World Oral Health Day: Do’s and Don’ts

Your mouth is a mirror to your body! The benefits of a healthy mouth are paramount and reflect general health and well being of an individual. Every year, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated on March 20.

Oral health is much more than a nice smile. The two way relationship between oral health and general health is most significant. Whenever the topic of oral hygiene crops up, three aspects highlight the discussion - clean teeth, gum care and bad breath. The primary task is to keep the teeth clean and free of debris. As far as gums are concerned, it shouldn't hurt or bleed during brushing in the morning or late hours. Bad breath is not a constant problem but definitely required suitable hygiene techniques. Tooth brushing and teeth cleaning are the primary tasks for everyone to maintain oral hygiene. Avoiding tooth decay is an uphill task no doubt. Nowadays teeth cleaning have become a vital way to prevent cavities, gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay. Thus regular cleanings by dental hygienist is recommended for all. Vitamin C is a must for healthy gums which will help to prevent scurvy. Eating balanced diet along with limiting snacks and carbonated drinks can definitely help in oral hygiene. Sugars are to be avoided along with specific carbohydrates. Children under 12 years must drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area. Nowadays cosmetic care has become synonymous with dental care but the whole procedure needs to be followed under medical supervision.

According to Dr Nanda Kumar Nadanasundaram, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon of Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai,” Brushing your teeth twice daily, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and fibroid food like chapattis and going to a dentist twice in a year are must. Chewing pan or tobacco and cigarette smoking has to be avoided at any cost. “

To some extent, government health policy is also important to provide prevention and promotion messages to patients, such as smoking cessation advice, healthy diet or advice on sensible alcohol use or sexual habits. There is a definite need to consider dentistry with health services in a more integrated approach, improving holistic patient care from a bigger perspective. The number of cases of oral cancer are increasing day by day. Thus every family must realize the importance of oral health and hygiene so that developing various oral health problems such as dental cavities, periodontal disease, halitosis, oral pain, and discomfort can be avoided.