Caring for Your Oral Health

Author: Vivian Benjamin

Many people only go to the dentist when they have a problem with their teeth and gums. Presently, most of us tend to get busy in our lives and stop caring for ourselves. We tend to eat on the go, drink on the go, text on the go, and never really stop to be in the present. Of course, some of us do take care of our diet and exercise to keep fit. However, sometimes it is easier to overlook small things such as oral health.



Did you know, oral health is called the “window” of our overall health? It is because oral health can affect your everyday life and general well-being. To illustrate, when you have a toothache or swollen gums you will experience pain and discomfort. In addition to that, you may lose appetite or stop eating a certain food, therefore; not being able to nourish yourself. Moreover, your speech might be impaired, affecting your quality of life and work.



Long-term effects would be to develop diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease. It may also lead to oropharyngeal cancer. Not only that, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and endocarditis (inflammation in the endocardium part of the heart) have been associated with periodontal disease. In the same way, poor oral hygiene may be associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.



You might have an issue to smile, talking, and tasting food. This will greatly affect the way you enjoy your food and being in a community. Nevertheless, oral health can also be impaired if you have nutritional deficiencies or eat too much sugary food. For example, your oral health can be jeopardised if you don’t have sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C intake. Thus, it is vital to care for your mouth and its components inside.



Symptoms of oral problems:

•    Loose teeth
•    Receding gums
•    Pain when chewing or biting
•    Toothache
•    Swelling of face and cheek
•    Ulcer and sores that will not heal after 1 to 2 weeks
•    Chronic bad breath

 

Risk factors:

•     Family history

•     Genetics
•     Certain infections such as HIV
•     Regularly consuming sugary food and drinks
•     Inadequate brushing and flossing

•    Diabetes
•    Smoking
•     The use of illegal drugs such as heroin, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine

 


At some point in our lives, we will experience these common types of dental problems. It is our responsibility to care for our oral health, so we may live life to the fullest. The usual types of dental problems are:

1. Dental cavity
This is the most common type of oral problem. It affects both adults and children. This happens due to the coating of food, bacteria, and acid in your teeth and subsequently building plaques. The enamel of your teeth starts decaying then continued with the dentin or connective tissue. If left untreated it can lead to damaged gums.


2. Gum disease (gingivitis)
Gingivitis or gum disease is inflammation in your gums caused by plaque. Not brushing enough, or improper brushing and flossing are the primary reason for gum disease. This disease will make your gums bleed and swell after some time.


3. Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, periodontitis emerges. This situation is a severe gum infection, which results in tooth loss and serious health problems.


4. Sensitive tooth
Sometimes when you eat certain types of hot and cold food you might experience pain and discomfort. This is because you might have cracked teeth, gum disease or even receding gums. It may also happen after a dental procedure.




Nourishing oral health from the inside
Nutrition plays a significant role in your oral health, as well as  health as a whole. Most food has the power to heal and support your body from within. Your body requires the adequate provision of macronutrients (carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to continue flourishing.



Understanding the importance of nutrition and integrating it into your daily life, is an important aspect of an individual’s life. Nutrition not only can nurture your physical health but also your emotional or mental health. Let’s explore the type of food that supports your oral health:


1. Calcium
When I was a young girl, my parents encouraged me to drink milk, saying it contains calcium which is good for bones and teeth. I grew fond of drinking milk, thinking I would grow healthily without bone disease and have strong teeth.


Initially, I thought only milk, cheese, and yoghurt contain this powerful nutrient, but the latest findings of plant-based alternatives are a good choice for calcium too. This power nutrient also helps in vascular contraction/dilation, muscle contraction, and nerve functions.

List of food:

•    Vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, bok choy, collard greens

•     Tofu and tempeh (preferably organic)
•     Seaweeds
•     Almonds
•     Oats
•     Flaxseeds

 

2. Vitamin D
You cannot have calcium in your diet and not have vitamin D. Both are greatly associated with each other. The role of this vitamin is to regulate both calcium and phosphorus in your body. However, remember to add good fats to your diet because vitamin D dissolves in fat.

Sources of vitamin D:

•     Egg yolks
•     Liver
•     Red meat
•     Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines
•     Fortified foods

3. Vitamin C
The famous vitamin C as we all know is vital to keep infections at bay and heals wound. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects you against free radicals that damages your cells. Furthermore, this antioxidant supports the growth and development of bones and cartilage. Not only that, the production of certain hormones and chemical messengers used in the brain and nerves, are created by this vitamin.

Examples of food:

•     Broccoli
•     Brussel sprouts
•     Citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, guava
•     Bell peppers
•     Blackcurrants

4. Limit sugary food
Mostly, people have cravings for sweet food. Who doesn’t? As we all know, sweet food can make us happy. Therefore, many choose to eat ice cream whenever they feel stressed. This is called emotional eating. While some consume sweet food thanks to how they feel at the moment, others do it out of daily habit. We must be conscious of our selection of sugary food, as increased consumption causes tooth decay. 



 
Nourishing oral health from the outside
While nutrition can help prevent and heal dental problems, there are other interventions that you can incorporate into the care of your oral health.

1. Good practice of oral hygiene
Proper and regular brushing (at least twice a day) keeps your teeth healthy. Remember to get fluoride-based toothpaste and invest in a comfortable toothbrush that works for you. Moreover, practice flossing (at least once a day) to help keep good hygiene in between the teeth. But that may seem like a challenge in your everyday busy life. At times you may develop stubborn plaques building up in your teeth. Therefore, visiting the dentist twice a year helps keep your teeth in good condition.


2. Quit smoking
As you know, smoking has many negative impacts on bodies physically and mentally. Smoking leads to tooth decay and if untreated affects your body as a whole.


3. Gargling with salt water
Since ancient times, gargling with salt water has proven to be beneficial for oral health and sore throats. The reason behind this is, salt water has the power to draw out bacteria. Similarly, it also keeps your gums healthy. Try incorporating this practice once daily; it will be part of your habit.


4. Toothbrush
Remember to replace your toothbrush if it starts wearing off, however replacing it every 2 months is advisable.






All in all
Dental or oral health is an essential part of your well-being. Various factors may affect your dental health nevertheless; behavioural change and nutritional intervention are needed if you would like to continue living life to the fullest. Remember, your body from head-to-toe acts as a whole. Therefore, impairment in one area sparks damage in another part of the body. So, let’s keep our oral health in check to continue feeling positive and smile beautifully.
 
 










Reference
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