Tag: Health

Health Scope

Saving Your Child’s Tooth: A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Dental Care

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Losing a baby tooth is often celebrated as a sign of growing up, but the loss of a permanent tooth can have long-term physical and emotional consequences. For parents, understanding pediatric dental care is essential to ensure a child’s healthy development and confident smile. Many dental problems in children begin quietly and progress rapidly if not addressed in time.

Cavities remain one of the most common dental issues among children, often caused by poor brushing habits, frequent consumption of sugary foods, and sleeping with milk bottles. While minor cavities can be treated easily with fillings, deeper decay may lead to infections that require root canal treatment and crowns. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing pain and complex procedures.

Dental injuries are another concern, especially as children become more active. Falls, sports injuries, and everyday accidents can damage or completely knock out teeth. In such cases, immediate action is vital. A knocked-out tooth should be handled carefully, rinsed gently, and either placed back into the socket or stored in milk or the child’s saliva before reaching a dentist as quickly as possible. Timely intervention can often save the tooth.

Orthodontic issues may also develop early, even before all permanent teeth appear. Jaw misalignment, crowded teeth, or bite problems can worsen over time if ignored. Early evaluation allows dentists to guide proper jaw growth and reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

Prevention remains the most effective approach to pediatric dental care. Regular dental check-ups every six months help identify issues early, while daily brushing, flossing, and supervised oral hygiene routines build healthy habits. Encouraging nutritious, tooth-friendly foods and limiting sugary snacks further supports strong teeth and gums.

By prioritising dental care from a young age, parents can help ensure that their children grow up with healthy teeth, fewer complications, and confident smiles that last a lifetime.

Social

HDFC Bank Parivartan to Field Largest Corporate Contingent at Mumbai Marathon 2026 for Cancer Awareness

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank announced that it will field nearly 1,500 employees at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 through its CSR programme Parivartan, making it one of the largest corporate contingents at the event. Scheduled to be held on January 18, the initiative aims to support cancer awareness and promote the importance of early detection in partnership with the Indian Cancer Society, India’s oldest non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care.

Under its Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, HDFC Bank Parivartan focuses on improving access to primary and preventive healthcare, strengthening health infrastructure and encouraging positive health-seeking behaviour within communities. The collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society at the Mumbai Marathon reinforces this commitment, highlighting how early detection can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.

As part of the initiative, the Indian Cancer Society will also field over 100 runners, including young cancer survivors and its employees, bringing visibility and inspiration to the cause. The participation of survivors adds a powerful human element, underscoring resilience, hope and the impact of timely diagnosis.

Commenting on the initiative, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank, emphasised the Bank’s responsibility towards community well-being, noting that the marathon represents a collective effort to raise awareness and encourage early screening. He highlighted that this is among the largest employee volunteer contingents HDFC Bank has fielded for the event to date.

Indian Cancer Society’s Hon. Secretary and Managing Trustee, Usha Thorat, expressed gratitude for HDFC Bank’s continued support, stating that awareness remains the first and most critical step in improving cancer outcomes in India, where fear, stigma and lack of information often delay diagnosis. She noted that seeing cancer survivors participate in the marathon sends a strong message of courage and hope.

To mark the collaboration, the Indian Cancer Society has conducted cancer awareness sessions for HDFC Bank employees and organised screening camps at select locations. Beyond this marathon initiative, HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to support healthcare programmes across the country, including partnerships with institutions such as the Gujarat Cancer Society and Tata Memorial Hospital, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building healthier and stronger communities across India.

Social

Drug Awareness Programme Held at Goa Dental College, Bambolim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A drug awareness programme was conducted on 10 January 2025 at Goa Dental College, Bambolim, as part of the 30 Days Awareness Campaign coordinated by the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, in association with the North Goa District Police. The programme was held between 11.15 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. with the aim of sensitising students to the growing menace of drug abuse and its far-reaching consequences.

Organised on the theme “Drug Abuse – Drug: A Menace to Society,” the session focused on creating awareness about the legal, social, and health-related implications of substance abuse. The programme brought together legal experts, law enforcement officials, and medical professionals to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue. The dignitaries and guests were formally welcomed with potted plants as a gesture of goodwill and environmental consciousness.

Ms. Shantashri S. Sinai Kudchadkar, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of legal awareness as a preventive tool in combating drug abuse. She highlighted how informed citizens, especially youth, can play a crucial role in building a safer and healthier society.

PSI Sahil Warang from the North Goa District Police delivered an in-depth session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, explaining its key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and real-life case studies. His talk helped students understand the seriousness of drug-related offences and the legal consequences associated with them.

