Taking care of your oral health to maintain your health capital

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly half of the world’s population (45%) suffers from oral diseases.

Though often overlooked, oral health plays a fundamental role in our overall health. In addition to aesthetics, it can help prevent various illnesses that can affect the whole body.

Why is it important to take care of your oral health?

Beyond simple aesthetics, adopting good oral hygiene habits is essential for maintaining good health.

By taking preventive action on a daily basis, you can avoid:

• Cavities, which can be a source of pain and infection.
• Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), which can be recognised by bleeding: the inflammation it causes can lead to teeth loosening.
• Bad breath, often caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth.
• Cardiovascular disease: certain oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that weakens blood vessels and promotes the formation of blood clots, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Diabetes: poor oral hygiene has an impact on diabetes. Gum disease caused by plaque and tartar increases insulin resistance, leading to unbalanced blood sugar levels.
• Respiratory infections: certain oral bacteria can be inhaled and cause lung infections, such as pneumonia.
• But also: premature births, maintenance of tendonitis, etc.

Good habits to adopt

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Adopting simple gestures that can be practised without moderation as part of your dental routine are essential to promoting your health.

1. Brush your teeth properly and on a regular basis:
   Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes using a soft bristle brush (renewed every three months), with a toothpaste that meets your needs and those of your family. The dose of fluoride, a component that helps to combat tooth decay, differs according to age.
   
   
2. Floss and use mouthwash on a regular basis:
   In order to remove plaque and food residue between your teeth, reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Dental floss or small brushes should be used before brushing your teeth, while mouthwash should be used afterwards.
   
   
3. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet:
   Diet also has a direct impact on oral health: therefore, avoid consuming sweet and sour foods and snacking, in order to protect your teeth. A balanced diet helps strengthen enamel due to the calcium and phosphate naturally contained in foods such as dairy products, green vegetables, oilseeds (hazelnuts), sources of protein (meat, fish), etc.
   
   
4. Avoid bad habits:
   Implement an action plan and consult a specialist to help you cut down on tobacco and alcohol and/or to stop grinding your teeth.
   
   
5. Visit the dentist regularly:
   Visiting a dental professional on a regular basis is essential to prevent illnesses in order to reduce risk factors. As well as the benefits of a check-up, your dentist will give you advice on how to optimise your dental hygiene habits. And to make sure you don’t forget this essential appointment, remember to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as you’ve finished a consultation.

Prevention is the key to avoiding dental problems : start adopting good habits today in order to take care of your teeth and put a healthy smile on your face!

Article co-written with dentists from the “Union Française pour la Santé Bucco-Dentaire (UFSBD – French organisation for oral and dental health)”.