After we speak about taking care of our well being, do you concentrate on oral well being? We all know the fundamental guidelines of oral well being, like how we should always brush our tooth twice a day (bonus factors for those who do that after each meal) and go to the dentist a minimum of every year. However do you know that being feminine places us at a better threat of oral well being points?
For those who’re questioning why that is the case, blame it on… (shock, shock!) hormones. We expertise heightened hormone ranges throughout our menstrual cycle, being pregnant and menopause, and this could elevate the danger of dental points.
“Hormonal modifications throughout puberty, the month-to-month interval cycles and being pregnant usually result in elevated sensitivity to bacterial plaque accumulation, leading to swollen and bleeding gums,” defined Dr Yang Jingrong, periodontics marketing consultant on the division of restorative dentistry, Nationwide Dental Centre Singapore. “Nevertheless, an essential level to notice is that, in a clear mouth, these hormonal modifications don’t trigger these signs.”
Dr Yang defined that there was no latest research of dental illness amongst Singaporean adults – the final one was performed in 1996. Nevertheless, a 2017 research discovered that in Singapore, 31 per cent of residents above 60 years of age haven’t any tooth in any respect.
“This proportion is significantly larger in comparison with the 17 to twenty per cent reported in different developed international locations. The upper prevalence of power ailments – together with oral ailments – as a result of ageing inhabitants will place rising calls for on Singapore’s healthcare system,” she mentioned.
So what’s one of the best ways to take care of our oral well being, to keep away from points sooner or later? The bottom line is being attentive to the quantity of plaque you could have. Plaque is the movie of micro organism that types in your tooth and it accumulates every day. Intention to cut back the bacterial load in your mouth, by good oral hygiene, to stop gum illness and tooth decay.
Fast refresher: What’s good oral hygiene?
- Thorough toothbrushing, particularly on the gum line (junction between tooth and gums) with a tender bristled toothbrush
- Use of interdental aids (flossing, interdental brushes) to wash in between the tooth
- Tongue cleansing, both with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush
After we grow old, menopause might have an effect on oral well being too. The hormonal modifications trigger dry mouth, modifications to the style of meals, burning sensation within the mouth and higher tooth sensitivity to cold and hot meals and drinks, mentioned Dr Yang. Having a dry mouth places you at a better threat of tooth decay as a result of lack of safety from saliva.
Sounds bleak, however the excellent news is, our oral well being standing is just about in our fingers – to be extra particular, it lies with our oral hygiene and way of life habits. Right here’s a take a look at the highest dental points amongst girls of their 20s to 40s, and learn how to maintain them at bay.
High dental points amongst girls
Supply: Her World