Every year on March 20, people around the world commemorate World Oral Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of oral health by improving oral cleanliness, reducing numerous risk factors that might result in oral diseases, and letting people know how to get access to oral health services. So what precisely qualifies as good oral health? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as the condition of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures that allow people to perform basic functions like eating, breathing, and speaking. Oral health also includes psychosocial aspects like self-confidence, well-being, and the capacity to socialise and work without experiencing pain, discomfort, or embarrassment.
World Oral Health Day: Oral Health Problems’ Signs
Oral disorders are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases worldwide, impacting an estimated 3.5 billion people, according to the WHO. Dr Renju Jose, Department Director and Professor of Radiology and Oral Medicine at Amrita Hospital explains, “It is essential to take care of the mouth because it is the body’s mirror. The gums, or gingiva, hug the teeth, supporting and nourishing them. Proper dental care is necessary to keep the teeth and gums healthy.”
Many symptoms, according to Dr Jose, may point to a dental health problem. These signs consist of:
- Foul breath
- Loose teeth
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Mouth sores
World Oral Health Day: Standard Dental Procedures
The following dental hygiene guidelines and quick advice from Dr Renju Jose are provided to help people take care of their teeth and gums:
1. Plaque and calculus act as a bacterial stockpile
from which bacteria can enter the body and cause systemic issues. Brushing, flossing, and tongue cleansing can help prevent this. Brushing your teeth twice a day, followed by tongue cleaning and flossing, are some at-home activities that must absolutely be followed. A mouthwash without alcohol can be added to the programme. Circularly massaging the gums at least once a day has been found to improve their health by increasing blood flow.
2. Visit the dentist: To eliminate the calculus
that is adhered to the surface of the teeth but is otherwise left behind after brushing, a bi-annual trip to the dentist and subsequent thorough cleanings are advised. Dentures, detachable appliances, and fillings should all undergo routine inspections. The plaque will build up and deterioration will advance as a result of improper or dislodged fillings. Second, the oral mucosa could be hurt by the sharp edges. A tongue patch that is white to yellowish may indicate a fungal infection caused by ill-fitting dentures that collect food waste. They frequently come with a bad odour and a change in flavour.
3. Look for ulcers and bleeding gums
It’s important to find and treat any underlying nutritional or immunological causes of recurrent ulcers, sore, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Inflammation, trauma, or pus buildup from an associated tooth could all cause tissue development in the gums. More difficulties can be avoided by identifying them and treating them accordingly.
4. Replace the missing teeth
Lost teeth should be replaced with prosthetic teeth in order to preserve the health of the bone and mucosa that cover them.
5. Quit unhealthy habits
Smoking and chewing tobacco have been shown to have a detrimental effect on gum health. Chewing tobacco increases gingival recession, which exposes the tooth root surface and promotes plaque and calculus to build up, which in turn causes periodontitis. Smoking is linked to the occurrence of gingivitis, periodontitis, and malignancies in the oral cavity.
Keep in mind that
maintaining good dental health has benefits that go beyond aesthetics and can even save your life. As Dr Renju Jose notes “By taking these easy precautions, you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer as well as systemic consequences including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It will also give you whiter teeth, healthier gums, better breath, fewer dental visits, and a brighter smile.”
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