Have you ever looked at your favorite food and felt sorry for yourself because you couldn’t have a single bite since you had oral problems? If your answer is “yes”, you probably need to take a break, need to read this article, learn how to have better oral health and contribute towards a healthier nation!
The World Health Organization (WHO) 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 well-being.” It is a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. But it is also one of the most neglected aspect of an individual’s health.
Dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal diseases (gum diseases) are the two most common oral health diseases affecting the Filipinos. In 2018, the initial results of the National Survey on Oral Health showed 72% of Filipinos having dental carries while 43% with gum diseases. Prevention of dental decay and basic oral care must be a priority in integrated health promotion programs and feeding strategies to enhance the well-being of Filipinos.
Dental caries results when microbial biofilm (plaque) formed on the tooth surface converts the free sugars contained in foods, and drinks into acids that dissolve tooth enamel and dentin over time. Periodontal disease affects the tissues that both surround and support the tooth. This often presents as bleeding or swollen gums (gingivitis), pain and sometimes as bad breath. Severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss, was the 11th most prevalent disease globally in 2016.
Filipinos bear the burden of gum diseases early in their childhood. If not treated early, children become susceptible to irreversible periodontal disease as they enter adolescence and approach adulthood. It affects the quality of lives of children and adults, given that they may experience discomfort, pain, acute and chronic infections, eating and sleeping disruption, as well as higher risk of hospitalization with high treatment costs. It also poses detrimental effects on school and work performances and spoils success in life. Your oral health might also contribute various diseases and conditions, including: endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Almost all diseases and conditions are either largely preventable or can be treated in their early stages. Here’s how to prevent oral diseases and improve your oral health:
Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks and beverages. Consumption of whole grains, low-sugar breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality protein such as that contained in lean meats, eggs, fish, cheese, and dry beans are the best food choices for a healthy mouth.
Regular visit on your dentist for oral exams and cleanings. It is recommended to visit for dental maintenance twice per year, but only your dental health professional can tell you how often you should have your checkup and professional cleaning based on your needs.
Reducing smoking and alcohol intake. Smoking can lead to bad breath and tooth discoloration due to increase buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. While, alcohol can increase acid in mouth that can cause erosion of tooth.
Use protective equipment for your mouth. Mouth guards help prevent injuries by cushioning blows to your lips, teeth and jaw when playing sports or travelling in motor vehicles.
Constant maintenance of low level of fluoride in the oral cavity. Tooth brushing is recommended twice-daily with fluoride-containing toothpaste (1000 to 1500 ppm). Long-term exposure to an optimal level of fluoride results in substantially lower incidence and prevalence of tooth decay across all ages.
Extraction of decaying tooth. It prevents the spread of tooth decay and infection. Also, according to a recent study, extraction of severely decayed primary teeth resulted in significant weight gain in underweight Filipino children. Since poor oral health in Filipino children is associated with being underweight, addressing the underlying reason—untreated dental decay will help improve the nutritional status of Filipino children.
In addition, in one of the episodes of Radyo Mo sa Nutrition, Dr. Rochelle E. Pambid, Dentist IV of the Department of Health, emphasized incorporating foods rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamin C with adequate fruits and vegetables in our diets to improve oral health.
Oral health is fundamental to overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A healthy mouth enables people to eat, speak and socialize without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. And who wouldn’t want that?
Now, let’s eat healthy, live healthy, and together make a healthier nation. (CMU BSND OJT Samantha Anne Tanzo Navarro)
