to check for signs of damage or cavities and get them checked by a dental health professional. When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than cure.

You can watch the full interview to learn more about dental care basics. If you have any oral health concerns, visit a dentist immediately.

You can book an appointment with a top dentist through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns