Like it is said the mouth is mirror of the body. Anything one eats or drinks has a primary effect on the oral cavity as well. The mouth or oral cavity is that part of the human body which houses the jaws, the teeth, the gums, the tongue, and the beginning of our gastric system. On this day lets understand why oral health is important and what all one can do to keep ones mouth healthy.
How oral health is related to overall health ?
Oral health and overall health (systemic health) are inter-related. This implies that an oral disease can manifest systemically or can lead to a systemic disease and the same is applicable vice versa. For example, your gum/periodontal health could be related to heart disease as the bacteria from the gums can reach the heart and cause infection, on the other hand a systemic disease can have oral manifestations, some of the systemic cancers can also manifest as cancers of the oral cavity and a variety of dermatological diseases also have oral aspects or manifestations.
What are the common conditions which affect the oral cavity ?
Oral cavity is that part of the human body which is in constant touch with the external environment, hence more prone to diseases. There are also certain developmental conditions which affect the oral cavity. Below are a few common conditions which can affect the oral cavity.
- Developmental disorders related to teeth, jaws and the tongue
- Dental cavity or caries
- Loss of tooth or teeth
- Trauma or injury to the oral cavity
- Gum problems or periodontal disease
- Infections – Bacterial, fungal and viral
- Conditions affecting the tonsils and the larynx
- Non-cancerous swellings of the oral cavity
- Cancer
Above mentioned are the few common conditions which broadly affect the oral cavity and one can follow certain preventive measures to keep the mouth healthy.
How can one maintain good health of the oral cavity ?
Maintaining the health of the oral cavity and its components starts a very simple step of brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash regularly. Not just brushing and flossing but doing it in the right manner helps in preventing oral disease. It is always advised that one should visit a dentist regularly at-least once a year to get a routine checkup done because a lot of dental problems get noticed only when they are symptomatic or they are associated with pain. A routine dental checkup can save an individual from a variety of oral diseases which are preventable.In people who are 40 years an above or who have any history of tobacco or Arecanut chewing or smoking habit should get screened for oral cancer. Anyone who is diabetic is at a greater risk of gum disease hence a routine checkup with your dentist is always advised. Oral health day is a day which reminds us of how important our oral health it is and how keeping a mouth healthy can improve your overall health.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
