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Any warning signs such as bleeding are an indication to consult a specialist immediately
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New Delhi, March 08, 2019 :
Older adults with poor cognitive function are found to have impaired oral health and higher risk of tooth loss later, says a study. According to the study, there was a clear association between cognitive function and tooth loss when cognitive function score was categorized into quintiles. The study, published in the Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology, showed people in the lowest quintile reflecting poorer cognitive function had 39% higher odds of tooth loss than those in the highest quintile.
The burden of dental diseases in the elderly is increasing around the world. The need of the hour is to understand and address the oral health needs of geriatric population and integrate them with overall health aspects. Various studies have demonstrated that a significant number of dental professionals differ in the treatment of geriatric patients, for a variety of reasons such as lack of complete knowledge about gerontology, including interaction of drugs.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Oral hygiene is extremely essential. Dental health is often ignored by many people. Stress can have lasting effects on the teeth as on the overall system. Under stress, many people pick up the habit of smoking and consuming alcohol, which can have serious implications on dental health at a later stage. Periodontitis is a serious condition and if not managed on time can be detrimental to dental health. One should not ignore warning signs and visit a dentist as soon as possible. A dull tooth ache, which does not subside, bleeding gums, and sensitivity to certain eatables are signs that should not be ignored.”
There are more than 700 different species of bacteria colonized in a healthy mouth, most of which are completely harmless and live in harmony with their host. However, in the absence of sufficient oral hygiene and tooth cleaning, bacterial deposits build up next to the gums, forming a plaque, and the conditions become suitable for more dangerous bacteria to flourish.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “What many people are unaware of is that dental hygiene is also imperative for heart health. Poor oral health and tooth loss is associated with modest increases in future heart blockages and paralysis.”
Some tips from HCFI
- Brush your teeth twice daily. Brushing helps in preventing the build-up of plaque and bacteria which can cause tooth decay and periodontal diseases.
- Floss every day as flossing helps clean the crevices where the brush can’t reach.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugary and starchy foods as sugar in such foods reacts with the bacteria in saliva to form an acid that erodes the tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
- The tongue too harbors bacteria. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in a tongue scraper and clean it each time you brush your teeth.
- Consult a dentist if your gums are inflamed or if they bleed. Do not ignore any pain in the teeth and/or gums.
- Get your teeth checked every six months. Dental cleaning and check-up twice a year is imperative.
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