Topic 3 Oral health
Most common health problems in adults
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Untreated tooth decay
Why is it important?
- Linked with general health and specific conditions
- Mouth is the entry point of the body (respiratory & digestive tracts)
- Mouth bacteria can cause specific diseases
Conditions linked with oral health
Inflammation of the inner lining of your heart’s chambers and valves
Cardiovascular disease: a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, including heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke
Pregnancy and birth complications
Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, through certain bacteria in the mouth that can be transferred to the lungs
Maintaining oral health
Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between to remove plaque
Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth
If you have sudden changes in taste and smell, visit your doctor or dentist
Don’t neglect your tongue
Drink more water, eat crunchy fruits & vegetables and avoid sugar
Visit dentist once or a year
Brush with fluoride
toothpaste
Alcohol and tobacco have a bad impact and should be avoided
If you take medication that causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for different one. If this can’t be avoided, drink water, chew sugar free gum and avoid tobacco & alcohol