Ibrahim Suleiman PhD
More than 50% of adults have or had experienced oral health problems such as dental cavities, gum inflammation and/or bad breath (halitosis). Having healthy teeth, gums and fresh breath not only augments your display of an attractively dashing smile but also boosts your confidence and enhances your overall physical and emotional health.
Maintaining near-perfect oral hygiene will keep someone’s mouth clean and disease-free. Oral health is strongly linked to the health of the entire human body. Bacteria could travel from the mouth into the bloodstream to reach other sites of the body, thereby triggering diseases such as pneumonia, heart disease or even pregnancy complications (e.g. premature birth).
Conversely, there are health conditions that could cause oral diseases. These conditions exert a negative impact on oral health by increasing someone’s susceptibility to dental disorders. Examples include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease (memory disorder) and osteoporosis (a disease characterised by declining bone density, and weak & brittle bones commonly associated with lifelong loss/lack of calcium in the bone).
Thus, people with any of the above-mentioned conditions, especially the widely prevalent diabetes mellitus will require a more systematic approach to maintaining good oral hygiene. Today’s article will focus on a few selected oral conditions and recommended best practices to mitigate them. The most prevalent dental problem is tooth decay (otherwise known as tooth cavities or caries). It is characterised by damage to the strong outer layer of the tooth (enamel) commonly caused by bacteria.
It is important to know that the human body is made up of trillions of tiny microscopic creatures which may (or may not) cause disease in the human body. These microbes form an ecosystem that plays an important role in our well-being. For example, the bacteria in the stomach and intestines help in food digestion (probiotics), while some skin bacteria assist in fighting skin infections by secreting acids. This category of bacteria is described as the “good bacteria”.
Just like the skin and a few other body parts, the mouth harbours billions of bacteria whose main function is to protect the teeth and gums by secreting acids over the teeth. These bacteria are in an optimum quantity that produces just enough acids that would not harm the teeth or the lining of the mouth.
When you consume food (especially sugary foods), the food debris that is left in the mouth becomes a major source of nutrients to the bacteria and promotes the multiplication of these bacteria. These bacteria will accumulate on the surface of the teeth, form plaques and secrete large quantities of acids which causes damage to the outer layer of the teeth and form cavities (and holes in your teeth). This could lead to toothache, especially when eating, drinking (hot or cold drinks) and sometimes when talking.
To prevent tooth decay, it is very important to ensure no food debris is left in the mouth for too long. This can be achieved by flossing and brushing your teeth twice daily. Special attention should be given to brushing before bedtime. Getting those plaques scrapped will also prevent cavity formation. Tooth extraction, dental fillings, crowns, or dental implants are some of the treatment options available for tooth decay.
Apart from tooth decay, another important consequence of plaque buildup (tartar) is the mild infection of the Gum (termed gingivitis). This is described by swollen, red and tender gums which easily bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
If untreated, gingivitis could result in pain (during chewing), bad breath, sensitive teeth and loss of teeth. Reports have shown that gum diseases including gingivitis are the major causes of teeth loss in adults. Gingivitis can be caused by poor brushing techniques and inconsistent brushing habits. The risk of gingivitis is higher among smokers, diabetic patients, people with crooked teeth and pregnant women.
Reversing gum disease is quite easy when it is at its early stage. It is therefore advisable to visit your dentist as soon as you experience any symptoms. Using mouthwash, brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, eating a balanced diet, and cutting down on smoking and sugar products (especially candies) will help in preventing gum diseases. Professional mouth cleaning is also recommended in cases of gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis could lead to a more severe gum disease characterised by the formation of pockets in the gum, receding gums, damage to the bone and tissues that hold the teeth, unpleasant taste, rapid loss of teeth and bad breath that would not go away even after several brushing attempts. At this stage, it is no longer gingivitis and you would require the help of a specialist to salvage your oral health.
Another common and distressing oral condition that may be bothering you is bad breath (halitosis). It may be caused by consumption of certain foods (e.g. garlic, onion, & coffee), dry mouth, presence of some odour-causing bacteria in the mouth, smoking or poor oral hygiene. Some people develop bad breath as a result of health conditions such as diabetes, airway infections, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. acid reflux & gastric ulcer), and liver and kidney disorders. Due to the wide array of causes of bad breath, its management is solely based on treating the root cause.
In conclusion, to avert oral health problems, it is important to adhere to the best practices of good oral hygiene. These include (but are not limited to) brushing the teeth with fluoride-rich toothpaste, flossing, using mouthwash (spit it out rather than rinsing), and reducing the consumption of sweet foods.
Other best practices include milk consumption (to strengthen your teeth), drinking water regularly (to prevent dry mouth and its consequences), eating a balanced diet, replacing your toothbrush every three months (or less), quitting smoking and visiting your dentist (best twice annually). Poor oral hygiene could lead to serious complications such as loss of confidence, emotional distress, heart diseases, lung infections, gum disorders and mouth cancer.