World renowned professor of dentistry,Dr Stuart I Morganstein has disclosed that those suffering from heart problems can worsen their condiion in case they do not have healthy teeth and gums. In an Interview,Dr Morganstein,who visited Mumbai last week to deliver lectures and conduct hands-on workshops to dental practitioners and students at the Nair Dental College,said bacteria present in decayed teeth and bleeding gums are liable to be transferred to the blood stream and subsequently affect the heart and so, those with heart ailments must take good dental care. This relationship between dental problems and heart ailments has been established by researchers in Europe but it should,however,not create any panic among heart patients because"every person needs to take good care of their teeth and gums so that they, in turn,take care of you," he said. Dr. Morganstein,who is based in London,has extensive clinical experience of over 25 years in practical restorative dentistry,has been conducting courses in conservative dentistry and periodontology,primary oral health care,dental therapy,etc. to undergraduates as well as auxillary personnel and non-dental personnel in several countries around the world,including the UK,USA,Africa,Indonesia,Philippines,etc. He is presently senior Lecturer,Department of Conservative Dentistry,The London Hospital Medical College Dental School,Whitechapel,London and on the review panel and editorial boards of many dental journals. Emphasising the need to maintain clean and healthy teeth,Dr. Morganstein said one must get one's teeth cleaned thoroughly by a dentist at least once every six months. Apart from ensuring good health of teeth and gums it would also help in detecting dental problems at an early stage so that necessary precautions and treatment cam be taken. Launding the standard of dental care and the skilled personnel administering them in clinics and hospitals all over India,Dr. Morganstein has given a few tips to avoid going to a dentist with a dental problem. These include: * restrict the intake of sugar,especially in tea,to prevent teeth decay. * Clean teeth and get rid of plaque regularly. *Watch for tell-tale signs (change in colour of teeth,bleeding gums,etc) and visit dentist when dental problems are small. * use flouride-based toothpastes. * Cultivate correct and regular brushing habits. *encourage children to clean teeth at an early age. Dr Morganstein confirmed that the dental care facilities available in India were more than adequate and comparable to those available abroad. However,it is not the costly equipment but the philosophy and skill involved which is more important when dealing with dental problems,he said adding that Indian dentists have the right philosophy and the right skill.