Get well soon: It is a good practice to brush teeth at nights too

Chennai

I want to inculcate good dental hygiene among my children. Where should I begin? — Maheshwari, Nolambur

Brushing twice a day helps, but the biggest myth surrounding brushing habits is that morning brushing is more important than brushing before going to bed. In fact, brushing in the night helps the teeth fight bacteria since for the next eight hours there is no activity in the mouth and the saliva isn’t circulated. As a parent you can teach children how to brush correctly for 10 minutes. They will follow the same in the morning. Parents must have the habit of brushing twice a day. Also, it’s better to have chocolate before a meal rather than after it because the food that they subsequently eat will negate the sweetness that breeds bacteria.

Dr B Lakshmi, OrthodontistCosmetologist, Tamara Dental and Cosmetic Clinic

I am expecting my first child and my mother is now against my visiting the parlour, saying that it may harm the baby. Is it unsafe to wax or go for facials and other parlour routines during pregnancy? —Varamahalakshmi, Ambattur

The joy a pregnant woman feels within her is reflected on her face. There is a special glow that conveys her inner happiness. Hair dyeing and perming can be undertaken. We advise not to try any new hair dyes as they may cause allergy. Waxing can be done provided it is by a trained person and in a clean environment. Shaving is best avoided as it can cause hair follicle infection.  Manicures and pedicures are safe. Fungal infection of the nails is a common worry. It is better to use a personal set of instruments to avoid infection Facials using creams that you have tried earlier are certainly safe. Facials help women to relax.

Dr Jaishree Gajaraj, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology