A healthy mouth refers to balanced oral health and it is indeed the mirror of the body. Taking care of oral health is an investment in your general health. Oral health problems beyond dental diseases risk your body’s fitness and escalate treatment expenses. During an interaction, Dr Sauvik Singha, Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, at Care Superspeciality Hospital, elaborates more on ways to maintain good oral health. Excerpts…
What are the conditions linked to oral health?
Endocarditis – inflammation of inner lining of heart chambers and valves – and cardiovascular diseases (clogging of arteries and stroke) might be linked to infections caused by oral bacteria. Bad oral health can lead to respiratory diseases. Certain oral microbes can be dragged into lungs, causing pneumonia. It can also lead to pregnancy and birth related complications. For example, severe gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to premature births and low birth weight.
Do body conditions affect oral health?
Yes. Diabetes mellitus decreases body’s resistance to infections leading to frequent prevalence of severe gum diseases. HIV/AIDS can lead to painful oral lesions and osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and is linked with bone and tooth loss in the mouth. Also, people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and other similar ailments project a lack of dexterity in maintaining oral health. Certain immune disorder or cancers can cause dry mouth.
Oral and general health: Is it a two-way street?
The overall health of one’s body has a bidirectional connection with oral health. Your mouth is the entry point to respiratory and digestive systems. Some of the oral bacteria can cause diseases. Certain medications like painkillers, antihistaminics, antidepressants and diuretics can reduce salivary flow, decelerating neutralisation of acids produced by bacteria and subsequently increasing the microbial multiplication and causing illness. Severe form of gum or mucosal disease might endanger general health while certain diseases like diabetes, HIV/AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection making oral health problems more severe. A careful oral examination helps in detecting signs of nutritional deficiencies as well as immune disorders, microbial diseases, body injuries, and even some cancers.
What are the ways to maintain good oral hygiene?
Practicing good oral hygiene includes measures that everyone can easily adopt. Brushing teeth twice a daily with soft bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste is the best way to maintain good oral health. Make flossing a daily habit. Practicing the use of mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing. Maintaining a healthy diet and limiting the use of added sugars. Toothbrush should be replaced in every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn. Practicing early interventions like dental sealant placement and examination for early signs of oral and pharyngeal cancers.