A happy mouth leads to a health, happy body
Introduction
A few things being a dentist has afforded me are access and knowledge. Quiet frankly, a happy mouth is for sure a happy body as indeed it is true.
In this article, I will use the theme for the 2024 World Oral Health Day which was on March 20th. I am sorry I didn’t upload earlier, read either way, it is educative. That being said no knowledge is a waste, there is no better time than to re-emphasize the theme for the years 2024-2026.
There is a critical connection between oral health and physical health as the importance of good oral hygiene for overall well-being can’t be overemphasized
A healthy mouth is crucial for a healthy body, as it serves as a portal to the digestive tract, respiratory organs, and soft tissues like the tongue, palate, and cheek. Maintaining a clean mouth is essential for chewing, speech, and aesthetics.
Why is oral health an important consideration for general health?
In the mouth, there are certain micro-organisms called commensals that live freely and do not cause harm or disease, however, if plaque (the microbial bio-film) is left unchecked during regular dental checkups and brushing, disease prevails.
Researchers from the British Dental Journal (BDJ) and other researchers have found that normal flora (commensals) in the mouth can increase in numbers due to gingivitis and periodontal disease, worsening existing medical conditions like diabetes mellitus.
From the foregoing, to prevent oral diseases caused by dental or medical conditions, regular checkups are essential for maintaining breath freshness.
It has been known that oral diseases like cancer, dental caries, and periodontal diseases are linked to systemic health issues like cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
Concerning non-compliant diabetics that is those who do not take their medications and do not undertake lifestyle modifications, high oral bacterial counts are found in them as it significantly worsens their oral health, leading to severe periodontitis (grossly shaky and mobile teeth with tooth loss) and oral infections. Furthermore, poor oral health also significantly affects the overall health outcomes of diabetics.
Aspirated bacteria can cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia, and even heart conditions including infective endocarditis (especially those with prosthetic heart valves), these conditions affect patients without any previous systemic disease or poor oral health.
Additionally, healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper chewing and digestion, but infected, painful, or inflamed teeth can lead to nutrient deficiencies, causing infection and disease.
Finally, a healthy smile boosts self-esteem and confidence, while dental pain and discolorations can cause embarrassment and social anxiety. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, and systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
What are the fundamentals of good oral health?
Prevention: Preventive strategies are crucial for maintaining oral health, they involve daily brushing (at least twice daily using a fluoridated paste), flossing, regular health and dental check-ups, and a balanced diet to prevent tooth decay and gum disease (free of refined sugar, high in fiber).
Education: Articles like this and the World Oral Health Day inform and educate the public about good oral hygiene practices, the consequences of neglecting oral healthcare, and the impact oral health has on general health and well-being.
Control of oral diseases by regular checkup: Diseases such as gingivitis and benign noncancerous lesions are better treated and controlled at early stages rather than letting them fester until gingivitis transforms into periodontal disease or a benign lesion becomes cancerous and metastasized.
Conclusion
Your mouth is a part of your whole body, and caring for it does more good than harm. It is essential to visit the dentist at least twice every year for oral examinations and scaling and polishing.
Give your dentist a call today, a stitch in time saves nine (a stitch in time saves you dollars).
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