YESTERDAY was World Oral Health Day, which is observed every year on March 20. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health and promoting good oral hygiene practices.
Maintaining good oral health is important not only to avoid the pain and loss of teeth that can occur as a result of gum disease and tooth decay but because oral health is a crucial component of overall health.
“Poor oral hygiene can contribute to various systemic diseases and these can in turn affect oral health,” Cimas Health Group dentist Daphia Musuna said.
“Illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and pregnancy complications are more likely to occur in individuals with gum disease. Conversely, gum disease and poor oral hygiene can worsen systemic health conditions,” she said.
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth.
“If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss, persistent bad breath, gum recession that exposes the roots of the teeth and increased sensitivity. Chronic gum disease has been shown to worsen other medical conditions,” Dr Musuna said.
She said oral cancer has become a global concern, due to the increase in tobacco and alcohol consumption, viral infections and lack of early detection and screening.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of tooth decay is a toothache. This is what most commonly brings people to a dentist.
There may be no symptoms of gum disease in its early stages. Early warning signs include gums bleeding when brushing your teeth or flossing, red or swollen gums, bad breath and loose teeth, Musuna said.
“As the symptoms progress, individuals may experience pain or discomfort while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, gum recession and the formation of deep pockets or spacing between teeth,” she said.
“In advanced cases, the infection can lead to severe pain, abscesses, tooth loss and change of tooth position.”
Oral cancers tend to cause minimal or no symptoms until they are advanced, Musuna said. She said routine screening was recommended for this reason.
“Oral cancer can manifest in several ways and recognising the symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment,” she said.
“Key signs to be aware of include ongoing soreness in the mouth, throat or lips that does not go away, open sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not go away, bleeding in the mouth without a clear cause, difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food being stuck in the throat, unusual red or white patches on the gums, tongue or mouth and unexplained lumps or swellings in the neck, jaw or mouth,” she said.
Prevention
Prevention of tooth decay and gum disease relies on three key factors, Musuna said. These are good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental check-ups.
Staying away from smoking and use of tobacco significantly improves gum health and reduces the risk of periodontitis, as smoking and tobacco use weaken the immune system and impair blood flows to the gums, she said.
Avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol also reduces the risk of developing oral cancers, she added.
“Chronic stress can negatively impact your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease,” Musuna said.
“Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation or hobbies can help improve your overall health and support your oral health.”
Oral hygiene
You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth in order to maintain good oral hygiene, according to Musuna.
“This helps keep your gums healthy and prevents the build-up of bacteria,” she said.
“Brush gently, using small, gentle circular motions to clean your teeth. Avoid harsh back-and-forth strokes as they can hurt your gums.
“Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and tooth enamel while cleaning your teeth effectively. Pay attention to spots that can collect plaque, such as the back of molars and along the gum line.”
Using toothpaste that contains fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, Musuna said.
“Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria that cause bad breath,” she added.
Healthy diet
What we eat can have a significant impact on our oral health, Musuna said.
“To maintain oral health be mindful of what you eat. Avoid sugary or acidic food and drink,” she said.
“Candy, cookies and soda can lead to cavities due to plaque build-up. Citrus fruits and juices can wear down tooth enamel if consumed excessively.
“Starchy food such as bread and chips can turn into sugars that cause plaque. Avoid unhealthy fats. Processed meats and fried foods can have a negative impact on your overall health and your teeth,” Musuna added said.
She said healthy food for good oral health include, crunchy foods, dairy products, leafy greens, nuts and seeds and whole grains.
“Apples and carrots help clean teeth and boost saliva. Milk, yoghurt and cheese provide calcium and reduce mouth acidity. Spinach and kale are low in sugar and good for gums,” Musuna said.
“Almonds and walnuts are healthy snacks and provide good fats.
“Choose brown rice and whole-grain bread over processed options,” she said.
“Drinking water helps wash away food particles and prevents cavities.”
Regular dental check-ups
Musuna said the third key factor for preventing tooth decay and gum disease and ensuring good oral health, namely regular dental check-ups, allowed for early detection of any signs of gum disease, enabling prompt treatment where necessary.
“Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine examinations and cleanings,” she said.
- The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — [email protected]/ WhatsApp: 0772 161 829/ phone 024-2773 0663.
