Poor sterilisation of surgical instruments can cause cross infections like Hepatitis B and HIV and other fatal diseases, it was learnt. Dr Munaaf Hashim, a dental surgeon while talking exclusively to Business Recorder said that usually dental surgeons have to encounter a wide variety of infections during treatment.
"Sterilisation means a process that kills all forms of microbial life, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc. Even due to presence of micro-organisms in the saliva of the patient, a dental surgeon can easily catch infection. That is why, it is also essential to observe strict sterilisation rules in case of dental instruments", he added.
He was of the view that chewing gum is good for the teeth as it increases the production of saliva, which helps in strengthening enamel. "Eating habits count a lot regarding the health of teeth and gums. Cavities are created when food particles are left in between the teeth that help bacteria in producing acid after digesting them. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque that resultantly creates cavities in the teeth", Munaaf said.
"Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that is being faced by every 4 out of 10 persons daily. Most of the patients at early stages experience tooth pain from sweets, hot and cold drinks and ice cream, but they do not visit the doctor", Dr maintained.
A root canal is the space in the roots of a tooth. Root canal is a treatment used to repair and save badly decayed or infected teeth. Root canal becomes essential in case one has to save his teeth without treatment, Dr Munaaf said. He said that scaling and polishing of teeth is not harmful as it prevents teeth from decaying and removes debris from gums and teeth while the process of 'whitening' is not beneficial at all. It makes the teeth pay a heavy price.
Dr Munaaf said that the dental implant is an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to some injury or disease. Dental implants are so natural-looking that you may forget you ever lost a tooth.