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The recent Ahmedabad plane crash shook the nation. Due to the intense fire, the bodies of victims were severely charred beyond recognition. In such a tragic situation, DNA testing was the only resort to identify the deceased — and the only viable source of DNA was teeth.
Heartbreakingly, the identities of children who didn’t yet have premolar teeth could not be confirmed.
This horrific event doesn’t just break our hearts — it raises a critical question:
Do we care for our teeth as much as we should?
Teeth — Silent Guardians of Identity
Most people don’t know that teeth are not only essential for a healthy smile and digestion but also serve as a last source of identity in extreme conditions. When the body is destroyed due to fire, water, or decay, teeth preserve DNA. That is why globally, Forensic Odontology — identification through dental records — is a recognized practice in disaster victim identification.
How to Take Proper Care of Your Teeth
1.Brush twice daily — in the morning and at night.
2. Use dental floss — to clean between the teeth.
3. Visit your dentist every 6 months — to catch early problems.
4. Avoid sugar, tobacco, and pan masala — they damage both teeth and life.
5. Keep dental records and X-rays safe — especially for children.
Children’s Teeth and Identification
In the Ahmedabad crash, many children had not developed their permanent premolar teeth, which made DNA extraction from teeth impossible. This unfortunate reality has become a lifetime sorrow for many parents.
Preserve children’s baby teeth when they fall, and keep their dental history documented. It may save their identity in unimaginable circumstances.
Teeth: A Lifetime Asset
We often care for our heart, lungs, and kidneys — but neglect our teeth. This tragedy teaches us: teeth not only protect your smile, they may one day protect your identity
in life and even after death.
Teeth are not ordinary. They are a part of your living being, and they might be the only remaining trace of your existence one day.So start today. Take care of your teeth — not just for life, but for what may come after.
“Zindagi ke Saath Bhi, Zindagi ke Baad Bhi.”
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