18 May

Tips to improve your oral health

Oral health has become one of the cornerstones of good health and a good quality of life. Beyond appearance, it is important to consider the inner health of our teeth and gums.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2012, oral health can be defined as “a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.”

The same WHO study reveals that:

• Worldwide, 60%–90% of schoolchildren and nearly 100% of adults have tooth decay.
• Severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss, affects 15%–20% of middle-aged adults (35–44 years).
• Around 30% of the world’s population aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth.
• Oral disease in both children and adults tends to be more common among poor and disadvantaged groups.
• Risk factors for oral disease include, among others, an unhealthy diet, smoking, harmful alcohol use and poor oral hygiene, although there are also a number of social determinants.

At Clínica Dental Fernando Soria we follow the advice and recommendations of the Madrid College of Dentists and Stomatologists (COEM), where the key is to prevent, through our daily habits, the risk factors that can cause problems in our mouth

• Dental plaque: to keep it under control, it is essential to use your toothbrush correctly and to brush 3 times a day. You can ask a specialist which type of toothbrush and toothpaste you should use.
• Changes in your diet: cut down on sugary foods, especially before going to bed. Cut down on sugary and carbonated drinks, which lower the pH of the mouth and encourage tooth decay and erosion.
• Avoid smoking: tobacco use encourages oral cancer, and the risk is often greater when combined with alcohol. Tobacco also promotes gum disease, reduces saliva (increasing tooth decay), causes bad breath and alters taste and smell.
• Be careful with piercings and other objects placed in the mouth: they can lead to injuries and trauma. It is important to make sure they are correctly placed, to be meticulous about hygiene and to have regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not seriously harming your teeth.

It is also important to consider other measures, such as mouthwash, dental floss or a Waterpik, to improve your hygiene, and to keep a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins that helps prevent gum and tooth disease.

According to Spain’s latest National Health Survey, published by the Ministry of Health in 2013 (covering 2011/2012), 59% of the population did not visit the dentist in the previous year. Women are the ones who most regularly look after their oral health and attend their scheduled check-ups, while men are less aware of how important it is to see the dentist.

The best way to know the real condition of your mouth, teeth and gums is to have regular check-ups every 6 months or once a year, so that the specialist can confirm there is no risk of disease or help prevent it. You can book an appointment with us at Clínica Dental Fernando Soria or through the form on our website.