Recently, I came across an interesting yet serious quote about teeth: “Smile while you have them!”

At first, I found it funny and laughed out loud, but then it struck me — what if I didn’t have teeth? How would I look while laughing? And I remembered my grandmother immediately, who was left with no teeth at all.

You must have seen both newborn babies and elderly people without teeth. Babies look cute, but when it comes to the elderly, some find their toothless smiles awkward, while others see them as a reminder of the inevitable reality we all must face. Losing teeth — whether due to age or premature dental problems, can be distressing.

Imagine the frustration of not being able to munch or bite properly. While your gums may try to help, chewing without teeth is a real struggle. It’s not the job of gums to bite or munch, as it turns even the simplest act of eating into a painful challenge.

My grandmother was very old, when she lost almost all of her teeth, meals became a real struggle for her as she had to chew on chappati which she could not do, so she preferred soft foods or even liquid diets because chewing became a real challenge for her.

World Oral Health Day, celebrated on March 20th, emphasises that a healthy mouth is vital for our overall well-being and encourages everyone to prioritise their oral hygiene

But when she got her set of dentures (false teeth), she enjoyed munching and biting on fruits and chappati. After her meals, she would take them out, brush them and take great care of them.

She used to say, “Having your own natural teeth is a blessing — you don’t have to take them out like I do.”

At that time, I didn’t understand her words. But a couple of years later, something happened that changed my perspective. One day, a classmate pointed out that my breath smelt bad. I was so embarrassed. Her words hit me deep inside, and I felt awful. But the truth was my mouth really did smell bad.

When I asked my mother about it, she told me it was because I must have not brushed properly, which means for at least two minutes and also didn’t floss my teeth. That was the moment I made a promise to myself — I would never take my oral hygiene for granted again.

Oral hygiene — just as important to your health as anything else. Most of you already know the drill of brushing the teeth twice daily, flossing them and limiting sugary treats. But do you really brush your teeth twice a day and also for two minutes? If yes, then you deserve a good pat on the shoulder, but if you say, ‘no’ then you need to read on and know how and why it is important to manage good oral hygiene:

Good oral health = good overall health

Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having white teeth; it’s about protecting your overall health, through your teeth, gums and healthy overall mouth. Prevent infections, bad breath and even serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

No matter your age, following these simple oral care tips will keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.

Babies and toddlers

Milk teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a vital role in a child’s development, significantly impacting their speech, chewing abilities, and the proper alignment of their permanent teeth. Therefore, they should be gently cleaned with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth after feedings.

Kids and teenagers

As we grow older, we become responsible for our own brushing and flossing habits. But, let’s be honest, many kids rush through brushing or forget it altogether. But my friends, this is the time when you have to pay attention to avoid all the coming dangers regarding your oral hygiene. Make a habit of brushing for ‘two minutes’ twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing is equally important as brushing, so do it daily to remove food stuck between teeth. As you floss more, you will realise that bad breath disappears, because usually the food stuck between the teeth rot and stink, which is the main cause of bad breath.

Warning signs to look for

Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or tooth sensitivity — these could indicate gum disease or decay, characterised by red, swollen gums. Have white spots or brown areas on your teeth.

Tooth sensitivity: if you feel pier­cing pain when drinking cold water or eating sweet things. Know that it is caused by worn enamel, gum recession or cavities.

If you notice one or more of the signs mentioned above in your mouth, tell your parents immediately so they can take you to the dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you visit the dentist, the better it is for your overall health.

Fluoride and dental health

Fluoride is important to dental health. It is known to reduce cavities in baby (primary) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth. It also helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. So use fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay.

What are cavities (tooth decay)?

Too much sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. When sugar is consumed, bacteria in the mouth, especially the ones that cause cavities — feed on it. As a by-product, these bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. Over time, this acid weakens the enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.

Dr Anya Sharma, a leading periodontist, explains, “Our mouths are complex ecosystems. Bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, reside within. When we consume sugary or acidic foods, harmful bacteria metabolise these substances, producing acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.”

Cavities are holes that form in your teeth, and are very common in children as well as adults. Don’t worry, they are preventable with proper brushing, flossing, reduced sugar and regular dental care.

Foods that benefit oral health

All the dairy products are rich in calcium for strong teeth such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc. Moreover, leafy greens are high in vitamins therefore good for gum health.

The role of water

Water is life, it is not only good for retaining the loss of liquids in our body, but also plays an important role in keeping our mouth clean and healthy. For instance, as we drink water, it helps rinse away leftover food particles that can get stuck between teeth.

Moreover, after eating, especially sugary or acidic foods, when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel, drinking water helps neutralise these acids and protect teeth from erosion. Water also helps wash away stains from coffee, tea and other pigmented foods.

Foods to avoid: Sugary foods and drinks cause cavities.

Acidic foods (sodas, citrus), weaken enamel.

Sticky candies — Hard to remove from teeth.

Poor oral health is linked to

Heart disease: Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream.

Diabetes: Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.

Respiratory infections: Bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs.

Learn the basics again!

Brushing technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes, twice daily, using gentle circular motions.

Pay attention to all surfaces of your teeth, including the chewing surfaces, inner surfaces and the gum line.

Flossing: Be gentle while flossing. Slide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a “C” shape against each tooth.

Move the floss up and down, cleaning beneath the gum line. Floss daily, preferably at night.

Mouthwash matters!

There are different kinds of mouthwashes, some that are hard due to their chemical composition and there are those which milder and more suitable for youngsters (mouth wash is not recommended for kids under six years of age). So choose an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash to further reduce bacteria and strengthen the enamel.

Lastly, I would only say that don’t take your pearly smile for granted; your smile today determines your comfort and confidence in the future. Taking care of your teeth now means a healthier, happier you for years to come!

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 15th, 2025