Caring for your teeth and gums on a regular basis, maintaining a proper hygiene routine and going to specialists helps prevent oral problems but also to identify other types of conditions.
Oral health goes beyond brushing your teeth after every meal. Correct hygiene habits can help in the prevention of dental problems in the medium and long term, as well as other types of conditions. In fact, in recent months and, as a result of home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of 13% in this type of problems has been detected, precisely because of the impossibility of attending periodic reviews and continuing with the treatments that were already underway.
According to the Sanitas Oral Health Study 2020, only one in four citizens go for a check-up at least twice a year, while 20% do so only if they detect a problem.
The main recommendation of dentists to protect oral health and prevent any condition is to brush your teeth three times a day; however, only half of the Spaniards carry it out. The same percentage of those who use some type of mouthwash, and twice as many who use dental floss on a daily basis, only a quarter of the population does. Despite this situation, the truth is that more and more people are concerned about their oral health (nine out of ten).
Among the main reasons to go to the dentist, the study reveals that oral hygiene and check-ups are the most demanded. However, there are many who come with some type of ailment, such as cavities (20.2%), gum problems (11.1%) or the need to remove a tooth (8.8%).
Possible symptom of other conditions
But these problems can lead to other conditions. For example, in periodontitis. It is a pathology that begins with inflammation of the gums as a result of the bacteria present in dental plaque. In fact, it is particularly worrisome during pregnancy and can even lead to problems when it comes to conceiving.
Another of the population groups that are most exposed to this type of conditions are athletes. As a result of dehydration or by ingesting carbohydrates, glucose-rich products or sugary drinks, athletes tend to have a higher risk of tooth decay and wear and tear, a situation that can directly affect their sports performance. Undiagnosed or treated cavities and periodontal injuries can lead to muscle and joint ailments and even delay recovery from injuries.
Oral health also includes the placement of teeth, since malocclusion can lead, for example, to migraines caused by a bad bite. In this sense, the most appropriate treatment is usually orthodontics, especially when the dental structure has been affected and affects several pieces.
Whatever the situation, the truth is that prevention continues to be the key to protecting the health of your teeth. Having dental health insurance such as Sanitas can help raise awareness of the need to maintain good hygiene and carry out regular check-ups, as well as facilitate access to appropriate treatments and therapies for each patient.
