Dubai: After the intestine, the mouth is the second most common place in the human body teeming with diverse bacterial communities. However, despite playing a pivotal role in maintaining bodily health, people give a very low priority to oral hygiene.
A study held at Zayed University has observed a sharp increase in oral disease, particularly among the youth of the United Arab Emirates. Some stats are quite upsetting for instance a staggering 40% of UAE children aged 2-19 suffer from tooth decay.
It is not only the youth who are reluctant to take care of their oral hygiene; people from every age bracket are found to have a non-serious attitude towards oral health.
Experts believe that oral hygiene is a habit that should be instilled from childhood. Those who have been trained to maintain oral health in their early years continue to do so in later stages of life
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There is a direct correlation between poor oral health, exemplified by gum disease and tooth decay, and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, underscoring the interconnectedness of bodily systems. When specific oral bacteria infiltrate the bloodstream, they cause inflammation and can even exacerbate pre-existing ailments.
The best approach to avoid any complications resulting from oral diseases is to form the habit of oral care, which includes regular brushing and flossing. A balanced diet and avoiding smoking also make a huge difference in maintaining oral health
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Moreover, the importance of preventive care measures, such as regular dental checkups, cannot be overstated. Accessible dental care, combined with awareness initiatives, and open discussions between dentists and patients, are exceedingly vital for mitigating oral health disparities and enhancing the dental care experience.
Every person will have to play their part in highlighting the importance of dental health as an integral part of well-being. This necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing media advocacy, educational outreach, and enhanced coverage of dental procedures
In this collective endeavor, insurers wield significant influence in disseminating the message that oral hygiene constitutes a cornerstone of overall health and vitality.