Oral health is more vital than how most people take it. On many occasions, it offers a window to one’s overall health. A single mouth defect can subject your entire body to trouble.
Here is a rundown of oral health to help you and your loved ones. Alternatively, aim to learn about dental implants in Melbourne if you have missing or severely damaged teeth. Dental implants offer permanent and easy-to-maintain solutions.
Let’s dive in:
Key facts
- Oral disease is largely preventable but is a significant health concern in many countries. It tends to subject one’s entire lifetime to disfigurement, pain, discomfort, and possible death.
- Untreated tooth decay (dental caries) is the widely spread health condition – Global Burden of Disease 2019 statistics.
- Middle (or low) income countries mostly cannot offer enough services to treat or prevent oral health conditions.
- Oral health conditions are expensive to treat. Typically, they fall outside the Universal Health Coverage.
- Oral diseases typically emerge from different (modifiable) risk factors. These factors include poor hygiene, alcohol use, tobacco use, and sugar consumption.
Teeth facts
Only 75% of adults brush their teeth twice a day. Unfortunately, skipping this routine boost the rate at which your teeth decay by 33%.
Tooth prints are unique to each individual (just like fingerprints), and tooth enamels are the hardest substance in the human body.
In a lifetime, a typical American spends at least 38.5 days brushing their teeth. That’s only a month and a few days of your life.
Oral (dental) health problems: associated symptoms
Visit your dentist whether or not you have a dental issue. Most dental problems exist even before you start noticing signs and symptoms. And doctors can catch them if you observe regular visits.
Dental health issues can manifest via a wide range of warning signs, and most are typical. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- Loose teeth
- Swollen or bleeding gums after flossing or brushing
- Persistent sores, ulcers in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Face and cheeks swelling
- Jaws clicking
- Having broken or cracked teeth
- Pain or toothache
- Frequent dry lips
- Halitosis (bad-smelling breath)
- Hypersensitivity especially due to cold or hot beverages or temperatures
- Pain with biting or chewing
Things adults can do for good oral health
Here are essential tips you must adhere to keep good oral health:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water.
- Visit your doctor or dentist at least twice a year, whether you have dentures or no natural teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products or practices like smoking.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Strive to maintain control of diabetes–If you have diabetes. This lowers the possibility of developing further complications like gum disease.
- Consult or visit a dentist or doctor if you get an unexpected change in smell and taste.
Takeaway
Keeping good oral health is a solid investment. It sets you up for proper overall health. Remember to always consult with a qualified physician immediately if you suspect to have oral health problems.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
