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Vashi2Panvel.com: Navi Mumbai: July 3: The importance of oral health came only in the late 60s after extensive research by scientists and doctors found out the importance of mouth-body connection. The connection between the body and the mouth is both ways.

The importance of oral hygiene and oral health cannot be overlooked. Regular health check ups are a must. Off late, the awareness about regular check ups is on the rise, so much so that schools and executive companies have now included dental check ups in their annual health check up system.

Relationship between periodontal (gum & bone) disease and Heart disease and stroke has been long talked about. Anybody with bad gum and teeth has been known to be at an increased risk of suffering with heart disease and stroke. In this fast age, every second individual is under stress. Stress leads to increase in food intake and snacking of sweet things, which directly lead to an increase in decay of teeth. Lots of people due to stress grind their teeth unconsciously at night leading to tooth wear. Another very common problem, lots of people face is hyperacidity. Acidic reflux causes erosion of teeth which wears enamel. Wear leads to shortening and darkening of the teeth causing tooth sensitivity. There is a change in the functional bite leading to abnormal bites, headache and in worse cases, migraine.

Diabetes makes a person more susceptible to infection. And, diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems. Long time uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe gum disease and mobile teeth. There seems some evidence that if you control oral disease and infection, it will help you control your blood sugar. Diabetics should go for dental check ups regularly and follow oral hygiene under the advice of their dentist. This avoids further complications like gum disease. Arthritic patients due to painful joints often have problems in cleaning their teeth and opening the mouth. Such patients should often see the dentist to prevent deterioration of their situation.

Oral diseases are one of the most common chronic diseases. Ignoring oral health has its affects physical, emotional, psychological, social well being of individuals. Its impact on individuals and society is profound. Severe caries cause pain, discomfort, infections, and problems while eating. Bad teeth lead to chronic cough, tonsillitis and malnutrition that lead to lowered resistance to various diseases like tuberculosis. Bad oral hygiene results in gum and bone disease, which leads, to bad breath and in long run loss of teeth. No one likes any of his teeth missing which can affect his appearance. Good smile and clean teeth creates self confidence and leaves a positive impression on others.

The mouth cannot be segregated from the rest of the body as it is a part of it. It should be treated with honor and with due importance. In your yearly check up with your physician, don’t forget a quick visit to your dentist. The reason to see one’s dentist should not be because of tooth pain or increased risk for a disease or an aggravation of an existing disease or to avoid tooth loss. The primary reason should be to maintain good oral function along with looks and to lead a better quality of life. And the best thing is that the quality of life you wish to lead is in your hands and your dentist’s!

Dr. Satish Bartakke
www.drbartakke.com
info@drbartakke.com
Contact nos: (022) 2745 3655/4146, 23893212/13