Sparkling Teeth promotes good Health!
What is Oral Health?
The World Health Organization defines oral health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition emphasizes both prevention and promotion of good oral health through access to care, education about healthy behaviors, treatment when needed, and maintenance of optimal function throughout one’s lifetime. WHO also recognizes that oral health can be affected by many factors, including socioeconomic, culture, genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental influences, and systemic illnesses.
What Are Some Oral health conditions?
Dental caries
The leading cause of untreated decayed teeth is poor nutrition. Cariogenic bacteria thrive on fermenting carbohydrates such as sugars found in foods like milk products, bread, cereals, juices, candies, soft drinks, cakes, pastries, biscuits, etc., leading to cavities. Cavity formation starts when food particles get trapped between the enamel surface and bacterial plaque.
Periodontal diseases
Periodontitis is caused by bacterial infections that cause inflammation around the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It affects about 30 percent of adults aged 35 years and older globally. The World Health Organization estimates that there were approximately 783 million cases of severe chronic periodontitis in 2016. Periodontitis causes damage to the tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth and leads to loosening of the teeth and eventual loss of them if left untreated.
Oral cancer
The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This kind of cancer begins in cells lining the inside surface of the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, the floor, tonsils, soft palate, uvula, the base of the language, and other parts of the upper respiratory tract. Squamous cell cancers grow slowly but often don’t show any symptoms until late stages.
Sensitive teeth
Teeth become sensitive as they age. This happens because nerves inside the tooth get irritated by hot drinks, cold air, spicy foods, or other irritating normal skin. Sensitive teeth don’t hurt as recurring pain does; instead, it feels like something sharp has touched the nerve endings. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, try using less sugar and acidic foods. Also, avoid overeating ice cream!
Cracked or broken teeth
A cracked or broken tooth is one where there has been some trauma to it. This could be from biting down too hard on something, hitting another object with it, or just falling asleep while affecting how well your teeth function.
What is the link between oral and general health?
There has long been evidence linking gum diseases like periodontal disease and cavities to other conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Recent studies suggest there could be a connection between oral infections and Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers believe that chronic bacterial infections in the brain contribute to cognitive decline. In addition, researchers found that women who had experienced early menopause were twice as likely to develop dementia than those whose ovaries hadn’t stopped functioning yet.
What are the ways to tackle Oral Problems?
Fluoride Toothpaste
Your dentist can provide information about keeping your mouth clean and what products work best for different situations. For example, some types of toothpaste contain fluoride, which helps strengthen your teeth against cavities. Other types of toothpaste protect against tartar buildup by removing it. Some toothpaste kills harmful germs, while others whiten your teeth. Flavored tubes of toothpaste often taste great! If you’re looking for something new, ask your dentist about flavored kinds of toothpaste.
Cleaning
The dental hygienist cleans the plaque and the tartar buildup. Then they might use a high-powered toothbrush to brush their teeth and floss and rinse it up. It is the primary method of clearing all the debris. This reduces tooth decay and other serious problems.
Antibiotics
If you have any gum infection or if the entire mouth is affected. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics in the form of any gel, tablet, or liquid to treat it.
Fillings and Sealants
A crack or hole in the tooth can be filled with amalgam. First, the teeth are drilled to remove any dirt, and then it is filled. A sealant is a thin, protective coating placed on the back of teeth to prevent tooth decay.
Dental Implants
New teeth are implanted to replace missing teeth.
Root canal
This procedure is required when tooth decay reaches up to the Nerves
Conclusion
Maintaining Dental health is essential and regular checkup to the dentist is of utmost and top most priority of any individual.This will help to keep our smile intact and avoid difficult and painfull procedures.