Oral health is essential to overall well-being and enables people to live life to the fullest. It is also highly preventable through regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene habits. But for many people, accessing dental care is a challenge. The resulting lack of preventive services leads to untreated dental conditions that can have serious consequences, including pain, tooth loss, and infection — not to mention a negative impact on self-esteem.
Moreover, the poor quality of oral care has been found to be linked to other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is due to the fact that bacteria from oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is vital that all healthcare professionals and communities understand the importance of oral health for all ages.
For children, the first step towards a healthy mouth is to brush their teeth twice a day with a small-bristled toothbrush and plain water, starting after breakfast and right before bed. Also, make sure they visit the dentist by their first birthday to spot and treat any problems early. Lastly, encourage kids to drink water instead of sugary juices and soda, as fluoridated tap water is good for their teeth and helps wash away harmful bacteria that can cause cavities. Contact a Northbrook, IL dentist for more information on how to develop a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that will keep your smile happy and healthy.
Oral health for adults is equally important, especially as the population age structures continue to invert. As a result, older adults face increasing risks of oral diseases such as thrush, periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss. This is largely because oral health is influenced by a range of behavioural and environmental factors that are often beyond an individual’s control.
Furthermore, the costs of these diseases are substantial, with an estimated US$100 billion being spent annually on the direct and indirect costs of oral diseases in the United States alone. This is largely due to high utilisation of expensive health care resources and a heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments for treatment.
In order to improve the global health outcomes of older adults, it is essential to recognise and integrate oral health into a broad framework for healthy ageing, such as WHO’s Health in All Policies approach. This would ensure that health policy makers take into account the importance of oral health and encourage cross-sectoral action.