Dr Usman Sikhani - Dental Surgeon

20/05/2025

Soft drinks contains high levels of acids, particularly phosphoric acid and citric acid, which contribute to the beverage’s flavor and preservation. When consumed frequently, these acids lower the pH in the mouth, leading to enamel demineralization. Tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, begins to break down when exposed to acidic environments (pH below 5.5). Over time, this erosion weakens the enamel, making teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and more vulnerable to cavities and decay. Additionally, the high sugar content in many sodas feeds oral bacteria, which produce more acid as a byproduct, accelerating the damage. Regular soda consumption without proper dental hygiene significantly increases the risk of tooth erosion and long-term oral health issues.

✅Solution to Prevent Enamel Erosion from Soda:

1. Limit Soda Intake: Reduce the frequency and amount of soda you consume, especially avoiding it between meals or before bed.

2. Use a Straw: Drinking soda through a straw helps minimize contact with teeth.

3. Rinse with Water: After drinking soda, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize acids and wash away sugars.

4. Avoid Brushing Immediately: Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after soda to avoid scrubbing softened enamel.

5. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to strengthen enamel and prevent plaque buildup.

6. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection of enamel damage.

7. Switch to Healthier Alternatives: Choose water, milk, or unsweetened beverages instead of acidic and sugary drinks.

8. Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen enamel. Consider mouthwashes or dental treatments recommended by your dentist.

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For your awareness:
This is an AI-generated image created to help illustrate dental concepts and promote oral health education.
Feel free to use and share it with patients for educational purposes.

17/05/2025

Tooth decay isn't solely a result of sugary diets or inadequate brushing; it's also an infectious process. The primary culprit, Streptococcus mutans, is a bacterium that thrives in the oral cavity, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Alarmingly, this bacterium can be transmitted between individuals through saliva exchange—such as kissing or sharing utensils.

Research from the University of Louisville highlights that caregivers can pass these bacteria to children via shared spoons or by cleaning pacifiers with their mouths. Furthermore, a study published in Microbiome revealed that a 10-second French kiss can transfer up to 80 million bacteria between mouths.

Read more here: https://health.unl.edu/news/are-cavities-contagious/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

For your awareness:
This is an AI-generated image created to help illustrate dental concepts and promote oral health education.
Feel free to use and share it with patients for educational purposes.

15/05/2025

15/05/2025

Most Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal:

1️⃣ Pericoronitis (Gum Infection)
Swelling and infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, often causing pain and difficulty in chewing or opening the mouth.

2️⃣ Periodontal Pocketing on Adjacent Molars
Poorly positioned wisdom teeth can lead to deep gum pockets and bone loss around nearby healthy molars.

3️⃣ Pain and Discomfort
Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can create pressure, jaw pain, and general discomfort in the back of the mouth.

4️⃣ Tooth Decay / Caries
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, making them more prone to cavities which may also affect neighboring teeth.

5️⃣ Cyst or Pathology Formation
Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts or abnormal growths that damage the jawbone and surrounding structures.

15/05/2025

Frequent exposure to soft drinks—whose pH typically ranges from 2.7 to 3.5—drives enamel demineralization because enamel begins to dissolve at pH 5.5 and below. Phosphoric acid (in colas) and citric acid (in fruit-flavored sodas) chelate calcium and phosphate ions from hydroxyapatite crystals, weakening the enamel’s structure. Over time, this erosion not only roughens the tooth surface but also predisposes the dentin to further decay and sensitivity . Regular, prolonged consumption without adequate remineralization from saliva or fluoride can lead to irreversible loss of tooth tissue and increased risk of cavities.

14/05/2025

How Thumb Sucking Causes Anterior Open Bite:-

1. Normal Tooth Contact

🦷✅ In a healthy bite, the upper and lower front teeth meet slightly when the mouth is closed. This ensures proper chewing, speech, and facial balance.

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2. Thumb-Sucking Mechanics:

🧒 Habitual thumb sucking places constant pressure:

⬅️Upward & forward against the upper front teeth

➡️Downward & inward against the lower front teeth

📌 Even light pressure, if frequent (especially during sleep), is enough to shift teeth over time.

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3. What Happens to the Teeth?

⬅️Upper teeth tip forward
➡️ Lower teeth tip inward

The result? A visible gap between the front teeth, even when the mouth is closed — known as an Anterior Open Bite.

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4. Consequences of Open Bite:

❌ Biting difficulty — Trouble biting into foods like apples or sandwiches
🗣️ Speech problems — Lisping or unclear pronunciation
👅 Tongue thrusting — Abnormal swallowing pattern
🧬 Altered jaw growth — May affect facial symmetry in severe cases

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Treatment Options:

🛑 Stop the Habit Early (before age 5–6)

✅ Positive reinforcement

✅ Thumb guards or bitter nail paint

✅ Parental support and habit awareness

🦷 Dental Intervention (if habit persists):

Orthodontic appliances like a palatal crib or tongue crib to break the habit

Braces or aligners if the open bite remains after habit cessation

🦷👨‍⚕️ Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and guidance.

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14/05/2025

Tetracycline-class antibiotics, while effective against many bacterial infections, are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy—especially during the second and third trimesters.

Here’s why:

When taken by the mother, tetracyclines cross the placenta and bind to calcium ions in the developing fetal bones and teeth. This leads to:

➡️Permanent yellow-brown or gray tooth discoloration

➡️Enamel hypoplasia (underdeveloped enamel)

➡️Increased tooth fragility and esthetic concerns later in life

According to the FDA, tetracycline is classified under Pregnancy Category D, indicating positive evidence of human fetal risk.

Read more: https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/tetracycline.html

14/05/2025

Don't Try This 🚫⚠️

Teeth are for eating, not for opening bottles.

Opening bottles with teeth exerts excessive force on the enamel and underlying dentin, leading to cracks, fractures, pulp damage, or even tooth avulsion.
This reckless habit can compromise occlusion, aesthetics, and may require costly treatments like crowns, RCT, or implants.
Protect your dentition—use proper tools, not your teeth.

14/05/2025

Root Canal Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of this tooth-saving procedure. Did you know that a root canal can eliminate pain and prevent re-infection?

12/05/2025

It's Gum Health Day!

We often hear about looking after our teeth – but our gums deserve just as much love! ❤️

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Without them, teeth can become loose and even fall out. 🦷

Here are a few simple tips to keep your gums happy:

✅ Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush (your gums don’t like being scrubbed!)

✅ Don’t skip the floss – it gets to the bits your brush can’t reach.

✅ Visit your dentist regularly – they can spot early signs of gum problems before you notice anything yourself.

Our hygienists don’t just give your teeth a deep clean – they’ll also show you how to look after your gums properly at home.

Healthy gums = healthy smile!😊