WHO Tweeted About How To Prevent Oral Health Diseases

Oral health is not just the matter of a good smile but our overall health. There are a lot of bacteria in our mouth- some harmless and some not so harmless. The mouth is the only way bacteria enter the body, hence it is important to look after its hygiene.
Oral diseases, while largely preventable, pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death. Oral diseases are caused by a range of modifiable risk factors, including sugar consumption, tobacco use, alcohol use, and poor hygiene, and they are underlying social and commercial determinants.

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day, the World Health Organisation has tweeted about how to prevent oral diseases.

Prevention Of Oral Health As Tweeted By WHO:
Prevent oral health by:

• Eating a healthy diet- a diet rich in calcium to promote bone health, and less in sugar to reduce cavities can be helpful for a good smile.
• Stopping the use of all forms of tobacco- tobacco is neither good for the lungs nor for the teeth and gums. It causes more dental plaque to accumulate which leads to more gum infections.
• Reduce alcohol consumption- alcohol can degrade the enamel and also decreases saliva flow.
• Use protective equipment when doing sports and traveling on bicycles and motorcycles -to reduce the risk of facial injuries.

Additionally, brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes, floss regularly, and don’t forget your tongue as the bacteria are accumulated there as well. When the mouth becomes dry, it is an ideal place for microbes to multiply. Dehydration also causes bad breath. You should have at least 8 to 9 glasses of water daily.

Diseases Caused By Poor Oral Health:
Most oral diseases share modifiable risk factors common to these diseases:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Diabetes

This is a proven relationship between good general health and oral health. Good oral health practices and the body’s natural pH can keep the bacteria under control. But poor oral hygiene can lead to infections such as gum problems and even tooth decay.

Footnote:
It is not always about bad breath or yellow teeth, oral health problems can lead to serious diseases. Always take care of your oral health as you do for your lifestyle and go for regular check-ups to avoid any related health diseases.