Dental and oral health is critical to your overall health and wellbeing. Needy oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease and has also been connected to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Supporting healthy teeth and gums is a permanent commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar intake, the easier it’ll be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.
Facts about dental and oral health
Dental cavities and gum disorders are prevalent. According to World Health Organization:-
- Between 60 and 90% of school children have at least one dental cavity
- Nearly 100% of adults have at least one dental cavity
- Between 15 and 20% of adults aged 35 to 44 have severe gum disorders
- About 30% of people around the world aged 65 to 74 don’t have any natural teeth left
- In many countries, out of every 100,000 people, there are between 1 and 10 cases of the oral cancer problem
- The burden of the oral problem is much higher in poor or disadvantaged population groups
However, there are several steps you can use to keep your teeth healthy. For instance, dental and oral health diseases can be significantly decreased by:-
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice times in a day
- Flossing your teeth at least once a day
- Reducing your intake of sugar
- Eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding tobacco materials
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Seeking consultant dental care
Symptoms of dental and oral issues
However, checkups to the dentist twice a year will usually allow them to ensure a problem before you even notice any symptoms. If you may feel any of the following warning symptoms of dental health issues, you should make an appointment to look at your dentist as soon as possible:-
- Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week or two
- Bleeding or swollen symptoms of gums after brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages
- Pain or toothache
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Internal pain with chewing or biting
- Swelling of the face and check
- The clicking of the jaw
- Frequent dry mouth
However, if any of these signs are accompanied by a high fever and facial or neck swelling, you should seek emergency dental treatment.
Causes of dental and oral diseases
However, your oral cavity gathers bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of them belong there to drum up the normal flora of your mouth. Generally, they are harmless in small quantities. But a healthy diet high in sugar creates situations where acid-producing bacteria can flourish. This acid melts tooth enamel and causes dental cavities.
Acid-producing bacteria near your gumline thrive in a sticky matrix called plaque. However, this plaque accumulates, hardens, and migrates down the length of your tooth if it is not drawn off regularly by brushing and flossing. This can incite your gums and cause a condition called gingivitis. Improved inflammation causes your gums to start to pull away from your teeth. This method creates pockets in which pus may eventually gather. However, several factors contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis, including:-
- Smoking
- Poor brushing habits
- Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks
- Diabetes
- The use of medicines that decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth
- Some hormonal changes in women
- Certain infections like HIV or AIDS
- Frequent vomiting due to the acid
Diagnosing dental and oral problems
However, dental and oral problems can be diagnosed during a dental exam. During an exam, your dental consultant will closely inspect your:-
- Teeth
- Mouth
- Throat
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Jaws
- Neck
Your dentist might tap or scrape at your teeth with many tools or instruments to assist with a diagnosis. A dental consultant will take dental x-rays of your mouth, ensuring a picture of each of your teeth. Be sure to say your dentist if you’re pregnant.
However, if your dentist finds any abnormal lumps, lesions, or growth in your mouth, they may present a gum biopsy. A small piece of tissue is withdrawn from the change or lesion during development. However, if oral cancer is suspected, your dentists may also order imaging exams to see if cancer has spread. Tests may include:-
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Endoscopy
