The Global Burden of Disease Study of 2017 conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that around 3.5 billion people across the globe suffer from oral diseases. However, you will be amazed to know that most oral health conditions including tooth decay, gum diseases and even oral cancers can be prevented by simply maintaining oral hygiene. Every year, 1st August is observed as Oral Hygiene Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr G B Shankwalkar, the founder of the Indian Society of Periodontology. The day aims at spreading awareness about the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and the ways to prevent several dental as well as systemic diseases. Get the most professional assistance with the best dentist Omaha.
Why is maintaining oral hygiene important?
The human body consists of several complex systems which are interconnected. For instance, the respiratory system (breathing system) and the circulatory system (blood carrying system) work together for the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide from the body. Any disorder in the circulatory system would affect the exchange of gases in the lungs. Similarly, poor oral health can also result in several systemic complications including heart disease and diabetes.
Studies suggest there are some dental as well as systemic diseases associated with poor oral hygiene. The dental diseases associated with poor oral hygiene include:
- Tooth decay: Also called dental caries or cavities, tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases characterized by degradation of the outer layer of the tooth (enamel), sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, and severe pain. Dental caries can occur due to the lack of removal of plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria on the surface of teeth) and debris. Caries can also occur due to reduced flow of saliva, which otherwise washes away the stuck food particles and neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
- Gum infection: Gum infection, medically called periodontitis, is characterized by pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding from the gums. Due to lack of proper brushing and flossing, the plaque present on the surface of the teeth calcifies, forming hard tartar called calculus. Both plaque and calculus destroy the gum tissues and the underlying bone.
Poor oral hygiene is associated with systemic diseases which include:
- Diabetes: Studies have shown that periodontitis can worsen diabetes as it impairs the body’s ability to utilize insulin, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.
- Heart disease: Oral cavity harbours millions of bacteria but their count reduces significantly after performing a daily oral hygiene routine. However, poor oral hygiene provides a favourable environment for the growth of some harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which can enter the bloodstream and result in infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is a potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle or valves (endocardium).
- Pregnancy complications: Periodontitis is one of the most common problems during pregnancy, which, if not managed, can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.