Ignorance of Oral Health

In ancient times, oral health was not a major concern, with most people being unaware of it. But today in the modern era, people ignore their oral health in spite of the awareness being created by television, newspapers, and the most important social media.

Around 95% of the total population in rural areas neglect their oral and dental problems unless and until some kind of pathology develops in their oral cavity. Indians only approach a dentist when faced with a crisis, and usually only after they turn 40. Unexpectedly, 65% of urban populations do the same.

Only a handful of people across the country take oral health seriously. There is a wide prevalence of practices that are detrimental to oral health. Lack of awareness of dental care is a serious issue in India.

Common Oral and dental diseases:

• Caries: You might have a cavity if you experience pain, food gets caught in your tooth, your tooth feels rough to your tongue or it hurts to eat something cold or sweet.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It includes red, swollen and tender gums that bleeds easily or while brushing along with halitosis (bad breath).
• Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose permanent teeth and a change in bite.
• Thrush: Oral thrush is like a white film spread on the mucous membranes of your mouth which is mainly due to yeast infection.
• Bruxism: Grinding your teeth (bruxism) is most likely to happen when you’re sleeping, though it can occur anytime most probably in stressful conditions.
• Mouth Sores: Common mouth sores are canker sores (pathos ulcers) that occur inside the mouth and not on the lips. They are not contagious and can be triggered by many different causes. They are only a concern if they don’t go away after two weeks. Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and occur on the edge of the outer lips. They are contagious and will come and go but are not completely curable.
• Erosion: Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity of tooth is a common problem. Basically, tooth sensitivity involves experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing.
• Oral Cancer: Oral cancer includes cancers of lip and all sub-sites of the oral cavity, and oropharynx.

Prevention:-

• Maintaining good oral hygiene is the foremost step to go into the best oral health prevention era.
• There are some universal ways to maintain your dental health, such as regularly visiting the dentist and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Early Childhood Caries can be prevented by not letting the baby to sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice that pools in the mouth will bathe teeth in the sugars on which bacteria feed.
• Visit your dentist one to two times a year for a cleaning and check-up.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste a minimum of two times per day.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months.
• Floss at least once per day.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• If you find any patch or decoloration in your oral cavity visit the dentist to rule it out.
• Scaling or cleaning at regular intervals can prevent the gum disease to progress.