As the saying goes- “Oral health is the window of overall health and well-being.”
Oral health, by definition, pertains to the total health of the teeth, gums, and oral-facial structures that allows individuals to perform essential functions like eating, breathing and speaking. Hence, it is an entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts which are consequently susceptible to a range of diseases and conditions.
According to WHO Global Oral Health Status Report (2022), an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected with oral disease with 3 out of 4 people affected living in middle-income countries. Moreover, experts reckon that the prevalence of oral diseases will continue to increase globally considering the growing urbanization and changes in living conditions that influence the development of oral diseases, including access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
This year’s Oral Health Month celebration aims to amplify awareness and the importance of good oral hygiene habits through its theme: “Ngiting Protektado, Ngiting Panalo”. This month-long celebration promotes the following seven (7) habits to keep their teeth, gums, and entire mouth healthy:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time- Your mouth is swarmed with bacteria and brushing greatly helps in reducing the bacterial load while preventing plaque build-up that causes oral diseases.
2. Check the label or fluoride content of toothpaste - Toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride is recommended. Fluoride impedes the acid-producing capability of plaque protecting teeth from decay.
3. Floss daily- Flossing is effective in cleaning small gaps and spaces between teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach.
4. Do not rinse with water after toothbrushing- Rinsing dilutes the fluoride and reduces its preventative effects.
5. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months- Make it a habit to change your toothbrush or sooner if bristles are worn out. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush.
6. Eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking and limit sugary food and drinks- Foods or drinks rich in starches and sugars will contribute to the formation of plaque acids leading to tooth decay. Meanwhile, eating foods containing calcium and phosphorus such as cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens, and almonds may help tooth health.
7. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings- A regular dental check-up with a professional dentist will help in maintaining your dental health.
A healthy smile does not only boost one’s confidence it also enhances mental and general health. As early as now, make your commitment to practice and follow these oral hygiene habits to secure a healthy smile for a lifetime. //Jeanie Belle Castuya-Development Management Officer II
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html
Harvard Chan (2022). The Nutrition Source. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/oralhealth/#:~:text=Eating%20foods%20high%20in%20calcium,are%20great%20sources%20of%20phosphorus
Healthline. Everything You Need to Know about Dental and Oral Health. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health
World Health Organization (WHO). Global Oral Health Status Report. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240061484
World Health Organization (WHO). Oral Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
