As “World Oral Health Day” is approaching, which is being observed on 20th March since 2013, this can be an apt day to talk about this.
This year the theme for Oral Health is A HAPPY MOUTH IS… A HAPPY BODY
Worldwide, there has been a gradual increase in awareness about oral health hygiene and yet 90% percent of the population suffers from oral diseases in some or the other way. India is infamously considered as the world capital of oral cancer and therefore a lot is needed to be done at the community level to increase the awareness that can help prevent many oral diseases and related problems. Dental caries (tooth decay) remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, even though it is largely preventable.
Our Oral region which includes Lips, Teeth, Gums, Tongue, Cheeks and a few other parts are one of the most used Tissues of body and it helps in the most important routine tasks that is eating and drinking (Nutrition) along with that it helps in breathing, talking and few others. Many of the diseases in our body have their passage in some or the other way through mouth. A basic flora of microorganisms is present in mouth among which most of them are harmless and in fact, a few are there (good bacteria), that are necessary to maintain oral health. In this microflora some pathogens are also present in minute quantity, it is these organisms that causes variety of diseases if not taken care off. In addition, bad habits like tobacco usage in various forms — smoking, pan masala, gutka and tobacco in its pure form is becoming an increasing cause for diseases like mouth cancer and gum related diseases. Moreover, alcohol usage along with the above habits aggravates the problem manifolds.
So what can be done to have a good oral hygiene?
The best way to tackle Oral Health problems is to put a stop to ill-habits of chewing all sorts of gutka, pan masala and tobacco. Many a times a person gets falsely motivated from people who have ill-habits yet they seem healthy but one should understand that each person is different. These bad habits can cause damage in some people at an early age and in some people later in life.
Other important things that is included is cleaning our mouth thoroughly at least two times a day and especially before going to bed (which is most often ignored). Thorough cleaning includes brushing the teeth, cleaning of tongue and a gentle cleaning of other structures like gums, cheeks along with proper gargling for the throat. Always use a good quality toothpaste and toothbrush for brushing the teeth. More than that, it is important to learn the proper brushing technique (99% people don’t know the proper technique).
Many people despite having good habits of cleaning mouth end up having more problems because of wrong brushing technique and using wrong instruments to clean the teeth like sharp toothpicks, matchsticks and even metallic pins. Instead it is recommended to use cleaning aides like dental floss, interdental brushes and water flossers (Water picks). These are not only more convenient but also an effective way of cleaning the oral region.
However, always consult your Oral Health Professional to learn the right techniques. A gentle massage of your gums is also an effective method to keep the mouth healthy. Doing mouth rinses with warm salt water will help remove bad breath and improves oral health. Again, it is recommended to consult your oral health professional before starting it.
Avoid carbohydrate rich diet as they usually have high sugar index that provides nourishment to the bad bacteria, which is very harmful for the teeth and gums. Many people who are awake during night time for their jobs or as a habit develops a routine of night munching and drinking tea or coffee. A few elderly people have a habit of drinking Milk before going to sleep. Some even take milk after brushing the teeth before going to bed. All these Ill- habits ends up decaying the tooth and bad breath.
Remember, one’s smile is the first thing that is noticed and if you have a good oral health definitely you will never shy away to hide it.
DR. Mani Dubey is Dentist at Balaji Dental Clinic