A perfect smile with bright white teeth, pink gums, and fresh breath seem only like a brush away, but a majority of residents in the UAE are suffering from many hidden dental diseases and so are unable to achieve it.
We undervalue the importance of healthy teeth and preserving oral health.
We’ve listed the five most common oral health problems among the people of the UAE. On top of that list is dental caries, followed by gum and periodontal diseases, plaque, and calculus deposits also known as tartar, stains, and mouth sores.
1. Caries
Dental caries is the most common oral health disease in the UAE. A survey on oral hygiene of UAE residents showed that 80% was suffering from dental caries. Half of the surveyed people only visit the dentist when in pain and 20 % only visit the dentist once a year. The leading cause of dental caries is poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar content and junk food.
The problem arises upon the regular consumption of these foods. Hence, dentists recommend eating one large portion of fast food at one time during the day rather than consuming in smaller quantities throughout the day.
Tooth decay occurs when an acid softens the enamel and the dentine of the tooth after you consume something containing sugars. Over time, if not cleaned, the acid produces a cavity/hole in the tooth. Tooth decay is also referred to as dental caries.
A survey on oral hygiene of UAE residents showed that 80% was suffering from dental caries. – Emirates News 24/7
Brushing twice a day and flossing is the cornerstone for the maintenance of oral health. It is recommended that everyone should visit his or her dentist a minimum of twice a year.
Dental caries is not only prevalent in adults, but it is of great concern for parents in the UAE. Nursing bottle syndrome is commonly seen, which is caused when the baby’s teeth are in contact with sugary drinks, formula milk, or sugary water.
Parents should keep the baby’s bottle clean, sugary free, and should not give the bottle for a more extended time while the baby is sleeping. If so, the bottle should only contain water.
Dentists recommended as well that after the first tooth of the child erupts, the child should see the dentist every six months.
2. Gingival and Periodontal diseases
Gingival and periodontal diseases are common in UAE.
Inadequate and improper oral hygiene produces a bacterial over growth in the mouth, in and around our gums and teeth. It is created over time when food residue on the tooth has not been adequately cleaned. This leads to gingivitis, a condition that causes gym inflammation.
People having diabetes are more prone to gingival and periodontal diseases; therefore, they need to follow an oral hygiene routine given by their dentist.
3. Dental Calculus (Tartar)
At first plaque forms on teeth if it is not removed by brushing, then it mineralizes gradually and forms hard calculus also called tartar, which then only can be removed by a dental professional. People with plaque and calculus deposits are more prone to gingival and periodontal diseases.
All information mentioned here is supported by scientific evidence.
4. Stains
Smoking not only increases the chance of gum diseases but also cause discolouration of teeth.
Similarly, certain foods are also responsible for staining the teeth, such as: coffee, soya sauce, black tea, red wine, tomato sauce, fruit juice, curry, beets, gummy candies, soda, balsamic vinegar and berries.
5. Mouth Sores
There are different types of sores that can appear anywhere within the oral cavity. It ranges from mid ones that arise due to trauma or irritation, to very severe ones. which may be due to any malignancy (tumor).
A regular dental check-up is therefor necessary, to avoid any of these common oral health problems.
Other Risks in Common Health
The majority of all systemic diseases will show oral symptoms as well. Such symptoms as swollen gums, dry mouth, excessive plaque build up and tongue coat accumulation.
Digestion problems: digestion starts in the mouth. An unhealthy oral micro biome could lead to intestinal problems and other digestive disorders.
Heart disorders could be triggered by infections in the mouth (such as bacterial endocarditis), etc.
Oral hygiene tips:
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with non-toxic toothpaste.
Floss every day to extract plaque from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Eat a balanced diet to provide the required nutrients (in particular vitamins A and C) to avoid gum disease.
·Stop cigarettes, vaping and other smokeless tobacco that are known to lead to gum disease and oral cancer.
Visit the dentist for routine cleaning and check-ups. This is the most efficient ways to identify early symptoms of gum disease.
How important are regular dental check-ups?
Visiting your dentist regularly will help you know if you are at risk of chronic disease, as the health of your mouth represents the state of your body as a whole.
Do not hesitate to disclose to your dentist a full medical history and remind of any recent changes in health.
Regular oral check-up is not just a good habit but a requirement to keep us healthy.
If you would like to get a full dental analysis - Contact our expert team today.
Secondary source educational information gathered by the author.
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