Dr. Ahmed
Oral health is just as necessary as overall health, but people do not really pay attention or be cautious about their oral hygiene and there can be many reasons associated with this carelessness.
Lifestyles have become too dynamic and hectic which is directly linked to the intake of readymade food items which are anything but healthy.
These food items are usually processed and packed with added sugars and salts which can become a substrate for oral bacteria if the food gets stuck in between the teeth.
People do not actually have the time to rinse their mouth after eating or brushing their teeth twice a day. Some people are not even mindful of how critical is dental hygiene.
Due to the unsanitary and unhealthy lifestyles of people these days, many disorders like infections in the oral mucosa (e.g., tonsilitis), dental caries, tooth loss, and whatnot are seen more often than in the past.
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The need for awareness about oral hygiene to be spread is very high. Oral hygiene requires a bunch of measures that must be taken daily and punctually in order to minimize any chance of infection.
Such measures include brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing your mouth after eating, less consumption of junk food, etc.
Key Points about Oral Health and Hygiene:
- Nearly 2.3 billion people are victims of dental caries of permanent teeth and nearly 530 million children are victims of dental caries of primary teeth [Ref].
- The incidence of dental problems is higher in middle- or low-income countries partly because of less access to dental services, it has also gone higher because of the increase in urbanization. A part of the reason behind this rise in dental problems is less exposure to fluoride which is essential for the maintenance of the enamel.
- A disorder called periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of the gingiva and infection induced by bacteria in the oral cavity leading to the loss of tooth attachment has affected nearly 10% of people globally.
- Too much use of alcohol, smoking, and a diet high in sugar is the ultimate causes of dental problems worldwide.
- About 3.5 billion individuals are targets of some kind of oral infection
- Oral cancers are also pretty common in Asia and the Pacific region.
- Risk factors for many non-communicable diseases and oral diseases are similar.
- Any type of dental problem induces immense pain and upsets the daily functioning of life, if left untreated the infection can cause tooth loss and it can extend to other teeth causing difficulties in eating or drinking.
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How to maintain Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene needs to be taken care of and for that, the following ways must be used to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Daily
Brushing your teeth is presumably the first thing anyone is taught in their childhood. It is the most effortless way to prevent dental disorders. According to the traditional recommendations, it is vital to brush your teeth twice a day.
Once after you get up in the morning and then when you are about to go to bed. Brushing teeth can remove many of the food particles that are stuck in the teeth and also keep the mouth clean of any pathogenic bacteria.
Also brushing your tongue is just as critical as is brushing the teeth, people usually overlook or skip this although brushing your teeth can help you with getting rid of the bad breath.
Rinsing Your Mouth After Eating
Foods can be cariogenic, meaning they can promote the formation of cavities in the mouth, if these food particles get stuck in the interproximal spaces, then oral bacteria can act on them and produce acid which will damage the enamel eventually.
So, to avoid this, rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water can be very beneficial as it flushes out any particles that are stuck. You can choose to rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash or just water in other cases.
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Use of Fluoridated Products
One of the most important efforts in taking care of your oral health is the use of the right oral hygiene products. When you go shopping for toothpaste or a mouth wash, it might be more suitable to look for the ones that include fluoride in them.
The advantages of fluoride are unmatched in the case of dental health. It has exceptional caries-resistant properties which stop tooth decay. People who drink fluoridated water do not have any complaints about pathologic oral conditions.
Limit Sugar Intake
Cutting down on sugar products is another thing that you might want to consider. These sugar products have high ratios of fermentable carbohydrates which can act as a substrate for bacteria in case they get stuck.
This paves the way for many dental conditions like tooth decay or infections. Even if you eat some sugary products make sure your rinse your mouth right after that.
Flossing is Important
Many people do not floss because it can be a little difficult, however, it is just as crucial as is brushing because in addition to getting rid of all the food stuck in the teeth it also decreases inflammation and stimulates the gums.
Drink Plenty of Water
In some cases, brushing, flossing, or rinsing your mouth may not be easy or convenient, so for that, it is important to drink plenty of water. Water is a cariostatic liquid and can help with oral hygiene in many ways.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking or the use of tobacco can ruin your dental health, it promotes the deposition of plaque and discoloration of teeth. Smokers are much more susceptible to mouth cancers than non-smokers.
Discontinuing smoking can prevent any inflammation or infection.
Symptoms of Unhealthy Oral Health
Several symptoms that are related to the occurrence of oral infections or disorders are given here.
- Perceived difficulty in eating or chewing
- Sores in the mouth that would not heal
- Pain in the gums
- Swollen gums
- Lack of saliva
- Bleeding from the gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot products
- Swollen face or cheeks
