Wisdom Teeth are not that pain in mouth as they have something useful after all!
The wisdom tooth you always thought was good for nothing but unnecessary pain may be worth something after all. It is a good source of stem cells. The soft pulp inside the wisdom tooth contains mesenchymal stromal cells,which are similar to those found in bone marrow,a common source of stem cells. Tooth pulp is more easily obtained than bone marrow,especially when it comes to wisdom teeth,which most people removed anyway.International studies conducted with stem cells extracted from wisdom tooth have shown tremendous promise in regenerating damaged bones,cornea and cardiac muscles.YOU don't necessarily have to remove the wisdom tooth to extract stem cells from the pulp.Usually,the pulp has million cells,20% of which will be stem cells. It can be extracted from a person between 17 and 30.Dental stem cells are very easy to extract. They have high quality of stem cells in them and can be applied for many regenerative applications.Scientists from Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology confirmed that third molars-commonly know as wisdom teeth are valuable reservoir of stem cells."Thus everyone might be carrying around his or her own personal stem-cell repository should he or she ever need some."

Use of Tobacco- an invitation to Oral Cancer!

What is oral cancer?

Oral Cancer is a disease that starts as an uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth. It leads to disfigurement of the face, debility of body and eventually Death.

Oral Cancer is the most common of cancers in India with as many as 64,460 cases reported every year.That makes it as common as cancer of lungs,breast or cervix.the figure continues to rise rapidly because of bad oral habits such as Tobacco chewing, smoking,etc..

What causes oral cancer?

The main culprit is Tobacco whether in smoked form ( cigarettes,bidis,hooka,cigar,chillum)or in smokeless form ( Gutka,Paan with tobacco,tobacco toothpaste,Zarda,Kiwam,Manipuri tobacco,Gudhaku). Tobacco chewing is the biggest cause of cancer and has made cancer of Head and Neck the number one cancer in India.

India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world and a large part of the production is consumed within the country.Tobacco worth Rs.24,000 crore is sold annually and the government has to spend Rs.27,000 crore annually on free health services to couter balance the harm it causes.

1 out of 10 indians adults dies of tobacco related diseases.

90% oral cancer are caused by Tobacco products.

The morbidity and mortality caused by tobacco exceeds its contribution to the revenue of the country.Tobacco is not only causing health hazards but also socio-cultural,economic,environmental and professional hazards. Tobacco is no more a personal affair but an epidemic that affects not only the addict but also the people and environment around
him.
WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS?

• A white or red patch in the mouth or on the tongue.
• A painless ulcer which doesn't heal for over two weeks.
• Difficulty in eating,drinking and speaking.

If any of the above signs or symptoms appear, you must see your dentist immediately.

CAN I EXAMINE MYSELF?

YES,you can. In fact, it is strongly recommended because early detection can greatly increase the chances of a complete cure.

• Stand in front of a mirror in good light.
• Open your mouth wide. Look for small lumps or swelling, ulcers, a red or white patch.
• If you have dentures, take them out and inspect your mouth.
• Inspect the lips with your mouth both open and closed.
• Stick your tongue out and inspect the margins, as well as below the tongue.

If you see something that is unexplained, visit your dentist immediately.

HOW TO AVOID ORAL CANCER?

• Avoid bad oral habits like Tobacco chewing, gutkha and smoking.
• Eat a diet rich in fibre, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and dairy products such as buttermilk.
• Visit your dentist twice a year.
• Brush twice a day and maintain good oral hygiene.

Low cost vs. High cost Dentistry!!

Why there is difference in the cost of treatment?
Are Dentists compromising on the quality of treatment given to the patient by not charging the required amount?
Is it safe to compromise?
Are Dentists posing threat to themselves, their patients, society and their environment?
Is patient educated enough to know what is right or wrong?
OR patient just wants the work done at minimal cost without knowing the conseqences!
Are Dentists doing the authentic practices?
Should we (Dentists) not take a stand for the treatment we(Dentists) are offering?

These are some of the questions which both Dentist and Patient should ask from themselves
before giving and taking the treatment, respectively.