The ability to chew, talk and smile is a part of daily life for most people and can easily be taken for granted. However, poor oral health affects millions of people all over the world with 15% to 20% of adults suffering from severe gum disease, which may result in tooth loss, while almost all adults have dental cavities. In South Africa, 41% of women and 31% of men suffer from oral disease, and 64% of women and 59% of men have lost some of their teeth.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate existing and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of oral health this National Oral Health Month, August 2012.
Why is it important to have good oral health?
Aside from keeping your breath minty fresh, there are some other very good reasons why you should practice good oral hygiene. Keeping your teeth free of plaque, acidity and bacteria is vital for protecting them from unpleasant and often even painful and harmful oral diseases, such as gum disease or cavities. Such conditions can have a highly negative impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to chew your food and talk properly, and even affecting your confidence in your smile.
What is gum disease?
Severe gum disease, often referred to as periodontitis, is an infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. This ailment can have a serious impact on the life of the sufferer, possibly resulting in tooth loss as well as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other health issues.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
What causes gum disease?
It is thought that gum disease is caused by plaque, which is the creamy white substance that forms on your teeth after eating certain sugars. Plaque consists mostly of bacteria and can be removed by brushing your teeth. However, plaque commonly reforms within 24 hours and it is therefore important to brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep them free of plaque.
If plaque is left on the teeth for more than two days it can develop into tartar, a hard substance that is difficult to remove and usually requires professional attention. The longer plaque and tartar are left on the teeth the more damage is done. A build-up of plaque and tartar can result in severe infection and even the loss of teeth.
What are cavities?
Cavities are areas on your teeth where permanent damage has occurred, resulting in little holes. You may have heard of cavities being referred to as tooth decay or caries. Most people will develop cavities, which can occur at any age. If left untreated, cavities can grow and penetrate into deeper layers of the tooth. This can be extremely painful and can lead to the eventual loss of teeth.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
In the beginning a cavity can be so small that you will not notice any symptoms. This is one of the reasons why it is important to have regular dental check-ups, as your dentist will be able to spot any young cavities and start treating them before they develop into something worse.
If you have a cavity, you may experience the following symptoms:
What causes a cavity?
Plaque builds up on your teeth
The acid in the plaque strips away areas of the outer layer of your tooth, leading to the formation of small holes
Tooth decay continues, the holes widen and infection sets in
What can I do to prevent myself from developing oral disease?
Practicing good oral hygiene is very important in preventing oral disease. These basics are a good place to start, and your dentist will tell you if there are any further steps you need to take specifically to prevent or combat oral disease.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
Floss daily or use an interdental brush if you find flossing unpleasant
Rinse your mouth out with anti-microbial mouthwash daily
Reduce your intake of sugar and try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet
Stop smoking, as smoking can damage your gums and mouth
Visit your dentist annually, or as often as he/she recommends
For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
Sources:
1. The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com
2. WebMD, www.webmd.com
3. The World Health Organisation, www.who.int
4. "Dental cavities: The hole truth" Mail and Guardian, www.mg.co.za
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