The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Periodontal Disease




Oral Hygiene

The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Periodontal Disease

An individual's general health and well-being are highly dependent on oral hygiene. This is because untreated oral issues have been linked to an increased risk of other health problems, according to studies. In order to improve both your dental health and general well-being, it is crucial to practise good oral hygiene. As we know, oral hygiene is the technique of preventing tooth decay and bacterial infection in your mouth's other components, and this entails regular brushing and flossing.

When not properly taken care of, poor oral health can give rise to serious gum infections like Periodontitis, which in turn might have adverse effects on your health. So, it is recommended to always practise oral health to lead a disease-free and healthy life. In this blog, we will further discuss what is the importance of dental hygiene, and why it is considered a crucial aspect of our well-being.

Also Read: Oral Hygiene, An Overview

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that mostly focuses on the understanding of your gums and jawbone, as well as the teeth's supporting tissues, generally known as the periodontium. The periodontium specifically comprises the gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. As we know, Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can damage your gums, and destroy your jawbone. It also leads to tooth loss, and can often turn into a risk factor for lung, and heart diseases. Therefore, this specialization of dentistry revolves around serious dental health conditions and attempts to provide with maximum possible benefits.

However, to pursue a degree in Periodontics, you need to meet the eligibility criteria of various colleges as well as qualify for NEET entrance examinations. A periodontist mostly focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Moreover, they also insert dental implants.

Moreover, students after pursuing a proper study program in Periodontics can work as Dental Hygienists, Dental surgeons, Consultants, Dental Assistants, Dental Lab Technicians/ceramists, etc.

What are the Advantages of Properly Maintaining Oral Hygiene?

Multiple studies believe that keeping one's teeth clean has benefits that go beyond preventing cavities. Some unexpected benefits of good oral hygiene are discussed below:

Stronger Gums:

As you know that your mouth is a complex microbiome that contains numerous good and harmful bacteria species. By removing the food particles that feed these species and lowering the bad bacteria in your mouth, daily brushing and flossing maintain a healthy balance between them. Moreover, neglecting your dental hygiene might lead to an increase in dangerous bacteria in your mouth. As a result, a material called plaque builds up on your teeth. Severe gum disease can develop as a result of plaque buildup causing painful gum tenderness, bleeding, swelling, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

Healthier Lungs

The bacteria can enter your bloodstream from your mouth and travel to other parts of your body as well. You can also breathe it in through your lips and lungs. As a result, it can lead to respiratory infections, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. So proper maintenance of oral health can help in avoiding such issues.

Lower Chances of Diabetes

Diabetes is a potentially fatal blood sugar condition that can result in impairment and possibly early death. It manifests when the level of blood sugar remains too high, either as a result of inadequate insulin production or improper insulin utilization by the body. According to studies, persons who have gum disease have a higher chance of developing diabetes than those with healthy gums because gum disease produces inflammation, which makes it more difficult for your body to appropriately use insulin.

Reduced Risk for Heart Attack

Not all bacteria remain in your mouth, and instead your bloodstream may allow them to spread throughout your entire body. This can cause sensitive arteries in your heart to narrow, which increases your chances of having a heart attack. According to certain research, gum disease can raise your risk of heart attack by up to 50%.

Decreased Cancer Risk

Gum disease can potentially contribute to critical health conditions, particularly pancreatic cancer. As was suggested by many scientists that bacteria may promote the growth of cancer cells, and there could also be connections to other cancers. And, the only solution to this issue can be good oral health.

All of the aforementioned elements emphasize how important oral hygiene is for preventing periodontal diseases. Also, there are a plethora of additional advantages to maintaining good dental health.

Find out the Possible Outcomes of Poor Oral Health and Hygiene

Poor oral health often leads to major dental conditions, and diseases as there are multiple risk factors associated with poor oral hygiene. Below are some of those common illnesses and health issues:

Endocarditis

When bacteria or other germs from your mouth, or another area of your body migrate through your bloodstream and adhere to specific locations in your heart, it frequently causes an infection of the endocardium, which is the inside lining of your heart chambers or valves. Therefore, deficient oral hygiene can also be the cause of endocarditis.

Pneumonia

A few germs in your mouth have the ability to enter your lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

Obstetric and Delivery Difficulties

Low birth weight and early birth have both been connected to periodontitis.

Cardiovascular Disease

Some studies suggest that heart disease, blocked arteries, and stroke may be connected to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

These are just a few examples that demonstrate how dental health affects overall health. Furthermore, there are many more health conditions, which are directly connected to poor oral hygiene.

Also Read: Oral Health Awareness is the Need of the Hour

Check out the Best Private Dental College in India

Dental courses are offered by multiple colleges in India, and one among them is the Mansarovar Dental College, located in Madhya Pradesh. Since its establishment, the college adheres to the fundamental principles of moral behavior, innovation, and selfless service for the advancement of humanity. It is the centre of excellence for the intersection of public health and top-notch dentistry education.

The college successfully offers both BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) courses. And besides Periodontics, it is composed of other departments like Public Health Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Orthodontics, Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.

Visit their official website to collect further information

With compassion, ethics, and enrichment, the college is committed to bridging the gap between basic sciences and clinical. Its study programs will give you a better insight into the importance of oral hygiene.

Conclusion

To sum up, gum infections typically start as bacterial infections in the mouth, which lead to the eventual loss of the diseased tooth due to the destruction of the supporting tissue. Therefore, it is crucial to take adequate care of your oral health by taking the necessary steps. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, proper oral health care includes going to the dentist for regular examinations.

If you are interested in dental education and want to pursue a career in this field, then Mansarovar Dental College, which is one of the best private dental colleges in India, can be your best guide.

FAQs

1. What can be the common symptoms of periodontal disease?

Swollen, tender, or red gums, bleeding while flossing, brushing, or having certain foods, sores in the mouth, and persistent bad breath are some of the common signs of periodontal disease. A proper academic program in Periodontics can provide you with more information on this.

2. What is the most important difference between a periodontist, and a dentist?

The basic difference between these two specialists lies in the fact that a dentist generally treats the teeth, gums, as well as other areas of the mouth. A periodontist, on the other hand, specifically treats the bone supporting the teeth and gums.

3. Where can you get a job after completing an MDS program in Periodontology?

Government and Private Dental Institutions, Defense services, Multi-speciality clinics, Healthcare Panels, etc are some of the sectors where you can apply upon completing a postgraduate program in Periodontics.

4. What can be the average salary of an MDS degree holder?

Graduates of MDS Periodontics can expect to earn an average income between INR 3 LPA and 20 LPA. However, universities, NGOs, research Institutes, and Teaching Hospitals, are some of the common employers of MDS Periodontics students.

5. Do kids have a chance of getting the periodontal disease?

Children rarely develop periodontal disease, but good oral hygiene and care must be practised from an early age. Furthermore, minor carelessness can frequently result in major tooth disorders and other complications.


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