World Oral Day 2023: Link with dental health and overall wellness

Every year on March 20, people all around the world mark World Oral Health Day to increase awareness of the value of oral health and its connection to general wellbeing. ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth’ is the focus of World Oral Health Day 2023.

The subject emphasises the value of maintaining good oral health and the function that our mouths provide in our daily lives. Dr Ashima Goyal, Prof and Director, Oral Health Sciences Centre, PGIMER, addressing on the need of a healthy mouth. For a healthy body states that oral health and general health are intimately related. Poor oral health can have a major influence on overall health and well-being. The doctor continues that the mouth is the entrance to the body.

Oral Health Problems’ Symptoms

Oral disorders are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases worldwide, impacting an estimated 3.5 billion people, according to the WHO. “The mouth is the reflection of the body, making it vital to take care of it,” says Dr. Renju Jose, head of the department and professor of oral medicine and radiology at Amrita Hospital.

Many symptoms, according to Dr. Jose, may point to a dental health problem. These signs consist of:

1. bad breath
2. Missing teeth
3. Gingival swelling and hemorrhage
4. oral sores

Routine Dental Care Practices

1. Brushing, flossing tongue cleaning: Brushing your teeth twice a day, followed by tongue cleaning and flossing, are some at-home activities that must absolutely be followed.

2. See the dentist: To eliminate the calculus that is adhered to the surface of the teeth but is otherwise left behind after brushing, a bi-annual visit to the dentist and subsequent thorough cleanings are advised.

3. Look for ulcers and bleeding gums: It’s important to find and treat any underlying nutritional or immunological causes of recurrent ulcers, sore, inflamed, and bleeding gums.

4. Quit unhealthy habits: Smoking and chewing tobacco have been shown to have a detrimental effect on gum health.

Keep in mind that maintaining good dental health has benefits that go beyond aesthetics and can even save your life. You’ll have healthier teeth and gums, improved breath, fewer dental visits, and a beautiful smile as a result.