Oral Health Day: Dentist harps on proper hygiene
NAN-HG-5
Health
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, March 20, 2017 (NAN) Dr Adebayo Onisarotu, a Dentist with the General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, on Monday advised Nigerians to ensure proper hygiene of their oral health to avoid challenges.
Onisarotu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone in Abuja that some illnesses manifest in the mouth.
“There are some diseases that manifest in the mouth like those with High Blood Pressure and Diabetes, which is rampant.
“Some just feel is tooth issues they have, but when you carry out some examinations, one will find out that the person have some health challenges which are already affecting the gums and teeth,’’ he said.
Onisarotu said irregular maintenance of teeth could result to gum diseases later in life.
He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily to prevent gum diseases later in life.
According to him, gum disease is often silent, in which symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease.
He explained that gum diseases were common among adults, but could be avoided if the intake of sugary foods and drink are minimal.
According to him, gum disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is most common as a result of poor dental hygiene.
“Gingivitis is a common condition and varies widely in severity; it is characterised by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when teeth are brushed or flossed.
“Gum disease is mostly caused by improper oral hygiene, which allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums,’’ Onisarotu said.
He said the warning signs of gum disease include gums that were receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before.
“Other symptoms could be red, swollen or tender gums in your mouth, bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food,’’ said the expert.
NAN reports that Oral Health is celebrated every March 20.
It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of health mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of issues around oral health and hygiene. (NAN) OEO/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola