Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. It covers a range of diseases and conditions including dentistry. Normally, the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that could cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Paying for needed oral health care is one of the main reasons for catastrophic health spending, resulting in an increased risk of impoverishment and economic hardship. Another complication of poor oral health is gum disease, which can be mild in the early stages, but cause much more serious problems if left untreated. People who have healthy gums are also 70 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who have had gum disease for a long period of time.
Those who are concerned with oral health know that it is vital to protect your teeth and gums. Moreover, the health of your mouth can be closely related to your overall health. This means that you should pay attention to your oral health and your diet.
Gum disease
Having gum disease is a serious oral health problem. It can cause tooth loss and damage to the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place.
The disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. This plaque is made of bacteria that feed on sugars in foods and drinks. Some of these bacteria are harmless, but others can be harmful to the gums.
When plaque is left untreated, gingivitis may develop. This mild form of gum disease can be reversed with good oral hygiene practices. It can cause redness, swelling and bad breath. It can also lead to more advanced forms of gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that involves the destruction of the bone and tissues that support the teeth. This can result in tooth loss and may affect your bite.
Tooth decay
Whether you have a child or an adult, tooth decay is a major dental health problem. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Fortunately, there are ways to combat tooth decay and improve overall oral health.
A dental sealant is a great way to prevent decay from attacking your teeth. These sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. This type of sealant fills in crevices to prevent food particles from getting stuck there.
There are also products on the market that use fluoride to protect your teeth. The fluoride in these products strengthens your enamel, making it more resistant to acids.
Another way to prevent tooth decay is to avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar. These sugary snacks can give bacteria in your mouth a constant supply of energy, thus increasing the chances of developing plaque.
Gingival hyperplasia
Having gingival hyperplasia is not a good thing, and it may lead to periodontal disease. However, it is possible to treat and manage the condition. The condition usually goes away once the underlying cause is treated. The treatment aims to relieve the discomfort and pain caused by the condition.
Gingival hyperplasia is an abnormally large increase in the number of cells in the tissue surrounding the teeth. It may be caused by a number of conditions, including local and systemic factors. It may be treated using non-surgical debridement or surgery.
The treatment for gingival hyperplasia is aimed at reducing the inflammation. It can be done using non-surgical debridement and scaling. However, if the disease is severe, it may require surgical removal.
The condition is usually found in infants and children. Occasionally, it may not be evident until adulthood. It may be caused by hereditary conditions or metabolic disorders.
Nutrition and oral health are closely related
Generally speaking, people think of nutrition and oral health as separate, but the two are actually very closely related. It is believed that good oral health can help maintain the health of other organs and tissues. It also promotes feelings of well-being.
In addition, good oral health is closely associated with the ability to eat and maintain weight. A poor diet can result in dental caries and other harmful oral diseases. Medications can also have a negative impact on oral health.
Poor oral health has been associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory ailments. There is also evidence that gum diseases are associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The relationship between nutrition and oral health has been studied in many studies. The most common study results indicate a positive association between dietary intake and oral health. However, the quality of studies varies.
Public health interventions improve OHRQoL
Having poor oral health and OHRQoL among young adults can lead to adverse consequences. This may include an increased burden on the health care system and reduced quality of life. The best part is that there is a plethora of public health interventions that are aimed at improving oral health and OHRQoL. These include a variety of community-based interventions and school-based programs. These include oral health education, oral cancer screening, caries intervention, and dental health care. The results of these interventions have the potential to improve the oral and overall health of young adults. Hence, the benefits of implementing such interventions are substantial.
A systematic review of studies evaluating the best public health interventions for improving oral health and OHRQoL identified two main categories of studies. The first category consisted of studies examining the impact of caries intervention on OHRQoL. The second category was studies examining the impact of other public health interventions on OHRQoL.
