Oral health refers to the daily methods used to keep your mouth and teeth clean and healthy.

Practicing good dental and oral hygiene can lead to the prevention of tooth decay, gum diseases, bad breath, and also improve your overall health significantly. The mouth and throat contain a certain number of bacteria that need to constantly be kept under control by cleaning the mouth clean. If the amount of bacterial increases, it can lead to mouth diseases and inflammation.

Top oral health concerns

Tooth decay

This is damaged caused on the teeth by the reaction between acids (from drinks, snacking etc.) in the mouth and bacteria. As a result, holes (cavities) can develop on the teeth and lead to tooth loss, infection, and pain. Cavities can be treated by crowns, fillings, using fluoride, and, in severe cases, root canals or removal of the tooth.

Gingivitis

This is the inflammation (swollen and red) of the gums as a result of bacterial infections. Your gums will start to bleed once you develop gingivitis, especially when you floss, brush, or use a toothpick.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an oral disease that occurs as result of untreated or persistent gingivitis and can lead to a more serious problem involving the bacteria navigating deep into the gums. This means that the bacteria cannot be reached by mouth wash, toothbrush, and/or flossing. When untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and or bone loss.

Cold sores

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. It is very contagious and can be passed from one person to another. Usually, they appear on the mouth and sometimes inside the nose or under the chin. They appear as red blisters and in clusters outside the mouth. The symptoms can include painful swelling and open sores.

Oral thrush

This is an oral disease caused by a fungus called candida, and it’s a fungal infection that occurs in the throat or mouth due to the growth of yeast in the mouth. The symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, white spots on the tongue and/or inside the mouth, and a sore throat.

Medications available

Medication used for oral hygiene are available as creams, ointments, and liquids (mouth wash).

Prescription or over the counter?

Below is a list of some of the oral care medications that you obtain over the counter:

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of oral care medicines may include:

• Tissue numbing;
• Burning or stinging in the mouth.

Contraindications

The use of any oral care products is contraindicated in any patient who is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients used in the formulations.