Oral Health

 

Have you ever wondered why people have bad breath or tooth decay? In most cases, the root cause is lack of proper oral hygiene or disregard for one's oral health. The World Health Organization defines oral health as  "a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual's capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.

The Global Burden of Diseases affect the victims throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, impairment and even death. This data alone provides, enough reason for you to give proper attention to your oral hygiene which involves taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gum. The practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems is called oral hygiene.

Good oral health can be maintained by brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing(cleaning between your teeth to keep gum healthy and to remove plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush every three months, eating balance diets taking adequate fruits and vegetables, regular dental checkup and observing your mouth regularly, doing away with smoking and alcohol consumption, using protective equipment during sporting activities and limiting in-between meal snacks.

Oral hygiene should be carried out regularly to enable prevention of dental diseases and bad breath. You should visit your dentist at least twice in a year for a medical checkup.   This helps to prevent dental diseases and contribute to a lifetime of good oral health. Good oral hygiene helps to prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum diseases and keep your teeth healthy as you get older.