When it comes to oral health, it’s much more than just brushing and flossing. First of all, it is about the health of the whole organism, because everything you put into your body goes through the mouth, teeth, tongue and gums.
Oral health is overall health, and the mouth is a window into what is happening with the rest of the body. A thorough oral examination can help detect signs of systemic diseases such as immune disorders and certain types of cancer. Knowledge of oral health is key to ensuring quality of life, and with early diagnosis, major problems can be prevented.
Dental Health Facts
Dental caries and gum disease are very common:
- in most countries, for every 100,000 people, there are between 1 and 10 cases of oral cancer,
- the burden of oral diseases is much higher in poor population groups,
- between 60 and 90 percent of school children have at least one tooth decay,
- between 15 and 20 percent of adults aged 35 to 44 have serious gum disease,
- almost 100 percent of adults have at least one tooth decay,
- around 30 percent of people worldwide between the ages of 65 and 74 have no more natural teeth.
There are many steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy:
- brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste,
- flossing,
- reduce sugar intake
- drinking fluoridated water,
- are looking for professional dental care,
- a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
- avoiding tobacco products…
Symptoms of dental and oral problems
You should not wait until symptoms appear to see your dentist. If you experience any of the following warning signs, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible:
- ulcers, sores or sensitive areas in the mouth that do not heal quickly,
- bleeding or swollen gums,
- sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures,
- swelling of the face and cheeks,
- jaw clicking,
- cracked or broken teeth,
- frequent dry mouth,
- pain or toothache,
- loose teeth,
- receding gums,
- pain when chewing or biting…
If any of these symptoms are accompanied by a high temperature and swelling of the face or neck, you should seek help.
The link between oral and general health
Oral health has gained importance in recent years. It turns out that a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.
Diseases of the body can be associated with dental disease:
- heart disease,
- low birth weight,
- endocarditis or inflammation of the lining of the heart,
- premature birth.
Bacteria can spread from the oral cavity into the bloodstream, causing infective endocarditis.
5 most common dental problems
Problems with the mouth, teeth and gums can sometimes develop into more serious problems. Learn to recognize the most common problems.
Bad breath
If you feel bad breath, you are not alone in the world, don’t worry. About 50% of people in the world have some form of halitosis. Using mouthwash can mask the smell, sure, but it definitely can’t cure it.
Caries
Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with sugars and starches from food. Brushing your teeth twice a day, daily flossing and going to regular dental checkups work wonders in this regard.
Tooth discoloration
This condition can be caused by a number of factors. Smoking, drinking dark drinks until illness and certain medications. A simple lifestyle change can go a long way when it comes to this problem.
Toothache as an emergency
Toothaches and urgent dental problems can easily be avoided with regular dental examinations. Common dental emergencies that require immediate dental care include an abscessed tooth, a broken or cracked tooth, as well as a knocked out tooth.
Gum disease
That is periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. If ignored, a simple inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can progress to a serious infection. To prevent this, remove all plaque from your teeth every day.
When you drink and eat starchy and sugary foods, you are not only feeding yourself but also the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a thin, invisible, sticky film of bacteria that covers all surfaces of all your teeth. When you consume too much sugary food and it comes into contact with plaque, it becomes acidic. And this can be very bad when it comes to gum disease.
Finding a good dental team
To get the right professional and expert care, you must choose a dental team consisting of dentists and oral health therapists. Finding an excellent dental team can sometimes be difficult. Don’t look for someone to just brush your teeth; you are looking for a dental team with whom you can feel safe and comfortable to build a long-term relationship full of trust. Therefore, we are at your disposal for all professional advice.
