Author : Dr. Vaishnavi Thobre

Wisdom teeth are a set of molars located at the back of your upper as well as lower jaw. They typically start to occur during younger years. Think of them as the late bloomers of your smile! These teeth generally start to erupt inside the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Although some people never develop them at all. Because they appear so late in life, they often don’t have enough space to grow properly. This lack of space can cause them to become impacted.

Some interesting facts about Wisdom teeth:

1. The reason behind their nickname, “wisdom teeth” is that they typically show up during young adulthood. It is usually considered to be a time of youth gaining wisdom. Funny, right? Although it does not have a direct relation with a person gaining wisdom.

2. Not everybody possesses them and it’s quite normal. Some people never possess wisdom teeth at all! This can be genetic or due to a lack of space in the jaw during development.

3. They are troublesome: Due to their position at the back of the mouth, there is frequently insufficient space for their proper emergence. They may become trapped beneath the gums (impacted), emerge only partially, or develop at unusual angles. This can result in the following issues:

• Discomfort – Individuals may experience continuous and dull aching pain along the jaw.

• Misalignment – These teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth. Hence, this causes crowding among the teeth.

• Infection – The accumulation of bacteria around submerged 3rd molar teeth can lead to gum diseases.

• Inability to bite – Biting food becomes difficult in such cases. People would often complain of sharp pain while chewing food from that side.

In the above cases, a dental surgeon would always recommend to extract the impacted tooth. Sometimes, the procedure of removing a tooth can become difficult depending on the complications that involve the location and position of the tooth. Hence, the extraction procedure would always be carried out surgically.

It is entirely natural to experience anxiety regarding the extraction of wisdom teeth. As it is a surgical procedure, it can evoke apprehension in fearful people. However, there are effective strategies to reduce the severity of the fear and enhance your comfort level. Consider the following recommendations:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Procedure

Correct Knowledge – Gaining a clear understanding of what to expect can significantly diminish your fears. Request your dentist to provide a detailed explanation of the procedure.

Inquire freely – Do not hesitate to pose any questions you may have, regardless of their perceived significance.

Steer clear of distressing narratives – Avoid engaging with online forums or videos that may depict excessively graphic or negative experiences. Instead, concentrate on obtaining information from trustworthy sources, such as your dentist or established dental health websites.

2. Engage with Your Dentist

Facilitate open dialogue. It is essential to communicate openly with your dentist concerning any fears or anxieties you experience. Open communication can provide the necessary reassurance and support.

3. Implement Relaxation Strategies.

Engage in deep breathing exercises. This can effectively soothe your nerves and alleviate anxiety. It is beneficial to practice these techniques regularly before your appointment.

Meditation or mindfulness practices. These methods can assist in centering your thoughts on the present moment, thereby diminishing feelings of worry.

So, there you have it – the lowdown on those quirky little molars known as wisdom teeth. They might not always live up to their wise name, but with regular dental care and a bit of knowledge, you can keep them from causing too much trouble

Author : Dr.Vaishnavi Thombre

In a world that constantly tells us to ‘Be Strong,’ It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.”

“I recall being stressed one evening a few years ago. My to-do list was pending. Work was hectic, and I felt like I was lagging in all forms. I was on the verge of tears. But I didn’t think of sharing my troubles or speaking with anyone in the house. For some reason, I thought no one would understand me. I put up a brave face and acted as though nothing was wrong.

But I simply couldn’t contain myself that night. I just told my best friend everything over the phone. I cried and let it out. My best buddy simply listened patiently, being the wonderful friend that she is. I felt like she was there for me. She didn’t pass any judgment nor gave me any advice.

And you know what? It was beneficial. I felt lighter just talking about it and letting it all out. Her encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that it was acceptable to feel bad. I came to understand the value of friendship and having someone to turn to in bad times.  I was inspired to be that type of friend to other people as well. And so, here I am speaking a bit more on this underrated, yet important topic.

The WHO estimates that Depression arising out of impaired mental health will be the most common cause of disability by 2030. These estimations are no joke! This grabs attention and highlights the importance of addressing mental health. With the rise of social media, exposure of youngsters to technology at an early age, frequent comparison, and intense competition, it’s time to break the silence and start talking openly about hampered mental health.

The importance of mental and physical health is equal. It influences our feelings, thoughts, and actions. It also affects how well we manage stress, overcome obstacles, and form bonds with others.

Individuals who fear discrimination due to their mental health issues are less likely to discuss how they feel. They even do not get any treatment done for their condition. People may experience feelings of loneliness.

