Tag: oral-hygiene

Health Scope

Wisdom Teeth Explained: When to Worry and When to Let Them Be

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, usually emerging in the late teenage years or early twenties. For some people, they come in without causing any issues, aligning well with existing teeth and functioning like any other molar. But for many others, these late arrivals can become a source of discomfort, complications, and dental concerns that require attention.

One of the most common reasons wisdom teeth cause problems is the lack of space in the jaw. As modern diets and evolution have gradually reduced jaw size, there often isn’t enough room for these extra molars to emerge properly. When this happens, the teeth may grow at odd angles, remain partially erupted, or become fully impacted beneath the gums. These situations can create pockets where food particles and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of infection, swelling, and pain. In some cases, this can even lead to difficulty in opening the mouth comfortably.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also press against neighbouring molars, potentially causing damage or shifting alignment over time. This can undo years of orthodontic work or create new dental issues that extend beyond the wisdom teeth themselves. Because of these risks, dentists often monitor the development of third molars through regular check-ups and imaging.

However, removal is not always necessary. If wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and properly aligned, they can remain in place without causing any harm. The decision to remove them typically depends on symptoms such as persistent pain, infection, gum inflammation, or damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, dentists may recommend preventive removal if they anticipate future complications based on positioning and available space.

When removal is required, the procedure is commonly performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used in certain cases. The process is routine and widely practiced, but like any surgical procedure, it comes with a recovery period. Swelling, mild discomfort, and limited mouth opening are normal in the days following the extraction. Proper post-operative care, including medication, rest, and maintaining oral hygiene, plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth recovery.

Understanding your wisdom teeth and paying attention to early signs of trouble can help prevent more serious complications down the line. Regular dental visits and timely advice from professionals can make all the difference. After all, maintaining oral health isn’t just about treating problems—it’s about preventing them before they begin.

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.

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.