Oral Health

Oral health is a crucial indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. It includes a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV infection, oro-dental trauma, noma, and congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate (WHO, n.d.). 

Poor oral hygiene can involve tooth pain, gum bleeding, growths in the mouth, poor self-esteem, speech problem, poor nutrition, and difficulty performing in school (Healthline Editorial Team, 2014). While you age, you can become less able to chew efficiently, particularly if you have lost teeth or have ill-fitting dentures. You may take medicines that create dry mouth. This challenge can cause difficulty consuming, which may lead to malnutrition. Also, having a dry mouth can allow bacteria to build up, causing bad breath, gum disease, and infection. 

Excellent oral and dental health can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and help to retain one's teeth as you become older. Gum disease may increase your risk of severe wellness difficulties such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and preterm labor (Colgate Professional, 2019).  

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

• Visit your dentist for cleaning and checkup one to two times a year.
• Every three to four months, replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head.
• Brush your teeth at least two times per day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once per day.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Use fluoride treatments and mouth rinses (Healthline Editorial Team, 2014).

Oral health is essential, it affects every aspect of our life, but we often take it for granted. Practicing good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing illnesses, building one's self-confidence, and improving one's overall well-being.

By Nattlya A.

References

Colgate Professional. (2019). Oral Health And Overall Health: Why A Healthy Mouth Is Good For Your Body.  Colgate-Palmolive Company. Retrieved from: 

https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/topics/systemic/why-a-healthy-mouth-is-good-for-your-body

Healthline Editorial Team. (2014). Tips for Preventing Oral Health Problems. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health-prevention

WHO. (n.d.). Oral health. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: 

https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1