Oral health has become as important as the health of any other part of the body. In fact, recent researches have shown how the oral health mirrors the condition of the body as a whole.
Poor oral health is an indication of other health problems in the body, while good oral health is a reflection of good health.
There are also indications in new studies how poor oral health results in pre-term low birth weight babies, according to dental surgeon Sujith Harshan. Though the exact connection is yet to be established, it is now generally believed that good oral health is good for expecting mothers and the child.
Studies have proved how poor oral health is a reflection of a diabetic status or an unhealthy heart, said Dr. Harshan. Now diabetic patients are also asked to check their oral health.
Sabu Kurian, former president of Indian Dental Association, Kerala, said “no matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth, because your teeth are meant to last a lifetime.”
Formation of tartar and plaque alongside the teeth and gum lines causes gum diseases. Plaque causes infections that damages both the gums and the bone underneath. Regular brushing and keeping oral hygiene is the only way to keep such infections, called gingivitis, away. However, if infected, it needs to be treated by a dentist, he said.
Preventive health practices like brushing teeth twice daily and regular check-ups and cleaning, eating a well-balanced diet and giving up smoking are some of the healthy practices to maintain oral hygiene. There is also a right way to brush the teeth, said Dr. Kurian.
‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health’ is the theme of this year’ s World Oral Health Day (March 20), which is a slogan for prevention and control of oral diseases. The theme will continue for the next three years.
