The condition of teeth has a direct impact on a person's overall health; however, many continue to perceive oral care as something insignificant. Improper chewing, bacterial growth, and inflammatory processes can lead to serious problems with the stomach and other organs. In an interview with our publication VB.KG, dentist Turatbek Bakirov spoke about proper dental care, common mistakes, and the importance of oral hygiene from an early age.
- What is the connection between dental health and overall health?
- This connection is extremely important. Teeth play a key role in the normal functioning of the body. Dental problems make chewing difficult, which leads to poorly chewed food entering the stomach and increases the load on the digestive system. Ultimately, this can lead to diseases of the stomach and other organs.
Cavities also promote the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity, which can enter the body and cause inflammatory processes. Thus, dental health is directly related to the overall condition of the body.
- What are the main recommendations for dental care?
- First of all, it is essential to follow basic hygiene rules. Brushing teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening, should take at least two minutes. It is important not just to brush but to use the correct techniques: circular and sweeping motions, ensuring all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned.
After each meal, especially sweet ones, it is recommended to rinse the mouth to reduce the number of bacteria and lower the risk of cavities.
Regular visits to the dentist, even in the absence of pain, are also very important. Prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment.
- What can you say about foods that are harmful to teeth?
- First of all, these are sweets and soda. They create an acidic environment that is favorable for the proliferation of bacteria that destroy tooth enamel.
One should also be cautious with hard foods, such as nuts and seeds, as they can cause micro-cracks and damage to the teeth.
It is not recommended to consume sweets before bedtime, as saliva production decreases at night, making teeth more vulnerable.
- How does nutrition affect dental health?
- Nutrition plays a significant role. Dental health depends on the presence of calcium and vitamins. Unfortunately, the quality of modern products is not always satisfactory, so it is important to monitor the diet and choose natural products whenever possible.
A deficiency of trace elements can negatively affect both teeth and gums.
- When should one start caring for a child's teeth?
- Dental care should begin at an early age. Many parents underestimate the importance of milk teeth, considering them temporary. This is a serious mistake.
Milk teeth form the correct bite and hold space for permanent teeth. If they are removed too early, it can cause deformation of the dental arch and improper growth of permanent teeth.
Therefore, dental care should start from the first years of life, and parents should closely monitor this process.
- Are there any special considerations for dental care in pregnant women?
- Yes, and they are quite significant. During pregnancy, a woman's body works under increased load, and part of the vitamins and minerals goes to the development of the child. This can negatively affect the condition of the teeth and gums.
Therefore, it is important to take care of dental health in advance and undergo treatment before pregnancy. During pregnancy, not all dental procedures are safe, especially if there is a risk.
- How to properly choose dental care products?
- There is currently a wide range available. If there are issues such as bleeding gums, it is advisable to use therapeutic pastes.
The toothbrush should be of medium hardness; too hard can damage the gums, while too soft may not provide sufficient effect.
Whitening pastes should not be used daily, as they can thin the enamel and increase tooth sensitivity.
Additionally, rinses can be used, such as saline solution — this is a simple and effective remedy.
- Has people's attitude towards dental health care changed?
- Yes, it is noticeable. If previously patients often came with serious problems, now more and more people are visiting the dentist in a timely manner.
Parents have become more attentive to their children, often bringing them for check-ups, which is a positive trend.
- What should patients pay attention to in a dental clinic?
- To the observance of sanitary standards. The office should be clean, the doctor must work in gloves, and the instruments should be sterile. Patients have the right to demand adherence to these standards, as there is a risk of transmitting infections, including hepatitis B and C.
- What is the most important advice for patients?
- I would advise treating teeth as an important part of overall health. Dental problems rarely remain confined to the oral cavity.
Do not wait for pain to appear and treat "as it comes"; it is better to follow a system: regular care, monitoring by a doctor, and attentiveness to one's condition. If discomfort arises, it is better not to postpone a visit to a specialist.
Forming these habits should start in childhood. If a person understands the importance of dental care from an early age, they will have fewer serious problems in adulthood.
Ultimately, the sooner you start caring for your dental health, the less intervention will be needed in the future.
