DON’T WAIT UNTIL COMPLICATIONS BEFORE SEEING DENTISTSEXPERTS
As the global community marked the World Oral Health Day recently,local dental health experts have advised Batswana to never to wait until they have major health complications before visiting dentists or hospitals for oral checkup.
Oral health is the practice of keeping one’s mouth clean and free of diseases and other problems by regular brushing and cleaning of the teeth.
According to Dental surgeon, Dr Ookeditse Lesomo , the mouth is the gateway to the body, hence, it can lead to many systemic diseases like Osteoporosis, Anaemia, Diabetes mellitus, Leukaemia, fluorosis and even HIV infection(through oral sex). He explained that oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages, hence, the need for the media and all critical stakeholders to create necessary awareness on oral health.“Oral health issues are increasing daily among people, because of unhealthy habits such as taking refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and smoking; yet people do not visit dentists at least twice a year,” he noted.Studies suggest oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death.According to the Global Burden of Diseases, untreated dental caries (tooth decay) in permanent teeth is the most common health condition. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO), published a global review of oral health that revealed that despite great improvements in the oral health of populations in several countries, global problems persist.Some of the dental health issues prevalent in Botswana include dental caries (tooth decay), Periodontal (gum) diseases like gum recession, bleeding of gums, inflammation, redness , tooth Sensitivity, bad breath and stained teeth amongst others.Dentist Bontle Tiyapo says when it comes to oral healthcare, there exists a lack of education and awareness on what oral hygiene is, what the signs one should look out for are, and why consistent oral hygiene is important.“While most consumers know the basis of oral healthcare, many still do not follow it, and only visit dentists when their problems have become unmanageable. However not undergoing routine dental checkups may lead to a bigger risk thus affecting the overall health as well. “Poor Oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up which is nothing but a sticky film of bacteria that constantly form on teeth. These bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and can have an impact on overall health.
She also pointed out that the mouth is a gateway to the body and your first defense as well. “Bacteria are typically kept in check by the body’s natural defences and proper oral hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing.
“However, without good dental hygiene, bacteria may build up to the point where they cause oral infections including tooth decay, gum diseases and can have an impact on overall health. Poor oral hygiene is known to be associated with a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications,” she said.The theme for this year’s World Oral Health Day celebration is: ‘A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body’.