We all know that brushing teeth before sleeping is as important as doing it in the morning. But there are times when we feel lazy about it or are simply tired. Now, a new report has emerged that has reminded us not to take oral health lightly. The Global Oral Health Status Report that was published by the World Health Organization a few weeks ago revealed that almost half of the world’s population, which is 45 per cent or as many as 3.5 billion people, suffer from oral diseases. That’s alarming for sure, and we definitely don’t want to be part of that figure. So, read on to know about the common oral diseases and ways to improve dental health.

Since oral health should be everyone’s priority, Health Shots connected with Dr Ajay Agarwal, Director and HOD, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida, to know more about it.

Common oral diseases that people suffer from

Foul smell from someone’s mouth is such a turn-off, and guess what? It is part of common oral diseases. Bad breath, sensitive teeth, decayed teeth, cracked or broken teeth are all part of the list. Agarwal shared that periodontal diseases (chronic inflammation of the hard and soft tissues that support and anchor the teeth like gingivitis), dental caries, edentulism (severe tooth loss when less than nine teeth are remaining in the mouth), malocclusion (abnormal alignment of teeth) and oral cancers are also some of the common oral diseases.

Causes of oral diseases

1. Dental caries

Sugar plays a role in the case of dental caries as it happens when free sugar containing in food or drink is converted by bacteria into acids. He explained that they destroy the tooth over time, and caries can even lead to cavities. Dental caries can look like white spots due enamel subsurface demoralisation, and if the damage continues it can cause toothache and pain that occurs without any apparent cause. There will be tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.

2. Endentulism or losing teeth

Generally, it is the end point of a long history of an oral disease, mainly advanced dental caries and severe periodontal disease. It can also be due to trauma and other causes.

3. Malocclusion

Have a habit of thumb sucking? It’s time to stop it as malocclusion’s causes and risk factors include frequent use of a pacifier after the age of 3, thumb sucking, injuries that result in a misaligned jaw.

How to improve oral health?

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Yes, brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque are required.

2. Check with a dentist

Dentist visits can be scary, but you must go at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.

3. Say no to tobacco products

Do not use any tobacco products, and if you smoke, just quit. Also, take less amount of alcohol or alcohol-based drinks.

4. Diabetes and dental care

If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease as by doing this, it will “decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease,” said Agarwal, who suggested that treating gum disease might help to lower blood sugar level. So, see your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in smell or taste.