World Oral Health Day is observed every year on 20th March. It focuses on highlighting the benefits of good oral health, spreads awareness about oral diseases and promotes maintenance of oral hygiene.
The theme of the 2019 World Oral Health Day is ‘Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health’.
With this campaign, people are suggested to take concrete actions to prevent oral disease and safeguard their overall health. This theme does not only focus on individuals but also on the oral health professionals as they are the stakeholders in educating and protecting patients from oral diseases. The policymakers are also being aimed to address oral diseases’ burden and integrate oral health into policies that address other diseases.
As we all know, our body’s engine requires fuel of calories which we get from food and we eat food through mouth. If our mouth is not fit, no matter how much healthy we eat. It will not remain useful for us.
Oral health is as important as general health. It helps you maintain a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. It also helps to improve your appearance. Poor oral health can not only lead to oral diseases, but also major health problems like heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, respiratory problems and premature births in pregnant women.
Tips for maintaining good oral health
FAQs:
Q) How long should I brush my teeth?
Brushing if done properly, takes only two to three minutes.
Q) How should I choose my toothbrush?
One should use a soft bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can also be used in case you have difficulty in brushing or otherwise.
Q) How do I choose my toothpaste from several varieties available in the market?
Any toothpaste containing fluoride can be used.
Q) What is dental caries? How is it caused?
Dental caries is a common oral health disease that causes tooth decay in the form of discolouration or cavitations. It commonly occurs due to high intake of sugar and starch in diet. When bacteria found in the oral cavity come in contact with sugar, it produces acid which further dissolves the tooth, causing caries.
Q) How can we prevent caries by diet modification?
Dietary habits play an important role in prevention of caries. The frequency of sugary foods and drinks is more crucial than the quantity consumed. One can prevent caries by:
Q) What can I do in case of toothache?
If you have a persistent toothache, you should visit a dentist at the earliest possible. In the meantime, temporary relief can be obtained by removing any lodged food debris using a dental floss. Routinely available over the counter pain killers may also be taken. However, long term use of pain killers is not recommended.
Q) What can I do in case of a swelling?
In case of swelling, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible, to detect the underlying cause. Meanwhile, temporary relief can be obtained by applying cold compresses over the cheeks.
Q) Is it OK if my gums bleed?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed. Therefore, in case your gums bleed, it means that your gums are inflamed. It might be due to gingivitis or periodontitis or some serious medical condition. Visit your dentist to get appropriate treatment.
Q) Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays undertaken routinely are safe. However, proper precautions are taken by the dentist in case of pregnant females.
Q) What can be done in case my tooth has come out of its socket during a fall/accident?
Firstly, you should hold the tooth from crown portion (upper) and rinse it with milk, water or saliva for a few seconds. Then place the tooth in its socket. In case the tooth cannot be replanted in its socket, you may wrap it in milk or in your mouth inside the cheek. You must rush to the dentist within 30 minutes as time is very crucial in this case.
National Oral Health Program: https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/51318563751452762792_0.pdf
To know more about oral health, click here
References:
http://www.worldoralhealthday.com
http://www.ada.org.au
http://www.ida.org.in
http://www.worldoralhealthday.com/about-wohd/
http://www.nhp.gov.in/healthlyliving/oral-health
