Chennai: Lack of awareness on importance of oral hygiene and increased coffee and tea intake, according to dentists, are found to be the main reasons why Chennaiites are second on the list of sufferers (among metro cities) of tooth sensitivity and teeth staining or yellowing.
According to a recent IMRB survey, conducted among the four metro cities, it was found that 53 per cent people in Chennai claim to have missed enjoying a memorable moment in their lives due to teeth sensitivity.
Data from the four metros showed that 44 per cent of those surveyed blamed their stained teeth on coffee consumption, while 40 per cent blamed it on tea.
“Earlier, coffee consumption in the state wasn’t as common as it is today. People think consuming coffee can rid them of their headache or keep them awake when required. On the other hand, alcohol consumption has also increased drastically, which can also stain the teeth,” said Anna Chandy, a dentist at a clinic in Egmore.
“A majority of Chennai population does not visit a dentist until and unless they develop a cavity or have a toothache. One must visit a dentist at least once a year and if there are symptoms, once in six months to maintain an overall oral hygiene,” she said. “If a toothpaste claims to remove stains then it has to have harmful chemicals in it. Only a professional can do it correctly,” said Krishnan, a senior dentist of Vellore.
The mouth is home to millions of bacteria, even more than that found in the anal canal and detecting gum diseases and tooth decay at an early stage can prevent it from getting worse. “Mouth washes and breath mints can’t solve bad breath issue. They only mask odour for a short time,” added Krishnan
