Good teeth, happy life

In 2021, there was an article from the World Health Organization or World Health Organization saying that oral health has an important effect on the functioning of many systems in the body, whether it is breathing, eating, speaking, smiling or entering society.

There are many studies that confirm that. oral health It is strongly related to the general health of the body. If we talk about it, the teeth are the first organ that takes food into the body. Without teeth Or if there is a problem with your teeth It will affect the digestive system. and other systems followed For example, in cases where tooth decay is widespread. Had a toothache, had a swollen tooth, couldn't chew food. It may result in bloating, flatulence, constipation, indigestion, or in some cases it may be as severe as a blood infection. This results in people with certain congenital diseases having severe symptoms such as diabetes, certain types of heart disease, etc.

This article would like to give an example of the relationship between oral health and certain diseases such as diabetes, etc. Diabetes refers to a disease in which blood sugar levels are continuously higher than normal and chronic, caused by abnormalities in the body's inability to use the sugar it receives normally. This may come from the pancreas being less able to secrete the hormone insulin. or can be produced in normal quantities But the body cannot use insulin. What we call insulin resistance (Insulin Resistance) causes blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. Leads to many complications of diabetes.

Gingivitis section By definition, it is inflammation of the gums. This is usually caused by plaque stuck on the tooth surface reacting with the body's immune system. If severe, it causes inflammation and destruction of the periodontal organs, called periodontitis. Causes red, swollen gums. Bleeding while brushing your teeth, receding gums, feeling like your teeth are rocking. and may lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease usually develops gradually and symptoms are not obvious. But we can observe the initial symptoms. For example,

• Red gum edge
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing your teeth
• Bad breath
• Tooth moves out of original position
• Receding gums

Believe it or not, diabetes. and periodontal disease are closely related. Diabetes is a risk factor and affects the severity of periodontitis. and vice versa Periodontitis is one of the complications of diabetics. Controlling blood sugar levels is important for the body to reduce the risk of diabetes complications and help control the severity of periodontal disease. Reduce the chance of tooth loss and improves the response to periodontal disease treatment. And vice versa, what is interesting is From many studies it has been proven that People who have undergone treatment for periodontitis and have improved oral health. Encourage diabetic patients to better control their blood sugar levels.

From the relationship between the two diseases that are clearly related. Disease treatment should therefore be treated holistically at the same time, including seeing a diabetes doctor. Along with a dentist who is an expert in periodontal disease. Visit your dentist regularly every 6 months to assess your oral health. Screen for risks that may lead to periodontitis problems in the future. Including controlling oral diseases to have good health. This will help everyone have good physical health together.

From collecting statistics from around the world, it is found that over the past 3 decades The incidence of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss remains the same at 45%. One thing we always tell our patients is: Prevention is more important than cure. Unfortunately, when we meet a patient Most will enter the treatment period. Actually, prevention is easy. and has a much lower cost.

Let's see how to take care of your teeth that is not difficult. How can you do it?

• Brushing your teeth Brush all sides. By placing the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the teeth and gum line, moving gently in the front and back direction. Then round up into the lower teeth. and brush into the upper teeth
• Choose a standard toothbrush straight handle, tapered tip, soft bristles, rounded bristles tip
• Use appropriate toothpaste Contains substances to prevent tooth decay or substances that strengthen the dentin, such as fluoride or tricalcium phosphate. In addition, today's toothpaste also has some substances added, such as strontium chloride. And potassium nitrate helps reduce tooth sensitivity as well. In addition, choosing toothpaste You should choose the type that has a fine texture. Not too rough To prevent problems with tooth erosion from abrasive powder in toothpaste.
• Use dental floss regularly When using it, pull out about 1 foot of dental floss from the box, using your middle finger to wrap it around. Then use your index finger and thumb to release it. To control the wrapping of the silk around the neck of the tooth, rub in - rub out, rub up - rub down. Do this with every tooth. To remove food stains Or plaque that is between the teeth.
• See the dentist for regular dental checkups at least every 6 months, but in some cases it may be necessary to see the dentist more often than that. It's up to the dentist's discretion.

What foods cause negative effects on teeth?

• Candy Because candy has a lot of sugar. These sugars change the acid. It can cause tooth decay.
• Cake In addition to making our weight increase, It also causes tooth decay. from the flour mixture and sugar as well
• Soft drinks In addition to the sugar contained in soft drinks, The carbonic acid in it also results in tooth erosion. Tooth enamel is also destroyed.
• Sour fruits Fruits are actually beneficial. But if you eat too much Especially citrus fruits Fruit acids destroy tooth enamel. cause teeth to erode Some people may come to the dentist because their teeth are sensitive.
• Tea Coffee Although studies have shown that drinking more than  6 cups of coffee per day significantly reduces tooth decay compared to people who drink less. But don't forget that drinking coffee or drinks that contain a lot of caffeine It can affect sleep. Therefore, you should drink in moderation. And you shouldn't add too much sugar. Because sugar increases the chance of tooth decay.

It can be seen that taking care of your oral health is not difficult if you have discipline, understanding, and determination. Finally, The author wants everyone to have good physical health. good dental health The best method is prevention, not treatment.

Article by

Dentist Suchada Kongkiatkamon

Assistant Dental Clinic Director, BDMS Wellness Clinic

Dentist specializing in facial and maxillofacial prosthetics

Reference

1. WHO Discussion Paper: Draft Global Strategy on Oral health; 2021
2. Bernabe E, Marcenes W, et al. Global, Regional, and National Levels and Trends in Burden of Oral Conditions from 1990 to 2017: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study. J Dent Res. 2020;99(4):362-373.
3. Anila NP, Kori S. Can coffee prevent caries? J Conserv Dent. 2009;12(1):17-21. 
4. Simpson TC, Weldon JC, Worthington HV, Needleman I, Wild SH, Moles DR, Stevenson B, Furness S, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z. Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Nov 6;2015(11):
5. Frisbee E. An Overview of Gum Disease [Internet]. WebMD. 2021 [cited 7 January 2022]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease