Dental health is an important and essential part of overall health. Teeth play a very important role in helping us to chew food properly, digest it and speak clearly. A great smile gives us confidence and proves as an asset to us.
Good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent the formation of plaques, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, periodontitis and tooth loss. Unfortunately, surveys revealed that many people are not aware of the risks associated with maintaining poor oral hygiene.
Diet plays a very important role in maintaining good dental health. Excess consumption of sugar-based foods and beverages, soda, coffee and alcohol can lead to tooth decay which can cause pain and sensitivity in our teeth.
Some of the reasons why dental health is important are-
1. Prevent Gum Diseases - Poor dental health can lead to gum related issues like bleeding, swelling, bad breath, loss of tooth and other related problems. Hence it is important to regularly brush and floss in order to prevent bacterial accumulation. Periodontal disease is one of such most common diseases which is commonly observed. It is the next stage of gingivitis that results in the weakening and softening of our jaw structure. Periodontal disease is associated with other severe health conditions like diabetes and hormonal changes.
2. Reduce the Risk of Heart Diseases - Most of us aren’t aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to heart diseases as well. This is because when we have gum disease, there is a risk of bacterias travelling from our mouth into our bloodstream. Further, these bacterias produce a protein that can lead to the thickening of the blood and the formation of blood clots. Additionally, these bacterias might cause inflammation of blood vessels and thus increase the risk of heart diseases. Hence, a person can experience heart problems, if dental health is overlooked.
3. Reduce Diabetes Risk - Various clinical trials have associated poor dental health as a risk factor for diabetes. Although the evidence is still insufficient experts say that bacterias in the bloodstream due to gum disease may also cause blood sugar levels to elevate, increasing the probability of diabetes.
4. Prevent Cancer & Brain Disorders - Another reason to maintain oral hygiene is to prevent cognitive decline, depression, cancer risk and healthy brain functioning. This is because bacterias can cause increased inflammation and produce certain chemicals which can cause brain deterioration and disease like Alzheimer. Additionally, inflammation in the body is also associated with high cancer risk.
5. Prevent Pregnancy Issues - Studies have shown that pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are more likely to have miscarriages and premature delivery. This is due to the reason that chemicals produced by bacterias may induce early labour.
Hence, it is important to keep a check on our oral hygiene and have healthy dental health. It reduces the chances of tooth decay, sensitivity, dental caries, root canal and surgeries. Good dental health gives us confidence and makes us more presentable. Brushing regularly twice a day, flossing at least once a day, avoiding tobacco use, limiting the use of — coffee, tea, alcohol; avoiding sugar-based foods, drinking water between meals, maintaining an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D and C are some of the tips which can keep our mouth and body healthy.
REFERENCES
- Rajhans, N. S., Kohad, R. M., Chaudhari, V. G., & Mhaske, N. H. (2011). A clinical study of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 15(4), 388–392. https://doi.org/
- Dhadse, P., Gattani, D., & Mishra, R. (2010). The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease: How far we have come in last two decades ?. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 14(3), 148–154. https://doi.org/
- Abbayya, K., Puthanakar, N. Y., Naduwinmani, S., & Chidambar, Y. S. (2015). Association between Periodontitis and Alzheimer's Disease. North American journal of medical sciences, 7(6), 241–246. https://doi.org/
- Jared, Heather., Boggess, Kim A.(2008).The Journal of Dental Hygiene. Periodontal Diseases and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Review of the Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice. https://www.perio.org/
- EXPECTANT MOTHERS’ PERIODONTAL HEALTH VITAL TO HEALTH OF HER BABY.American Academy of Periodontology.https://www.perio.org/