We are delighted to share this fascinating conversation with Haryana’s distinguished oral pathologist, Dr. Pooja Siwach. With a BDS from PGIDS, Rohtak, and an MDS in Oral Pathology from Government Dental College, Mumbai, Dr. Siwach has an exceptional academic history. In this discussion, she shares her journey, professional insights, and practical advice on maintaining excellent oral health. Dr. Siwach is not only dedicated to her practice but also actively engages with the public on LinkedIn, debunking myths and sharing invaluable tips for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Join us as Dr. Shelja delves into the world of oral pathology with Dr. Pooja Siwach.
Interview
Name: Dr. Pooja Siwach
Birth Place: Haryana
Education Qualification: MDS (oral pathology)
Dr. Shelja: Ma’am can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in oral pathology?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: I did my graduation (BDS) from PGIDS, Rohtak. Prepared for the MDS entrance exam and cracked the NEET-PG exam. Then I did my post-graduation in Oral Pathology from Government Dental College, Mumbai. To be honest, Oral Pathology was not my first choice as a speciality, but I wanted to do a PG from a government college, and I could secure this speciality only with my rank.
Dr. Shelja: What are the most common dental problems you encounter, and how can they be avoided with good oral hygiene practices?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Tooth cavities and gum diseases are the most commonly reported oral problems. By maintaining good oral hygiene, one can minimize the total number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the chances of various oral diseases.
Dr. Shelja: There are several myths about oral health. Can you debunk some of the most popular ones for our readers?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Of course! Here are a couple of common myths and the facts:
- Myth: Scaling (professional teeth cleaning) leads to loosening and eventually the fall of teeth.
- Fact: Scaling helps you keep your teeth clean and disease-free.
- Myth: Removal of wisdom teeth causes blindness.
- Fact: Wisdom tooth extraction has no such side effects.
Dr. Shelja: Many people are anxious about visiting the dentist. What are some of the common fears, and how do you help patients overcome them?
Dr. Pooja Siwach:
- Toothache is one of the severest forms of pain, and patients visit the dentist only when they have pain. So, even on inspection (by a dentist), their pain might increase. Solution: Make it a habit to have regular dental appointments so that oral diseases can be diagnosed at the earliest and even before the pain starts.
- Fear of the unknown when the instrument moves inside the patient’s mouth. Solution: Explaining the procedure before starting can relieve the anxiety.
Dr. Shelja: When choosing a dental treatment or product, what are the key factors people should consider?
Dr. Pooja Siwach:
- Always discuss the pros and cons with your dentist before choosing any treatment option.
- Prefer conservative treatment over extensive one, and the priority should always be to save the natural teeth, unless otherwise possible.
Dr. Shelja: How crucial is it to get a second opinion for dental care or treatment, and in what scenarios do you advocate it?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Any health-related (including oral health) matter should be double-checked, as once gone, it’s gone forever. Especially, the procedures that are irreversible, such as the extraction of a tooth or the reduction of a tooth for crown placement, should be chosen after proper consultation.
Dr. Shelja: What are some basic daily habits that people can follow to maintain good oral health?
Dr. Pooja Siwach:
- Brushing teeth twice daily (at night is a must)
- Floss daily;
- Clean the tongue daily before going to bed;
- Warm saline gargles as and when required.
Dr. Shelja: Could you please offer some techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth?
Dr. Pooja Siwach:
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the junction of gum and tooth.
- Sweep the brush from the gums towards the tooth tip.
- Regular toothbrushes can’t clean in-between tooth areas, so floss daily.
Dr. Shelja: How does diet affect dental health, and which foods should be consumed or avoided in order to maintain a healthy oral cavity?
Dr. Pooja Siwach:
- Eat a balanced diet for a healthy mouth.
- Avoid acidic foods, as they may erode tooth enamel.
- Calcium rich foods help build stronger teeth, especially in kids.
Dr. Shelja: Can you please explain the connection between oral health and general health?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: The two are interrelated. Germs from the mouth can spread to other parts of the body through blood and saliva, and vice versa. Harmful bacteria from diseased gums can lead to diseases such as endocarditis, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, and even preterm delivery during pregnancy.
Dr. Shelja: Which advances in dental care and technology have had the greatest impact on patient care in recent years?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Lasers, implants, and clear aligners have been a boon to the profession as well as patients.
Dr. Shelja: What role does a regular dental check-up play in maintaining oral health, and how frequently should a person see a dentist?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: We recommend visiting your dentist every 6 months, unless advised earlier in case of some acute disease. Regular check-ups ensure the problem is diagnosed earliest, which otherwise might be missed in the absence of pain.
Dr. Shelja: Could you share some insights on the newest dental trends and procedures that benefit patients?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Artificial intelligence in dentistry and tele-dentistry are truly transformative for dentists and patients.
Dr. Shelja: For someone looking to improve their oral hygiene routine, what products would you recommend?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Invest in a good toothbrush, floss, and tongue cleaner.
Dr. Shelja: Can you share a success story where a patient significantly improved their oral health through your guidance and treatment?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: One of my patients had the problem of bad breath, even after brushing her teeth twice daily. I taught her the right brushing technique along with the proper use of floss. Also, advised to clean her tongue daily before going to bed. Now she wakes up happier every morning with a fresh breath.
Dr. Shelja: What advice would you give to parents to ensure their children develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Be the role model; kids imitate their parents. Follow a good oral hygiene routine, and they will learn by observing you.
Dr. Shelja: How do you stay updated with the latest research and advancements in oral health and dentistry?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Recent news articles and published papers related to dentistry keep me updated.
Dr. Shelja: What resources (websites, books, etc.) would you recommend for people looking to learn more about oral health?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Do follow me on LinkedIn for daily updates on oral health😉
Dr. Shelja: How can people reach out to you for consultations or second opinions regarding their oral care or treatment?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: You can DM me on LinkedIn in case of any oral health-related concerns!
Dr. Shelja: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the importance of oral health?
Dr. Pooja Siwach: Oral health is directly related to your general health. Maintain good oral hygiene for a healthier you. #oralhealthmatters
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