A smile can light any room and usher in good vibes. Observing best oral practices is key to having a beautiful smile and maintaining your overall wellness. Unknown to many, oral health is a window to your health status. Since your mouth is the “gateway” to your respiratory and digestive systems, keeping it clean is vital. If bad bacteria or viruses enter your mouth, it could lead to diseases, such as pneumonia, endocarditis, and premature birth. People who have diabetes require periodontal care to help control their blood sugar levels.
Adults need to realize the importance of practicing good oral health. Educating yourself is the best way to protect yourself from those oral-related general health diseases. Arm yourself with the right knowledge by reading below.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common oral disease affecting the gums. If left untreated, it could lead to periodontitis, which is irreversible. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and trench mouth (ulcerations on the gums and mouth cavity).
Regular visits to your dentist are ideal as they can diagnose it at an early stage. Digital orthodontic techniques can also help early diagnosis. Early diagnosis and observing best practices, such as brushing your teeth after every meal and eating a healthy diet, make a huge difference in preventing gingivitis.
Infected Root
Commonly called as abscessed teeth, infected roots could lead to serious health complications. Pockets of pus grow around an infected tooth due to bacteria. It’s painful, and it radiates towards the neck and ears. An abscess can develop at the tooth’s root, the gums surrounding it, or on the gums itself. The infection can spread towards the brain and cause sepsis.
Treating an infected root includes draining the abscess, tooth extraction, or a root canal procedure to remove the infected pulp. Your dental practitioner may recommend antibiotic treatment to prevent further infection.
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is common among adults. It’s caused by exposed dentin, which may have resulted from improper tooth care (hard tooth brushing), damaged teeth, worn dental fillings, and periodontal disease. Patients with sensitive teeth experience shooting pain when drinking hot or cold drinks, eating sweets, and food high in citrus or acid. Cold temperature can also cause pain.
Treatment for tooth sensitivity may include wearing mouth guards (for patients with bruxism), using a toothpaste that helps minimize sensitivity, and using fluoridated mouthwash for daily use. Orthodontic intervention may also be performed on a case-to-case basis.
Oropharyngeal Cancer
It may not be common but oral cancer is still a medical concern that needs to be addressed. Oropharyngeal cancer usually starts unnoticed until mouth sores or inflammation in the throat and mouth occur. It can also spread to the tongue, cheek, lips, gums, and the jaw’s soft tissues. Early detection is key with the help of a dental professional.
Basic oral care is mandatory. Brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and going to the routine dental examination can spot or treat diseases. Practice self-discipline and follow the dentist’s advice to keep flashing that brilliant smile and keeping your body healthy.
