The root of all oral health issues

The root of all oral health issues

We simply don’t talk about oral care enough in terms of health — it’s mostly referred to in terms of beauty. Your smile is arguably one of your most important features — and while the attention to it is paltry in comparison to skin care, or haircare — oral health and overall health are inextricably connected and need our utmost attention. Why is it important for people to seek oral healthcare? “Oral health plays a vital role in one’s well-being, not just physically but psychologically as well,” says Dr Arif Kandoth, HOD Dentistry, Aster Clinics & Hospitals and Specialist Prosthodontist, Aster Clinic, JLT. “Not maintaining good oral health can lead to dental diseases such as foul breath, decayed teeth, tooth pain, and bleeding gums. Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to heart disease. Healthy teeth are the window to a healthy body. So, it is imperative that one maintains good oral hygiene by seeking professional help and visiting one’s local dentist every six months.” The signs to look for, says Dr Kandoth are blackening or greying teeth, bleeding gums, foul breath, deposits on teeth, sharp or dull pain and discomfort in chewing, to name a few. Usually, the body’s