Oral health is important because it's directly related to overall health. Simple conditions such as a toothache, cavity, injury or trauma, can affect the way a person eats, drinks, or speaks. This ultimately affects quality of life, the ability to complete tasks or activities at home or at work.
Strong oral health helps the body fight bacteria and infection at the frontline. Going back to the anatomy of the mouth, there's tonsils and lymphoid tissue in the back that function to both recognize
and fight bacteria and infection. Any compromise in this defense can lead a person susceptible to disease.
Respiratory conditions, cardiovascular issues, poor pregnancy outcomes. The children's oral health is directly linked to mothers oral health. And chronic illnesses such as diabetes, can all be affected by poor oral health.
Anything that can affect the immune system, can affect a persons oral health. This includes tobacco use, diabetes, HIV, certain prescription medications, and drug abuse.
Signs or symptoms that a person should seek medical attention for include; any swelling, bleeding, to the gums or mouth. This could be signs of gingivitis. Any discoloration, pain, or difficulty eating, speaking,
or swallowing could be signs of cavities or abscess. And of course any injury or trauma to the teeth, gums, tongue, or mouth I would recommend medical attention for.
Prevention is key. Daily brushing and flossing with regular follow up with a dentist is highly recommended. Outside of that, the use of mouth guards for sports or physical activity are recommended for children and adults. And of course a healthy diet
with avoidance of sugar, sweetened drinks, is recommended.
