When the question is asked: name some most common non-communicable diseases, it is usual to recollect names such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension; very rarely does one say – oral cavity diseases. The authoritative body on health, WHO (World Health Organization) states oral disease is one of the most common non-communicable disease that affects people of all age groups, throughout the lifetime causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death.  Problems of dental health result in loss of self-confidence, self-esteem, introverted nature and consequent loss in social well-being, and finally, at times, loss of socialization opportunities and job prospects. Non-communicable oral disease impacts 360-degree lifestyle including work life.

Dental disease normally covers teeth and gums, while oral health is a more broad-based term encompassing oral cancer, oral diseases due to HIV, cleft lip and palate, and noma.  The last one – noma, is an infectious disease in which cell death occurs, flesh eating bacteria cause great harm, seen mainly in poor African countries, sufferers have weak immunity and suffer extreme malnutrition.  Untreated noma leads to severe gum disease and even death.

Oral health is crucial for daily living:

Eating, speaking, smiling, tasting, and socializing are all dependent on a healthy oral cavity.  Gum infection and dental caries or tooth decay are common oral health problems, and these disrupt normal living.  Sleep disturbance and lowered productivity are a consequence of oral medical problems.  Due to oral problems people find it difficult to consume choice foods, and eating habits change.  Elderly subjects with reduced number of teeth and weak teeth give up hard foods and choose only soft foods.  Due to poor dental health, diet and nutrition are affected and this worsens general health.  Dental disease complications destroy soft tissues in mouth cavity, and can lead to major problems including death. Dental disease and poor oral health leads to decreased social activity, it affects how a person looks and sounds. As dental health issues are normally addressed to with seriousness, it is not an exaggeration to call oral disease as a ‘silent epidemic’.

Children are more vulnerable to ill effects of oral health: 

If a child lacks dental or oral health, participation in classroom activities, learning, group assignments and overall schooling is below par – this affects child development right upto adulthood.  Lack of social skills due to oral or dental problems creates a chaotic adulthood for the child.  Eating and nutrition problems are more in children with poor oral health.  Three year old children with nursing caries, weighed about 1 kg less than control or normal children – as per a study, as toothache and infection alter eating habits, sleep cycle, diet, metabolism and weight gain. Oral health seemingly an innocuous and not so serious malady is actually a major NCD with far reaching consequences affecting child growth, career, and matrimonial, family, social and professional life.

WHO has taken note of this serious affliction and has given a comprehensive definition of oral health: “a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing”.

While lack of use of oral care products affects oral health, lifestyle factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and high sugars in food worsen the problems. In case of weak immunity patients and diabetics, susceptibility to these health problems including gum disease is more. Abscesses and poor wound healing of gum sores is a challenge in diabetics. Low fluoride toothpastes are safe to use and provide protection from dental caries.

There is a need to make oral health a major health issue:

Oral  and general health are integral to each other. There is a dire need to make it as a major health issue at primary healthcare level itself.  Infections in mouth can infect other internal organs too, similarly infections from other areas can infect oral cavity.  Poor dental health, gum disease and mouth infections lead to heart disease. Other gum disease complications include respiratory problems, premature birth, complications at birth, and stroke.  Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in diabetics causes gum disease.  Australia has hence declared in its national health policy: oral health is fundamental to overall health, well-being and quality of life. In short, it is wise to brush minimum twice a day, and also gargle mouth frequently particularly after food intake.

Sunil S Chiplunkar

 M Pharm (Pharmacology) MBA (Marketing) PGDHRM

VP-Business Development

Group Pharmaceuticals,Bengaluru

Ph: 6364578669

sunilchiplunkar@gmail.com

www.pharmaceuticalshealthcare.blogspot.in

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Tooth sensitivity is more common in people between 20 and 50 years old.  The prevalence of sensitivity is slightly higher among women with canines and premolars are most commonly involved. People who suffer from tooth sensitivity experience a short, sudden pain or discomfort in their teeth as a response to certain stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and beverages. They avoid their favorite foods and drinks such as hot coffee, ice cold soda, acidic fruits as well as brushing their teeth. Tooth sensitivity negatively impacts on individual’s quality of life.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity:

Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin is exposed due to loss of enamel or cementum and gum recession. Enamel can be lost as a result of aggressive tooth brushing, frequent consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages, excessive teeth grinding due to stress or using high abrasive toothpaste. Gum recession may occur as a result of hard brushing and gum disease. Tooth sensitivity can also occur due to dental procedures following teeth cleaning, root planning, tooth bleaching, crown placement and tooth filling.  Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually disappears in 4 to 6 weeks.

Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity:

1.Use a desensitizing toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste is the first line therapy for sensitive teeth. There are different desensitizing toothpastes available in the market with different composition such as potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, hydroxyapatite, pro-arginine, bioactive glass toothpaste etc. Research studies have shown that bioactive glass toothpaste provides long lasting relief from sensitivity and are highly resistant to acid challenge. Brushing twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste reduces pain in sensitive teeth.

2.Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush: Brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush may cause gums recession.  Use a sensitive toothbrush which contains soft or extra bristles and designed to be gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. Replace toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

3.Tooth Brushing Technique: Brush your teeth with a proper tooth brushing technique and don’t brush horizontally that exposes tooth root.  Always brush gently to prevent enamel loss. Brushing your teeth incorrectly, harshly and using too much pressure or force can contribute to gum recession and enamel loss.

4.Develop a Good Dietary Habits: Limit acidic foods and beverages that trigger pain in sensitive teeth. Avoid eating or drinking highly acidic foods and beverages such as oranges, soda, pickles, lemon, soft drinks, sports drink, wine etc. Brushing too soon after consuming acidic food or beverage can also lead to enamel erosion.

 5.Use mouth guard for Teeth Grinding: Mouth guards are used to protect from grinding or clenching teeth while sleeping.   If you clench your teeth or diagnosed with teeth grinding, make sure you protect your teeth with mouth guard. It is very effective way to control teeth grinding.

6.Maintain good oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is the best defense against most oral health problems including tooth sensitivity. Poor oral hygiene can lead gum disease or recession which, in turn causes sensitivity. Brush teeth twice daily, floss once a day, rinse mouth daily and visit your dentist every six months once for regular dental check–up.

Dr.Kamala D.N.

Medical Advisor (Oral Care)

Group Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bengaluru-560055

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