"Who is the real MVP of Dentistry: BDS or Dr. Google?”

• Why Your BDS Degree Outshines Dr. Google:

In today’s digital era, it’s easy to turn to Google for quick answers to our health queries. A simple search can yield thousands of results in seconds, providing an illusion of expertise at our fingertips. However, when it comes to dental health, this can be more harmful than helpful. As a trained dentist with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, I’ve encountered countless patients who rely on “Dr. Google” for dental advice, often leading to misinformation and, unfortunately, more complex dental issues.

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Daily Challenges Faced by Dentists:

Every day, dentists encounter patients who arrive with preconceived notions from online research which is not completely wrong but there is a fine line between gathering information and believing everything on internet which patients most of the times forget. And I think that this is unacceptable because each patient is unique, and their dental health requires personalized care and Dr. Google offers generalized advice that may not apply to individual circumstances.

Recently, I encountered a patient who was very adamant about his tooth that was Grade II mobile, had root caries and could not be saved at all and this condition did not develop in a single day, it takes months and months of neglect to reach at this level of damage. So, I asked the patient, “Where were you since these many days since it was paining and had so much discomfort while chewing, why didn’t you come before and get it checked by a doctor?” To which he replied, “Ma’am, I saw a home remedy in which when you rub ‘fitkari’ (known as ‘Alum’ in English) on the decayed tooth everyday, the tooth strengthens internally and pain is also gone” Trust me this patient is from a good educational and financial background and these were his words after the checkup.

Now, ?the dentist has to not only clear patient’s doubts and show him the damage that DIY remedy has gotten him into but also make the patient understand the importance of correct and complete information without offending him. Hence in such scenarios, what I think one should do is:

1. Acquaint the case with the patient thoroughly, for example: show them the radiographs, explain in layman’s term about bone loss, decay and everything. Because once the patient understands the course of treatment, most probably he will be in confidence.

2.???? Then inform the side effects of such DIY remedies that can happen to tooth if treated with only such DIY remedies alone. You need to make sure that the patients know both the uses as well as the side effects of the particular DIY remedy he/she used so that he can spread the information further as well.

I know that not every home remedy will lead to such a blunder, in this case as well, 'fitkari' didn't cause the mobility, it was the neglect and the misinformation, infact it has anti-bacterial properties and it has been used to treat bleedy gums as well as various skin concerns, but that doesn’t mean anyone should solely rely on such remedies.

And therefore, I say, “It’s not dentistry that causes holes in your pockets; it’s the neglect”

To bridge the gap between misinformation and effective dental care, here are a few things that can be done:

A. For Patients:

· Verify Sources: Cross-check information from reliable dental websites and consult with your dentist for accurate advice tailored to your needs.

· Regular Check-Ups: Schedule routine visits to your dentist. Early detection through professional exams can prevent serious issues.

· Open Communication: Discuss concerns openly with your dentist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your dental history and current conditions.

B. For Dentists:

· Patient Education: Offer clear, reliable information through educational materials and consultations. Empower patients with knowledge to make informed decisions.

· Embrace Technology: Utilize advanced dental technologies and techniques to provide the best care possible.

· Build Trust: Establish a trusting relationship with patients by addressing their concerns and providing compassionate care.

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While the internet offers a wealth of information, it also harbors myths and misconceptions that can impact your dental health. Trusting your Dentist ensures you receive accurate, personalized care that considers your unique needs and concerns. Together, let's debunk myths, promote dental education, and ensure brighter smiles for everyone.

Remember, your smile deserves expertise, not guesswork.

Thank you for lending me your read.

Regards,

Dr Apoorva Upadhyay

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