World Oral Health Day- A Window To Your Overall Health

World Oral Health Day is observed annually on 20th March with an aim to spread the message on oral hygiene and health. Our mouth is a gateway to our body for everything so it is very important to take special care of oral hygiene in order to stay healthy. 

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an actual lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn about oral hygiene habits -such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake, the easier it will be to avoid dental and long-term health issues. 

Oral health basically refers to the health of teeth, gums, and oral-facial that allows us to speak, smile, and chew. Some of the common diseases that impact our oral health include gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. 

Symptoms of Oral Problems: 

• Frequent dry mouth

• The clicking of the jaw

• Receding gums

• Toothache

• Chronic bad breath

• Cracked or broken teeth

• Loose teeth

• Pain with chewing or biting

• Swelling of the face and cheek

• Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week or two

• Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing

• Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages

Always make a habit to visit the dentist twice a year before you even notice any symptoms. 

Relation Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Like other body parts, the mouth is also full of bacteria. But the mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can be harmful and can cause disease. 

Normally, the body’s natural defenses and oral health care like brushing and flossing, keep the bacteria under control.  However, without following the proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach a higher level and that might lead to oral infection like gum disease and tooth decay. Also, some medications- such as antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants, antidepressants, and painkillers - can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease.