Oral Health Month is celebrated in June and is all about reminding everyone that it is important to take care of the teeth and the health in general. A pearly set of teeth may not be the be-all and end-all of oral health, for it contributes significantly to our overall health. In this article we explore important and fundamental oral hygiene practices, preventive care, nutrition, and age-related concerns.
What is Oral Health
Oral health is all about the health of teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. This goes beyond prevention of enamel caries and is related to keeping the mouth functional and aesthetic.
Possible Problems in Oral Health
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Cavities are caused by the presence of plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and food debris that forms on the teeth and gums and thrives in the presence of sugar and carbohydrate in food. Whereas gum disease is a condition that begins as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), which can advance to periodontitis, which may result in tooth loss. It can be caused by bad oral hygiene, dietary choices, or even just other health issues.
A pearly set of teeth may not be the be-all and end-all of oral health, for it contributes significantly to our overall health.
Why Oral Health Matters
Proper oral care practices can help keep oral health problems at bay and ensure your overall well-being.
Daily Behaviours
Although these are the key daily practices you should include in your routine to prevent or reverse a cavity:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride at least twice a day. Remember to brush all sides of the teeth and at the gum line.
- Flossing: Flossing daily helps clean plaque and food particles that are located between your teeth and where a brush cannot reach.
- Mouthwash: Kill germs and keep breath fresh by rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Maintaining a good or the desired oral hygiene has several benefits.
- Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Are less likely to cause bad breath
- They can feature the look and natural feel of your regular teeth
Additionally, oral health is related to general health. A healthy mouth is a key element of a healthy body because poor oral hygiene has been linked to other serious systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. For example, bacteria from the mouth can flow into the blood, causing inflammation and heart disease.
Preventative Dental Care and Services
Receiving professional dental services on a regular basis is as important for your oral health as proper brushing and flossing. Your dental professional can spot early signs of dental issues on these visits and give you a professional clean to remove any plaque and tartar, and perform treatments that protect your teeth. Dental X-rays are yet another instrument of great necessity, as they reveal medical issues that cannot be seen with the naked line of sight-intraoral problems like interproximal caries, pathology, impacted teeth or bone loss.
A healthy mouth is a key element of a healthy body because poor oral hygiene has been linked to other serious systemic conditions
Preventative treatments, such as fluoride applications and dental sealants, can also have a big impact.
- Fluoride: Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay in the process.
- Sealants: Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most children cavities are found.
Nutrition and Oral Health
Your diet affects your oral health. A well-balanced diet that contains all the essential vitamins and nutrients is fundamental to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. From a dietary perspective, here are some foods that promote healthy mouth/Dental health:
Foods that protect your teeth
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), and other dairy products are full of calcium and phosphates, which helps strengthen teeth.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, celery) can help to stimulate saliva production that naturally washes the mouth.
- Nuts have key minerals and vitamins.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that cavities. Be mindful that acidic foods and drink (citrus fruits, soda) erode tooth enamel.
Parents should help clean the baby’s gums (cavities can develop on delicate baby teeth and gums) by using a cool, soft cloth or a rubber finger brush to remove plaque.
Moisturize
Water helps to cleanse your mouth and rinse away food particles and bacteria. Water also encourages the production of saliva, which is necessary for countering the production of acids by bacteria.
Age-specific Oral Health Concerns
Different age groups have special oral health concerns:
- Children: Encourage proper oral hygiene practices from an early age. When babies start getting their baby teeth, Parents should help clean the baby’s gums (cavities can develop on delicate baby teeth and gums) by using a cool, soft cloth or a rubber finger brush to remove plaque. A child should be taken for their first dental visit by age one. While children are growing, their parents need to supervise their brushing and flossing so that they can learn the correct techniques as they get older.
- Teenagers: Adolescents usually have braces, so they should be careful to clean teeth properly to avoid accumulation of plaque around brackets. Young people should also remember: sugar LOLs, teeth not so much.
- Adults: Tooth sensitivity, and gum disease are some common issues seen in adults. The use of toothpaste for sensitive teeth is really helpful for those suffering from this disease and with regular dental check-ups, this condition can be monitored appropriately. Furthermore, adults must recognize the primary signs of gum disease, like mild bleeding or bad breath.
- Seniors/older adults: Soar in the incidence of dry mouth (xerostomia) due to medications or health issues. Hydrate, hydration is key along with using saliva substitutes. Keep your denture clean and maintain your denture properly to avoid infection and discomfort.
Dental health is an important aspect, and we can curb several dental problems provided we know their importance and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Healthy teeth are an indicator of overall well-being, and a balanced diet, good oral hygiene practices, and regular professional care are elements to ensure they are preserved. Dental health is an essential aspect, and we can curb numerous dental concerns provided we know their importance and prevent them from happening in the first place. While Oral Health Month is an opportune time to re-evaluate your oral care regime, book an appointment to see your dentist, and learn about how you and your family can best keep your oral health in check. It is a silent reminder that a healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy body.