Dr. Gaurav spoke on the health aspects of drug abuse, shedding light on its impact on physical and mental well-being, addiction patterns, and the importance of prevention, early intervention, and seeking help. His session underlined the long-term risks of substance abuse and the value of making informed, healthy choices.

The programme was attended by around 50 participants, including approximately 40 dental students, along with faculty members and staff of Goa Dental College. The interactive session encouraged questions, discussions, and meaningful engagement from the students.

Overall, the programme successfully reinforced the collaborative efforts of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, and the North Goa District Police in spreading awareness and promoting the message of a drug-free society among the youth.

Events in Goa

Yin and Yang: A Celebration of Balance, Inclusivity and Inner Strength in Porvorim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Yin and Yang – In Balance with Body and Mind, organised on December 14, 2025, in Porvorim by SoulSync founders Sridevi Badami, Monica Sirohi, Poonam Gupta and Komala Soares, unfolded as an evening rooted in empowerment, inclusivity and self-discovery. The event was envisioned as a safe and welcoming platform for women from diverse walks of life, many of whom stepped onto the ramp for the very first time, embracing fashion as a tool for healing, confidence-building and self-expression.

The evening was elevated by the presence of iconic Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai as the celebrity guest. Her warmth and soulful performance left the audience enthralled, adding an emotional and celebratory depth to the event. Around 150 women participated wholeheartedly, reflecting the strong sense of community and shared purpose that defined the gathering.

Choreographed by Nadia Khan, the fashion walk unfolded through four thoughtfully curated themes inspired by the concept of Yin and Yang. Nature’s Symphony invited participants to interpret natural dualities such as ice and fire or strength and softness through creative attire. Trails of Tradition celebrated India’s rich cultural heritage with ethnic wear, while Urban Harmony showcased confidence and modernity through western outfits. Balanced Soul brought together indo-western ensembles, symbolising the harmony modern Indian women embody in their daily lives.

Beyond fashion, Indian culture came alive through vibrant dance performances presented by participants themselves, ranging from classical and fusion to Bollywood and Gidda. The event stood out for its inclusivity, welcoming women of all age groups, senior citizens and differently abled participants, reinforcing SoulSync’s belief that empowerment knows no boundaries.

Women entrepreneurs were also given a platform to showcase their products through dedicated stalls, adding another layer of support and visibility to women-led initiatives. Importantly, the event was tied to charity, with a portion of the proceeds directed towards a meaningful social cause, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to giving back to the community.

Well received and widely appreciated, the event was applauded for being punctual, thoughtfully organised, visually engaging and deeply inclusive. Yin and Yang – In Balance with Body and Mind emerged not just as a fashion showcase, but as a heartfelt celebration of balance, resilience and the collective strength of women.

Health Scope

Teeth Cleaning vs Teeth Whitening: What’s the Real Difference?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Many people walk into a dental clinic expecting a brighter, whiter smile after a routine teeth cleaning. When that doesn’t happen, disappointment often follows. The truth is, teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two completely different dental procedures, each serving a unique purpose.

What Teeth Cleaning Really Does

Professional teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, focuses on maintaining oral health. During this procedure, dentists remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that build up over time. These deposits can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and cavities if left untreated.

Cleaning also helps eliminate extrinsic stains — the surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods. While your teeth may look fresher and cleaner after scaling, the natural colour of the teeth remains unchanged.

What Teeth Whitening Actually Does

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to lighten the intrinsic colour of the teeth. These intrinsic stains lie deeper within the tooth structure and cannot be removed by cleaning alone.

For professional, in‑office whitening, dentists protect the gums using a special barrier gel. A high‑strength peroxide‑based bleaching gel (usually between 15–35%) is then applied to the teeth. This gel is activated using a special light or laser, allowing it to penetrate the enamel and break down deep stains.

Each whitening cycle typically lasts around 15 minutes, and most patients require one to two sessions in a single visit. Once the process is complete, the gel is rinsed off and a fluoride treatment is applied to help reduce sensitivity.

Possible After‑Effects of Whitening

Teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a dentist, but some temporary effects may occur:

  • Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity for a day or two
  • Sensitivity usually subsides with desensitizing toothpaste or over‑the‑counter pain relief
  • Results can last 6 to 10 months with good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Some patients may be given touch‑up trays for long‑term maintenance

Is Whitening Right for Everyone?

Not all stains respond equally to bleaching. In some cases, treatments like tooth‑coloured fillings, veneers, or other cosmetic procedures may be more effective.

That’s why a quick consultation with your dentist is essential. It helps determine whether professional whitening is suitable for you or if another treatment would deliver better, longer‑lasting results.

A healthy, confident smile starts with understanding your options — and choosing what’s right for your teeth.