The Tribune

By Dr Sparkman Ferguson

Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council

World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20. It is an international day put aside to highlight the benefits of a healthy mouth, to bring awareness of issues surrounding oral health, and to promote oral hygiene for all people.

Like other areas of health, “awareness” through promotion continues to be an important approach to health.

What are the benefits of a healthy mouth?

A healthy mouth is one where there is the absence of,or the control of mouth diseases. Mouth diseases basically fall into two main categories. One might say that a person either has disease of the teeth, or disease of the gums. In many instances, persons have diseases of both. The good news is that no matter the category, there is appropriate treatment to eliminate some disease states, and maintenance treatments available that control others.

The benefits of a healthy mouth are numerous. It is generally accepted that a healthy mouth is one that looks great outwardly with a beautiful smile. It is one that functions optimally, one that is able to chew comfortably. It is also one that smells good and allows people to interact comfortably in a social setting.

It further is one that retains our ability to speak phonetically well. To most people however,the number one benefit of a healthy mouth is that they are assured of not enduring mouth pains.

What are the issues surrounding oral health?

Oral health is deeply affected worldwide, and especially in the Bahamas, by three key components; these are:

1. A population’s dental IQ

2. A population’s economic status

3. A population prioritising oral health

A population’s low dental IQ and little understanding of oral health matters continues to be a global dilemma. Measures are constantly being created which are geared toward bringing knowledge to the masses.

A population’s economic status is perhaps the biggest issue surrounding oral health. Most people with low incomes simply cannot afford private oral health services. This is particularly where groups and organization that sponsor oral health can assist.

A population prioritising oral health is another important matter. Most people do not have a yearly dental budget. However, the same people keep an annual budget for their personal choices. It is notable that a professional dental visit is not one of the priorities.

Why promote oral hygiene?

Keeping the mouth clean is the singular need that all people have. Some persons realise this fact more than others. Dental communities promote oral hygiene because a clean mouth is the foundation of oral health. Many persons have a hard time connecting the mouth with the heart, or Type 2 Diabetes with a higher incidence of gum disease. However, we do know that without any other consideration, that if we manage to keep the mouth clean with meticulous home care, and regular professional cleanings, that our oral health remains relatively stable.

Conclusion

Every community wins when oral health gets the important attention that it deserves. I invite you to engage in an oral health conversation with a family member or a friend. Just talking about the subject might just motivate someone who has never considered seeing a dentist before.