9 out of 10 Indian adults suffer from a major oral health problem. Indians are largely affected by dental cavities, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country is considered the world capital for oral cancer. World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20th to raise awareness about the importance of good oral hygiene and the impact it has on your overall health. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and taking care of it is crucial to maintaining good health.
Your oral health is much more important than you realize. Your mouth is full of bacteria which is mostly harmless. But it is also the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can also cause disease. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. Poor oral hygiene levels can cause the bacteria to reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Research indicates that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases and may increase your risk of getting heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, etc.
Habits that can damage your oral health
Your oral health is important for a beautiful smile and to protect your teeth and gums. Stay aware and away from these bad habits that damage your overall health:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Biting your finger nails
- Neglecting dental hygiene
- Using your teeth as tools
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Frequent snacking
- Bedtime milk bottle
- Using hard bristle toothbrush
- Brushing teeth incorrectly
How to improve your oral hygiene
You must take care of your oral health to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are the top 10 dentist recommended tips to improve your oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Choose your toothbrush wisely, and replace it often
- Floss daily
- Scrape your tongue daily
- Stop smoking
- Limit your coffee intake
- at a nutritious diet
- Decrease sugar intake
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Visit the dentist regularly
Dental care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
The Dentistry Department at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is committed to quality and excellent patient service. With convenient hours and after-hours emergency care our team of dentists are available to take care of your requirements and put you at ease. We provide affordable dental services using the latest technology and highest safety and sterilisation standards. Consult our highly experienced dental surgeons to improve your dental health by providing a full range of dental services. Please find below the link to our website: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dentalsurgery.html
