All of us know the saying “A smile is a curve that sets
everything straight”, but the quality of your smile
invariably will reflect your oral hygiene.
Oral Health: This
means keeping our mouth and teeth clean and healthy, free
of cavities, plaque build-up or gum infections like gingivitis
or any infection of the mouth.
Common Oral Conditions
1. Bad breath or Halitosis
This is not a disease, but may
be a symptom of a disease like tonsillitis, sinusitis or infected
nasal passages. Alcohol, tobacco or pungent foods like onion/garlic
etc give raise to bad breath. Decayed food particles within
the teeth or a gum disease may also contribute to bad odor
of mouth. Unclean, coated tongue with heavy microorganism
growth can be the cause too.
Remedy: Cleaning the teeth, dentures,
gums and tongue properly and frequently. Not smoking or drinking
alcohol. Using non-alcohol based mouth wash.
2. Plaque and Dental Caries
It only takes 20 minutes for plaque
build-up, which is a sticky layer formation on the tooth that
is formed of food particles, acid, bacteria, and saliva. The
acids in plaque dissolve the enamel or outer surface of the
tooth and create holes in the tooth, (caries or cavities).
Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and
affect the nerves. This can ultimately lead to tooth abscess
if untreated.
Remedy: Proper oral hygiene, Frequent
cleaning of the mouth will help prevent this condition. When
caries happen, it should be treated immediately with filling,
crown, or root canal procedure. Early intervention is less
painful and less expensive.
3. Gum bleeding
This may happen due to chemical
burn or injury from sharp objects or gum inflammation. Also,
may occur due to vitamin C deficiency, leukemia, or use of
anticoagulation medicines such as aspirin. Bleeding gums can
eventually lead to tooth loss.
Remedy: Using soft-bristled tooth brush,
removing the bacteria causing inflammation, antibacterial
mouthwash, vitamin C supplements, avoidance of citrus fruits,
having professional dental cleaning twice a year.
4. Swollen and Receding
gums
The gum swells exerting pressure
on the teeth and thus loosening it and making it unstable.
The plaque or the sticky film on the tooth causes the gums
to get infected and to swell. Gum disease and plaque are the
major causes for erosion of gum tissue that can cause receding
gums and results in exposure of the roots of the teeth. This
condition is reversible.
Remedy: Get your dental care provider’s
help at the earliest to control the gum inflammation.
5. Tooth Abscess
These form when pus pockets form
around the roots of the teeth or in the gum tissue surrounding
the teeth. This is a very painful condition requiring the
intervention of a dentist. The infection spreads to the surrounding
ligaments causing bone loss and ultimately tooth loss. One
can experience fevers and chills too.
Remedy: Immediate dentist’s intervention
to drain the abscess and antibiotics to cure the inflammation
and also pain medicine to control the pain.
6. Oral Cancer
Oral or mouth cancer most commonly
involves the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheek lining, (gingiva)
gums, lips, or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers
look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous
cell carcinoma. These are malignant and do spread rapidly.
Watch for any white or red patch in the soft tissues of the
mouth, a non-healing ulcer for more than 2 weeks, lumps, or
swallowing difficulties, change in voice, swelling or numbness.
Remedy: Prevention is always preferable,
so stop smoking, chewing, or drinking alcohol. These are the
key risk factors. Once early diagnosis is missed then the
treatment may end up with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Oral Hygiene Tips
1. Twice- in- a- year dental follow-up.
2. Once-in-2-months tooth brush change.
3. Attend to toothache or any mouth symptoms immediately.
4. Even infants as young as 6-month olds need proper dental
follow-up.
5. For oral health, stop chewing tobacco, smoking, or alcohol
consumption.
6. Proper brushing technique (watch video), flossing are the
basics of oral hygiene.
7. Calcium (500 mg for adults) and vitamins ensure strong,
healthy teeth.
8. Sugar is injurious to teeth. Avoid sticky and sugary foods
and drinks.
9. Dairy foods, nuts, apple etc are good for teeth health
where as acidic foods are not.
10. Snacks between meals must be avoided.
So, folks, eat teeth-healthy,
brush thoroughly and wear a big smile!!
Watch the Video: Revisit your brushing technique and pattern!
Dentist help ...
"If a patient
cannot clean his teeth,
no dentist can clean it for him or her."
~Martin H. Fischer
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.