Lesser-known health concern in India

According to the World Health Organization:

-between 60 and 90 percent of school children have at least one dental cavity

-nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental cavity

-between 15 and 20 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have severe gum diseases

-about 30 percent of people around the world ages 65 to 74 don’t have any natural teeth left

Frightened yet? Let's diagnose the problem first

Symptoms that you have an oral infection:

-ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week or two

-bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing

-chronic bad breath

-sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages

-pain or toothache

-loose teeth

-receding gums

-pain with chewing or biting

-swelling of the face and cheek

-clicking of the jaw

-cracked or broken teeth

-frequent dry mouth

Based on the above symptoms, the infection can be of various types as follows:

-Cavities 

-Gum disease (gingivitis) - the result of plaque building up on your teeth due to poor brushing and flossing habits. 

-Periodontitis

-Cracked or broken teeth

-Sensitive teeth

-Oral Cancer 

While these may seem scary, we have curated a list of easy to-do-at-home methods of our oral health secrets: 

-brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

-floss at least once a day (one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent disease in your oral cavity)

-have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional every six months

-avoid tobacco products

-follow a high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

-limit sugary snacks and drinks

Therefore, it is important to control portions of all the following foods:

Foods with hidden sugars include:

-condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce

-sliced fruit or applesauce in cans or jars that have added sugars

-flavored yogurt

-pasta sauce

-sweetened iced tea

-soda

-sports drinks

-juice or juice blends

-granola and cereal bars

-muffins

Your oral health has an effect on more than just your teeth. Poor oral and dental health can contribute to issues with your self-esteem, speech, or nutrition. 

While you can’t always prevent every cavity, you can reduce your risk of severe gum disease and tooth loss by staying on top of your daily oral care.