Dentist warns against typical Brazilians’ negligence regarding oral health, which can lead to a host of oral problems
Today is National Oral Health Day (25/10), a date created with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of oral health, and above all to the prevention of its main problems.
The mouth performs important functions that affect the health of the body as a whole. This is because, in addition to playing a fundamental role in speaking, chewing and breathing, the mouth is the largest cavity in the body to have direct contact with the environment, being the entry point for bacteria and other microorganisms harmful to health.
Therefore, good oral hygiene reduces the risk of developing oral and dental problems. Furthermore, it is important to underline that mouth diseases are directly related to smoking, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition.
According to the Ministry of Health, the most common oral health problems are:
- Caries;
- Mouth lesions and mouth ulcers;
- Gingivitis;
- Bacterial plaque;
- Tartar.
Negligence with oral health
They are all a consequence of neglecting oral health. A survey carried out in 2020 by IBGE showed that 53% of the Brazilian population uses dental floss, toothbrush and toothpaste; and 89% disinfect less than twice a day.
“As a result we have 34 million Brazilians, over the age of 18, who have lost 13 teeth or more, and 14 million people have lost all their teeth. These data are alarming”, underlines Dr. Anna Karolina Ximenes, dentist of ‘IGM Dentistry.
According to her, the mistakes made by Brazilians when it comes to oral health are very common:
- Poor oral hygiene;
- Lack of regular visits to the dentist;
- Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol.
The first warning signs
Anna reminds us that poor oral health directly affects people’s quality of life. “If you suffer from toothache or bleeding gums, these are the first signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which are diseases that cause progressive damage and lack of proper care can lead to tooth loss,” she warns.
She points out that neglecting these early signs leads to progression of the disease. “An untreated problem tends to worsen and become more serious over time. A toothache caused by tooth decay can evolve into a dental abscess, that is, a serious infection. Similarly, periodontitis evolves into mobility of the teeth, with consequent loss of chewing force and, consequently, even in the most serious cases, tooth loss”, warns the professional.
How to preserve oral health
The dentist emphasizes that prevention is the best way to reduce the prevalence of dental problems. “Regular visits to the dentist, every 6 months, allow problems to be identified early and treated in the initial stages. But, in addition, they allow the maintenance of oral health without problems, which is certainly what everyone wants,” he says.
Anna also reminds us that awareness about oral health prevention is essential! “We need to promote educational programs that emphasize the importance of oral hygiene, a healthy diet and the need for regular visits to the dentist,” she emphasizes.
Furthermore, the professional highlights the importance of public policies that facilitate access to oral health services and prevention programs in early childhood and elementary schools. “We dentists and oral health professionals want Brazilians to smile in a healthy and safe way,” she concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