These arise commonly because of societal Stereotypes! Stereotypes make mental health worse. We must identify and not ignore them. These can anytime put an individual in a confusing position in life. Making a person indecisive, silent, and dissatisfied with life are the signs of following stereotypical norms and adhering to them. And so, I would like to highlight some prevalent misconceptions that can put people under a great deal of stress:

1. The “Strong yet Silent” Stereotype:

In our society, men are expected to be tough, even emotionless. Have you ever seen them crying while expressing their emotions? They are expected to be hard-working but to not complain when faced with failures.

In such cases, admitting to having mental health issues or displaying vulnerability is viewed as a sign of weakness, especially for males. They are under the constant pressure of bottling up their emotions. This prevents them from getting help in any form and they eventually suffer in silence. Additionally, it may be a factor in the greater mortality rates among men.

1. The “Always Happy” Stereotype:

People who appear to be consistently happy and successful are frequently shown to us in pictures. This could give the idea that you’re not doing well and that everyone else is, so something must be wrong with you.

People may hide their genuine emotions and put off seeking assistance as a result of feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their difficulties.

1. The stereotype that “People Who Are Successful Don’t Have Mental Health Issues“

There is a false belief that mental health issues indicate failure or an incapability to handle life’s difficulties.

People may feel under pressure to hide their difficulties to maintain the image of success. Additionally, they might be hesitant to ask for assistance out of concern. Such people think that they might harm their reputation or career by asking for help, which is wrong!

Always remember that you are not alone in this. Many people suffer from the same problem and have eventually destroyed their lives by not acting upon it immediately. Hence, we will go through some simple, yet crucial points that should be followed in such conditions:

• Don’t act as if Stress doesn’t exist. And don’t even try to ignore it. Acknowledge your feelings of stress and permit yourself to experience them.
• Ask yourself. What’s stressing you out? You can begin addressing the issue once you’ve identified its cause.
• Schedule time for things that will help you feel relaxed and give you happiness. Be it working out or going outside for a 15-minute walk. Even listening to your favorite music can help you relax and de-stress.
• Discuss your feelings with the person whom you trust the most! It can be your best friend or sibling, or even a professional help person.
• Don’t try to be a perfect person by aiming for perfection. No one’s perfect anyway.
• Learn to say no. It’s alright to set boundaries. There is no harm in saying no to things that build up your stress levels.
• Seek help! Do not be afraid to seek help from a mental health professional.

Bursting myths about mental health is crucial. It motivates people to get treatment, which lessens suffering. Who knows it may even save lives! It exposes some damaging myths and fosters empathy and understanding. As a result, society becomes more inclusive and everyone starts to feel appreciated and supported. Better well-being and a more equitable world are made possible by encouraging candid and open discussions about the struggles of the mentally challenged.

Author : Dr. Vaishnavi Thombre

Have you ever seen athletes, particularly in contact sports, wear something transparent in their mouths? That’s a Mouthguard! An apparently straightforward but vitally significant piece of safety equipment. A mouthguard serves as a silent defender of your smile in daily life. This modest piece of safety equipment, which is frequently disregarded, acts as a vital shield between your teeth and possible injury. A mouthguard is your first line of protection whether you’re an athlete taking the field by storm or a regular person looking to stop grinding your teeth. Its objective goes beyond just absorbing impacts. Let’s examine some important aspects of mouthguards and how they enhance the best possible dental protection.

Mouthguards come in three primary varieties:

1. Stocked mouthguards – You can get these pre-made in different sizes from sporting goods stores. It entails shaping the substance into a preset form.

1. Heat-and-Bite Mouthpieces – These can be personalized at home, but they are also pre-made.  The mouthguard is shaped to fit your teeth by biting into it after it has been heated in hot water.

1. Personalized Mouthguards – A dentist or dental lab makes these. A dental impression is taken to begin the process. The impression is used to create a model, which is then used to fabricate the mouthguard out of a specialty material like acrylic or EVA.

Mouthguards’ Protective Effect

Mouthguards are highly effective in the following cases:

• Traumatic or forceful events. It helps to distribute the force of a blow over a wider area. It tends to act as a shock absorber during the forceful impact.
• It helps to prevent Tooth Fractures. It literally guards teeth against being cracked or chipped off.
• It protects soft tissues from cuts that might occur on the tongue, cheeks, and lips.

In which conditions can one use a mouthguard

1. Adults –

• Shields teeth from harm when playing sports and engaging in physical activity
• Helps treat bruxism, i.e. the grinding of teeth
• In cases of TMJ disorders
• Helpful in Reducing the severity of snoring

1. Kids –

• Shields growing teeth from harm while participating in sports and recreational activities
• Protects orthodontic appliances and teeth when playing contact and on-field sports. Examples include football, hockey, rugby, basketball, etc.

How should a mouthguard be maintained?

• It Matters to Be Clean! To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, wash your mouthguard after every usage.
• One can rinse the mouthguard with cold water. Mouthwash is also one of the best alternatives.
• A toothbrush and toothpaste can be used to facilitate gentle brushing.
• When not in use, keep it in a ventilated container.
• Steer clear of direct sunlight and high temperatures for it.

How often should a mouthguard be changed?

• Mouthguards should be changed when necessary. Erosion of mouthguard with use and time is frequent.
• If your mouthguard becomes damaged or no longer fits correctly, do not keep using it.
• As their mouths grow and change, kids and teenagers might need to replace their mouthguards more frequently.

When wearing a MOUTHGUARD, always Remember!

Good Fit is Essential. For the best protection, a mouthguard that fits properly is necessary.

Speak with your dentist. See your dentist for the best guidance on selecting and fitting a mouthguard.

A mouthguard is an investment for your oral health. It is necessary to take good care of your teeth should be your first priority.

Author : Dr. Vaishnavi Thombre

People may have suffered unpleasant experiences in the past. It can be due to a single, bad experience at the dentist in your younger days, or the fear of strange noises. No one likes pain. However, we sometimes worry that dental procedures might hurt. Well, who would like to live with the severe toothache for a long time? Some people are not able to talk freely or communicate their needs with dentists. This makes them live in a stressful environment, even before the procedure begins. But the good news is that you can strategically overcome your dental fear. All you need is a little courage and a calm mind.

So, how can one cope with Dental Anxiety?

We bring you some of the practical methods you can incorporate during your dental visits to make it stress-free

First and most important: Communication – Always Talk to your dentist. It is done to let your dentist know how you feel. They’re used to helping people with anxiety. Your dentist can try to adjust the approach for their patients.

Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask. Patients are free to enquire about what will happen during their dental procedure. This will make you feel less scared.

Bring a friend or your partner – Having someone with you who understands you, makes a big difference. You can freely communicate by having a support system.

Agree on a signal – Decide on a hand signal you can use to let your dentist know if you need a break. During an ongoing dental procedure, this would help you as well as them to stop for a moment whenever needed.

Sedation method – If your anxiety is severe, your dentist might suggest a Sedation technique. It involves the use of medication to help patients relax during the span of dental appointments.

Positive Reinforcement – Reward yourself after your appointment with something you enjoy. Be it a special treat or an activity that commends your courage to visit the dentist.

Remember: Modern dentistry is much gentler now. Various pain management options are available today. Trained dentists are sensitive to their patients’ needs. After all, patients’ wellness comes first for them.

In the end, Dental Health Matters

It is important to not allow anxiety to interrupt the quality of dental care you need. Regular checkups and cleanings are a must! Regardless of age, dental visits are for all. Such small preventive care will prevent problems from turning into a big one. What’s more satisfying than saving you pain and money in the long run?

You Got This!

Taking the first step by yourself for an appointment can be the toughest part. With open communication and a few simple steps, you are bound to not let dental anxiety come your way. This will give you the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!

Hey there!

Ever wondered why dentists keep reminding you to come in for regular check-ups? It’s not just because we miss you (though we do!). Regular dental visits are super important for keeping your smile healthy and bright. Here’s why you should make those appointments a priority.

Catch Problems Early

When you come in for a check-up, we can spot issues like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer early. The sooner we catch a problem, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.

Professional Cleaning

No matter how well you brush and floss at home, there’s nothing like a professional cleaning to get rid of stubborn plaque and tartar. It leaves your teeth feeling super clean and smooth!

Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Regular check-ups help us keep an eye on potential trouble spots and take action before things get worse. This helps prevent painful issues like tooth decay and gum disease from developing.

What Happens During a Check-Up?

When you come in, we’ll do a thorough exam of your teeth and gums. We might take some X-rays to see what’s going on beneath the surface. Then, we’ll give your teeth a good cleaning, removing plaque and tartar buildup. It’s quick, easy, and totally worth it.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

Did you know that oral health is connected to your overall health? Conditions like heart disease and diabetes have been linked to gum disease. Keeping your mouth healthy can help keep your whole body in good shape.

Final Thoughts

So, don’t skip those dental appointments! They’re essential for keeping your smile looking great and your mouth healthy. We’re here to help you every step of the way.