Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sumbul Wahab
Many of you might have noticed how each year patients tend to line up at dental clinics and OPDs right after Eid-ul-Azha. Relishing a wide variety of meaty dishes while ignoring the need for proper dental care will end you up in the dental chair.
The story begins with the tiny gaps between your teeth, which are excellent spots for the food particles to get stuck. Left in these tiny gaps, these food particles trigger a toothache or cause gum irritation, eventually leading to localized pain and swelling. Sometimes, people can even get a cracked tooth. How does it happen? Chomp chomp OUCH! You’ve just chewed on a piece of bone while devouring the oh-so-mouthwatering kebabs. These are conditions that dentists do see in their practices right after Eid-ul-Azha, and so it’s good to know how to avoid them! All you have to do is maintain good dental hygiene, and perform proper flossing and tooth brushing. Here are a few other suggestions:
- Don’t rush while you brush: Treat your teeth like a baby, keeping your hand gently and with great care as to not abrade the gums.
- Floss in between: The teeth are often naturally spaced (in most people) and it’s common for food; especially meat to get impacted. Keep calm and floss them out.
- Don’t pick the toothpick: Toothpicks are not your very best friend! Forcing them between your teeth and gums are known to cause damage and even infection. Opt for brushing or flossing instead.
- Chew your food well: You can’t possibly scan the mince for any hidden bony spicules. But you can keep the haste aside, chew slowly and carefully and save your tooth from unwanted breaks and cracks.
- Stay fresh: A minty mouthwash is just what you need to get rid of any food debris and for a fresher breath.
A Word from Dawaai.pk
For coping with a pain flare-up in an unattended cavity or a previously filled tooth, you can take over-the-counter pain medication or simply reach inside your Kitchen cabinet for clove and press it under the tooth for temporary relief. However, you’ll need to see a Dentist eventually before the pain gets any worse.
Guest Post Credit: Dr. Kanwal Ansari (BDS, RDS)
