Apart from giving you aesthetic appeal, a bright and healthy set of teeth can also be the key to your good health, experts said on Tuesday ahead of World Oral Health Day.
World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually on March 20 to raise awareness of good dental practice and hygiene.
This year’s theme is “A happy mouth is a happy body”.
“Oral health plays a vital role in our overall health. It’s not just about a bright smile, it affects our ability to comfortably eat, talk and even socialize.
Neglecting oral health can lead to a variety of problems, including gum disease to decay and even systemic health problems such as heart disease and diabetes,” Dr told IANS. Nitika, Consultant Dentistry at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida.
She implored people to avoid sugary drinks, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption to maintain a healthy mouth.
“The mouth is the gateway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria can reach levels that could lead to oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease,” Dr Ragini Sehgal Sethi, Principal Consultant, Dental Sciences, Medanta Hospital Lucknow, told IANS.
She noted that poor oral health can reduce the ability to chew, thus “limiting food choices and leading to weight loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, impaired communication, low self-esteem and general well-being.”
Recent studies have also linked oral infections, especially periodontitis, to systemic diseases such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, pregnancy and birth complications.
In addition, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and immune system disorders can all affect oral health, Dr. Sethi said.
In order to maintain good oral health, doctors emphasized the need to establish a routine of brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and even regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings.
