Mouth Care

Perio means around, and dontal refers to teeth. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth. This includes the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. In the earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis or the infection affects the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after you have brushed. In an effort to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, a sign of gingivitis or the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Damage from periodontal disease also can cause teeth to become loose. This is a sign of severe periodontitis or the advanced stage of disease.

              The four reasons that dental work should be included as part of the universal health care system. First reasons, Poor oral hygiene can give you systemic injuries. Pyorrhea is an infection of the gums and tooth-sockets. The infection starts beneath the edges of the gums and progresses into the membranes that attach the root of the tooth to the socket. There, a pocket is formed and as the pus is continually produced it is discharged into your mouth and swallowed. Also, as the tooth rises and falls in its diseased socket during ordinary chewing, bacteria are forced into the circulation and may be carried to other body parts, attacking tissues in which they can thrive including your heart, kidneys and lungs.

Second, like if you have a tooth decay it will links to damage to other organs in the body like gum infections and lung disease. Tooth decay can actually turn out to be a serious problem if left untreated. If dental decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, there can be serious implications. The pulp of the tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues connected to the rest of the body. The same blood supply that goes to the heart, the liver, the brain, and all other organs of the body, also circulates through the jaw, which carries the blood to the infected tooth and back. If the infection is in the upper arch and breaks through the maxillary sinus and carries the infecting agents toward the cerebral tissue, an individual can suffer a cavernous sinus thrombosis which can result in death. On the other hand, if the infection is in the lower arch and the infection reaches the fascial tissues under the mandible, a condition called Ludwig's angina can occur which in fact suffocates the patient and can result mortality.          

Third, bad breathe which is also known as halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene. In most cases of persistent bad breath, the smell comes from a build-up of bacteria within the mouth like in food debris, plaque and gum disease, smoking, dry mouth, medicines or in a coating on the back of the tongue. If these bacteria remain in your mouth, they will emit sulfur compounds and cause bad breath. Having bad breath affects the relationships with others and also your confidence and self esteem.

Fourth, is having a cracked tooth syndrome which refers to a toothache caused by a broken tooth or tooth fracture without associated cavity or advanced gum disease. Biting on the area of tooth fracture can cause severe sharp pains. These fractures are usually due to chewing or biting hard objects such as hard candies, pencils and nuts. The reason it hurts to bite when you have a cracked tooth is the fact that your tooth is flexing which microscopically stimulates the nerve in the tooth.  These hairlines cracks open and close which applies pressure on tubules that runs down the nerve of the tooth causing fluid to push and pull on the tooth nerve resulting in pain. The nerve in the cracked tooth is also being exposed to bacterial toxins that become inflamed making it sensitive allowing infection to spread to the nerve and bone tissue underneath resulting in an abscess.  If the crack goes untreated it will spread and deepen like a crack in glass and a part of the tooth may break off causing a need for a root canal or extraction. If left untreated for this condition it will cause severe pain, swelling, pus and possible bone loss that will put stress on your immune system and may affect your overall health.

The benefits of having the dental work included as part of the universal health care system is very important to our well being since oral health is linked to overall health. Good dental health is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular dental checkups which are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. Having a free access to treatment for any dental conditions that may develop in our life and it will help us to keep our natural teeth for as long as possible if not for a lifetime. Good oral hygiene can add comfort, enjoyment and years to our life. We will be able to communicate better, eat more easily and will maintain dignity

It would also help the general overall health of a client because they will maintain their healthy mouth structures, improve their appetite and may decrease the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, stroke and infectious diseases. It is even more important to those clients who are unconscious or intubated or to those who cannot do proper dental care by themselves; at least there is somebody to provide it for them. So, when thinking about our health, do not just think about blood, heart, lungs or others think about our oral health as well.