A nice smile and good breath are an important part of our personality, for that reason it’s important to have a good oral health.
Besides looking good, our mouth has different activities and functions in our daily life.
The mouth, teeth and saliva are the way food enters our body. We initiate ingestion and tasting with the degradation of food and drink.
It is the medium through which words are emitted, our voice is expressed and allows us to communicate.
Also, its movements and external position, different moods, and it is even the way by which we express some affective feeling to another person through a kiss.
Therefore, oral health and dental care should be a daily routine of grooming and personal care.
Without forgetting that the mouth is intimately related to the rest of the body, through nerves and blood vessels, so a failure by an injury or disease can alter beyond the same mouth and teeth.
Brushing, flossing and rinsing are some recommendations that should be implemented after every meal.
However, oral diseases remain a health problem in a large part of the population.
We can highlight that caries is the most frequent health problem.
Pain and discomfort, periodontitis, loss of teeth, morphological changes, cancer, oral manifestations of HIV and even without proper care can lead to death.
Among the causes of these problems we can mention the lack of hygiene, diets high in sugars, tobacco consumption, alcohol and drug abuse.
Importantly, most oral health problems are preventable and can be successfully treated in their early stages.
A social problem that plays a role is that a large part of the population does not have free oral health care coverage.
Likewise, there is no regular fluoride application, the consumption of poor quality water, the invasion of advertising that encourages the consumption of beverages and foods rich in sugars are the origin of:
Caries:
It occurs when the bacterial plaque on the surface of the teeth converts sugar into acids that gradually damage the outer layer of the tooth, causing decay, pain and in an advanced stage, tooth loss and infection.
Gingivitis:
It is an affectation of the tissues that surround and support the tooth. The gum presents swelling, redness and bleeding, which generates discomfort and bad breath.
Periodontitis:
It is a severe phase of gingivitis, where bacteria have reached the gingival line, reach the bone and tissues that support the tooth, causing bone recession, bad breath and tooth loss.
Halitosis or bad breath:
It is mostly caused by periodontal diseases of the mouth, lack of hygiene or excessive consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Although in some cases it is associated with liver problems or problems of the digestive or respiratory system.
To avoid this disease, the use of tongue cleaners is recommended to eliminate the white tongue – white layer that forms on the tongue-, as well as rinses and follow-up with a dentist.
Canker sore:
It is an ulcer or small open and painful sore in the mouth.
They are white or yellow surrounded by a reddish ring color. Its origin can be due to an injury, aggressive cleaning, bites.
Other factors are stress, hormonal changes, immune system problems and lack of some vitamins.
The lesions disappear with time.
Cold sores:
It can appear in the mouth and lips.
Its origin is due to the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), so it is contagious and unfortunately remains for life, but can be controlled with medication.
Oral cancer:
The main causes of this disease are associated with the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, together with the Human Papilloma Virus are the causes of the increase in cases of oral cancer among young people.
Oral manifestations of HIV infection:
The most frequent are fungal, bacterial or viral infections, among which oral candidiasis is the most frequent and is usually the first symptom. HIV oral lesions cause pain, discomfort, dry mouth and swallowing difficulties.
There is no better treatment than prevention.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to ensure good oral health is to visit a dentist at least every six months for a check-up, cleaning, and fluoride application. During these visits, the dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums, and make recommendations on the best oral care products for you, such as brushes, cleaners, and rinses. They will also teach you the proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and using a tongue cleaner to keep your mouth healthy.
In addition to regular dental visits, a balanced diet is crucial for oral health. It’s important to avoid sugary foods and drinks and instead consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water. Drinking water after meals helps remove acid from the mouth, which can prevent the buildup of plaque and the onset of gingivitis. Water also provides essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for maintaining overall health.
Furthermore, drinking water helps to produce saliva, which plays a vital role in oral health. Saliva helps to dilute and eliminate sugars and other harmful substances from the mouth. It also helps to maintain a balance between demineralization and remineralization and has an antimicrobial action that helps to keep the mouth healthy.
In conclusion, taking care of your oral health is crucial for a healthy and happy life. Regular dental visits, a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water are essential for maintaining good oral health. So, make sure to take care of your teeth and gums, and always remember to smile!
