Episode #85 - Oral health

VGS   Why is oral health important? What are the conditions that can result from poor oral health? And what are some of the steps each of us can take to improve our oral health?

Hello and welcome to Science in 5, I am Vismita Gupta Smith. We are talking to Dr Benoit Varenne today.Welcome Benoit. Let's start with why WHO places so much importance on oral health. Why is it important for everyone?

BV   You're right. Oral health is everybody's business. Oral health is the health of our mouth, our teeth and our gums. Oral health is so fundamental to our ability to breathe, to speak, to eat, but also even to smile. The mouth is a sort of starting point of our body systems, defence and immunity.

The new WHO report tells us that almost half of the world's population is affected by some oral disease, and vulnerable and marginalized populations are particularly affected.

This means that oral health and poor oral health is a marker of health inequalities. When oral health is compromised by disease or injury, general health is also affected. Oral disease can also have a social and economic impact in individuals and families by increasing household expenditures and seriously affecting people's quality of life and well-being.

VGS   Benoit explained to us what are the conditions that can result from poor oral health?

BV   The most common oral diseases and conditions are dental caries or tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss,dental trauma or oral cancer. All these diseases are preventable and treatable in the early stages. In more severe cases, oral disease can lead to disability and even death. Oral diseases are caused by a range of risk factors. They include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy food and drinks. All these risk factors are shared with other medical conditions or noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease or mental disorders.

The biggest challenges are cost and access to oral health care. In many countries oral health care are not accessible or not affordable for most people. Implementing prevention measures such as in schools, communities, and in work places is our best approach.

VGS   Benoit, speak to us about how we can maintain and improve our oral health?

BV   This is a great question, Vismita. We have a number of top tips valid for all ages. The most effective measure to prevent dental caries is to brush your teeth twice a day after the breakfast and before going to bed with a fluoride toothpaste. Something to remember is using toothpaste without fluoride is not effective against dental caries.

Second, to help prevent dental caries and maintain general health, reduce consumption of sugar in food and drink. Water is the best drink every day at any time.

Another tip is to protect your teeth and face from injury. Use protective equipment when you are doing sport, wear a helmet that covers the mouth if you are riding a motorcycle and do not forget your seatbelt if you are travelling in a car.