Oral Health

The Global Burden of Disease Study of 2017 conducted by the World Health Organization(WHO) found that around 3.5 billion people across the globe suffer from oral health problems. Routine health care checkups will allow us to access the status of our oral health which can help us to prevent as well as restore our natural tooth structure.

Our body’s natural defense system and good oral hygiene, such as routine tooth brushing habits, flossing, and good food habits keep the bacteria away from our teeth.

Reasons For Poor Oral Hygiene #

• Poor brushing habits and techniques.
• Frequent snacking on sugary foods and beverages.
• Excessive use of medication that causes dry mouth due to decreased amount of saliva in the mouth.
• Systemic diseases like diabetics
• Genetical history
• Smoking
• Heartburn or acid reflux is mostly seen in people suffering from gastritis.
• Infections like HIV.

Why Maintain Oral Health? #

The human body consists of several complex systems which are interconnected. Any minor disturbance in one system leads to abnormal functioning of the other system. Similarly, poor oral health can also result in several systemic complications including heart disease and diabetes.

Dental Diseases Associated With Poor Oral Hygiene #

• Dental caries
• Gum infections
• Periodontal problems
• Tooth erosion
• Sensitivity
• Tooth mobility
• Dental spacings

How To Maintain Oral Health? #

Some of the most important and simpler ways to avoid the oral cavity problems includes

Brushing #

One should brush their teeth twice daily, once in the morning after waking up and once before sleeping at night, with a soft or ultra-soft bristled toothbrush.

Flossing #

Floss is a thread coated with wax used to remove plaque and debris stuck between the teeth, dental restorations, or fillings. Flossing regularly can reduce gum bleeding and reduce the risk of developing cavities.

Tongue Clean #

Cleaning the tongue properly is as important as cleaning the whole mouth as it prevents bad odour. It can be done using plastic scrapers or non-bristle end of toothbrushes.

Mouth Wash #

Mouthwashes act as an adjunct to other oral hygiene measures. Therapeutic mouthwash contains chlorhexidine digluconate which helps in preventing and treating periodontitis.

Frequent Dental Checkups #

One should visit their dentist every 6 months to ensure good oral and systemic health and prevent tooth-related problems prior to progressing into major and painful problems.

Nutritious Diet #

Diet plays a crucial role in both maintaining oral health and overall body health and protects our body from different kinds of diseases. People should consume food rich in fiber, leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc to stimulate the production of saliva.

Quitting Unhealthy Habits #

One should completely quit the use of all forms of tobacco along with chewing areca nuts. Smoking cigarettes can reduce the amount of saliva secreted and increase the risk of developing lung cancer while chewing tobacco and areca nuts can cause oral cancer.

Inadequate oral care can result in several dental as well as systemic diseases. Thus, it is important to take care of oral health to ensure overall wellbeing. One can maintain basic oral hygiene by brushing teeth, cleaning the tongue, using a mouthwash, and flossing regularly. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to preventing oral diseases. Frequent dental visits can be for oral prophylaxis and a general dental checkup is advisable.