Why General Dentistry Is So Important
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is an annual event that we celebrate on the 20th of March. The idea of WOHD is to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to raise awareness of the importance of oral health and good oral hygiene throughout the world. The celebration is a time for people to enjoy themselves, taking part in activities that make us smile, laugh or even sing!
Whilst the emphasis of WOHD is on celebration, the reasons behind the event are extremely important. Statistics suggest that 90% of the world’s population will suffer from some kind of oral disease in their lifetime. However, with better awareness of oral health issues and the importance of oral hygiene, combined with increased support from the government and health associations, many of these diseases can be avoided.
Healthy mouth. Healthy body
One of the key messages at the root of World Oral health Day is “healthy mouth, healthy body”. Oral health is more important than many people realise; studies suggest that poor oral health can be linked with a number of illnesses. Gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene can help to increase the risk of strokes, heart disease and diabetes, however, only one in three people are aware of the links between oral health and overall health problems.
What can we do to improve our oral health?
As well as taking steps to improve our oral hygiene by brushing and flossing our teeth regularly, it is absolutely essential that we visit a dentist for an oral health check-up at least once or twice a year. Even if you take good care of your oral hygiene at home, you should still see a dentist on a regular basis as they can check for problems that you may not be aware of. In some cases, dental problems aren’t visible or painful until they are in more advanced stages, for example, cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. By visiting your dentist twice a year, oral health problems can usually be caught early.
A general dentistry exam can include a thorough assessment of your oral health:
- An examination of your smile, focusing on any concerns, pain or sensitivity you may be suffering.
- A full assessment of the health of your teeth, gums and mouth.
- Checks for oral cancer.
- Advice on maintaining good oral health.
- A simple scale and polish to keep your teeth healthy and looking good.
By seeing a general dentist regularly, we are more likely to prevent problems such as cavities or gum disease, or even more serious health issues.
By promoting the importance of oral health and general dentistry this World Oral Health Day, we can help to raise awareness of the health issues that can be prevented. To book an appointment with a dentist, you can call Riverside Dental Spa on 020 7091 0677.
