A lot of people are wondering can bad oral hygiene cause health problems? Can the COVID-19 pandemic make things worse?  Recent statistical analysis from Public Health England shows that there is a steady decline in oral health across different regions in the UK.  Currently, Darwen and Blackburn have the highest recorded cases of dental decay in children, registered at 50.9%. Compared to the national average at 23.4% this is a steep drop.  These oral problems can easily be avoided. But, with the socio-economic impact on poorer regions, and the massive repercussion of COVID-19, dental decay has become a serious problem. Dental offices only recently opened up for business and are willing to treat patients. However, the sudden change in routines and eating habits in isolation has put peoples’ dental health at risk. If you want to figure out how to maintain oral health and keep your teeth nice and clean, you’ve come to the right place. We prepared a guide for keeping the teeth perfectly healthy, including the value of dental health during COVID-19. how to maintain oral health

What is Good Oral Health and Its Real Impact on Overall Health

Despite the numerous efforts to boost teeth health, a lot of people are still experiencing dental decay.  According to experts, this health problem has remained a massive challenge in the UK for many years. But, with the pandemic, many healthcare services had to be put on hold, which placed a lot of pressure on anyone in the industry.  But, perfect oral health has to remain a top priority. If you want to know what is good oral health, you first need to figure out the impact it can have on your psychological and physical health. That’s because poor oral hygiene can have a detrimental impact on a person’s well-being.  It can affect your self-esteem, self-worth, mood, and more. Other than the emotional impact, terrible oral health can leave a massive effect on a person’s quality of life. It can make drinking and eating difficult. As a result, people will have trouble falling asleep, laughing, and smiling. 

Can Bad Oral Hygiene Cause Health Problems?

Based on clinical reports inadequate oral hygiene can lead to a series of health problems, such as gum disease and dental cavities. All of these issues are closely related to metabolic conditions, cancer, and heart illnesses. 

How Does Nutrition Affect Oral Health ?

For those wondering how does nutrition affect oral health, it’s time to start thinking about the food you eat. Nutrition, diet, and oral health have a bidirectional relationship, advises the American Dental Association.  All the food you eat will affect the health of the tissues in your mouth, while the health of the mount influences the way the body consumes the nutrients. The more sugars you eat, the higher the odds of developing caries, and the more acidic meals and beverages you consume, the higher the chances of developing erosive tooth wear.  But, this is not the only reason bad oral hygiene can result in health issues. Research shows that oral bacteria increases the probable risk of bacterial superinfections arising from the coronavirus.  Patients who are infected with the novel virus can also be vulnerable to periodontal diseases, altered biofilms, and feature increased levels of inflammatory markers that decrease their oral health.  The reason for that is relatively simple. The bacteria in the mouth creates a serious problem for the respiratory tract. It can worsen conditions like sepsis or pneumonia. If a person doesn’t pay attention to their oral hygiene, they are more vulnerable to inter-bacterial exchanges between the mouth and lungs. This makes respiratory illness more complicated.

How to Maintain Oral Health?

Now that we answered the question ‘can bad oral hygiene cause health problems’, it’s time to talk about the ways you can make your teeth healthier. Here are a couple of tactics the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends: 
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth.
  • Consume enough fluoridated water and stay hydrated.
  • Do regular check-ups with your dentist.
  • Avoid tobacco products.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum. 
  • Change the medications if they are causing dry mouth.
  • For patients with a metabolic condition, such as diabetes, it’s essential to manage the blood sugar and pay attention to any oral health complications (gum disease, cavities, etc.)
  • For caregivers, it’s critical to help those unable to take care of themselves to floss and brush the teeth properly.
what is good oral health When to Visit the Dentist UK During COVID-19? A lot of people are worried about whether or not to book a dentist appointment. Due to the ongoing pandemic, not that many people are getting dentist treatment. But, the more attention you pay to your oral health, the better it is for you and your teeth.  Like any other medical facility, dentists too have to follow strict protocols to stay safe during COVID-19. Which is why they’ve made the necessary preparations and planned the schedules to avoid long queues. That’s why visiting the dentist should be a top priority.  Especially if you notice any visible signs or changes to your oral health, like a bad smell, a change in taste, or toothache. Also if you knocked out a tooth, broke or chipped it, try to get a dentist evaluation as soon as possible. Another key sign is red or swollen gums. If the skin around the teeth becomes enlarged, it could suggest gingivitis or other gum diseases. 

Conclusion

Many people are avoiding dental care since they are terrified of getting infected with the coronavirus. But, maintaining optimal oral health should be a top priority. A dentist can take the weight off your shoulders and make sure you are not exposing yourself to bacteria that cause a range of different health problems. With the right oral hygiene, your teeth will be working at full steam.