Mouth is a gateway to our body. It is one of the most important entity that lets us multi-task in many ways. Nutrition, being the vital building blocks of life, is entertained here prior to making it’s way to produce energy required for function and maintenance. A well-entertained (chewed) nutrients tend to prevent us from many gastro-intestinal issues. Besides, one of our main organ, ‘tongue’ resides in the same locality, which not only gives us a vital sense of ‘taste’, but also lets us express ourselves in the form of “sound waves”. Last, but not the least, at the times of blockade of our air way, it also acts as an accessory tunnel for the entry of vital life force, breath.

This area of vital importance is also easily accessible and at times also indicator of our well being. Due to an easy access, unlike other organs in the body, we can reach deep and clear in this area making it really easy to clean and maintain.

Researches over the years, have also proven that if mouth is disease free, there are chances of getting lower burden of disease. In a pregnant woman, if mouth is not in good condition, chances of pre-term delivery and low weight at birth babies are higher. Besides, it is the mothers who pass on most of the bugs to the babies. In a diabetic, it is difficult to control sugar in presence of infections in the mouth, such as gum problems or abscess. Chronic gum diseases have also been linked with heart diseases and even cancer.

Healthy mouth does not only prevent us from many avoidable diseases and circumstances, but also gives us that “aura” of confidence and ability to make more friends. As the saying goes, “Never leave home without wearing a smile”. It is that “smile” that is the shortest curve between two people that sets everything straight. A simple smile can at times prevent wars.

It is very easy to maintain one’s oral health, provided, one follows a following routine:

1.  Brushing and Flossing (Interdental Cleaning) before sleep, is a must. We must create a “famine” in the mouth before we go to sleep, so that the bugs don’t have anything to munch on and party whole night. Any food particle lodged in the mouth, teeth is bound to decay in the night of stagnation.

2.   Old Nepali habit of “flushing” the mouth with water after every use, just like flushing a toilet after each use, is a must.

3.   Brushing after breakfast/brunch ensures that we leave our homes fresh and clean, ready to face the world more confidently.

4.                         Brushing and cleaning the tongue is equally important as many bacteria and food particles get lodged in the velvets of the tongue.

5.                         Avoiding any packed food will not only keep the mouth healthy, but the entire body benefits. Eating’live” food such as fruits and vegetables naturally keep us healthy and ‘alive’ for a long time.

6  Just like your car needs regular maintenance and servicing, your mouth is a mechanical device and needs the same. Visit to a dentist regularly based on his/her suggestion as per your risk factors is a must. It will help you in avoiding any major, mental, physical and financial catastrophe.

7.   If you have a habit of taking Pan Parag, Supari and tobacco products, it must stop now as they are the major cause of oral cancer which is number 2 cancer in Nepal among men.

Keep your “smile” intact and it will never let you down

Dr. Pande is BDS MFGDP(UK) MFDS RCS(Eng) Dental Surgeon