Watch your mouth

Poor oral hygiene linked to several diseases

WINDHOEK-based dentist Kagiso Moloi says the mouth is the gateway to the body, calling on Namibians to prioritise oral hygiene to maintain overall health.

March is Oral Health Month, expanding on World Oral Health Day, which is observed annually on 20 March.

“Oral bacteria, particularly when accumulated as plaque, cause common infections like dental cavities and gingivitis or early gum disease.

“These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic issues, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections like pneumonia, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” he says.

Moloi says the international day is used to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy mouth, oral health issues, and the importance of oral hygiene.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide and are largely preventable, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people globally.

Moloi says common bacterial oral diseases include cavities caused by acid-producing bacteria that erode tooth enamel, gingivitis, marked by inflamed and bleeding gums, and periodontitis, an advanced gum infection that destroys the bone and ligaments supporting teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

Other conditions highlighted include halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, trench mouth, described as a severe and painful gum infection, and abscesses, which are pus-filled infections caused by deep tooth decay or periodontal disease.

The WHO’s Africa office this month said oral diseases, including dental caries, gum disease and tooth loss, affected 42% of the African region’s population in 2021, putting pressure on families, communities and health systems.

Moloi further links poor oral health to systemic illnesses, saying bacteria from oral infections may worsen cardiovascular disease by contributing to inflammation and plaque build-up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

He says oral bacteria may be inhaled into the lungs, leading to pneumonia, while serious gum disease could complicate blood sugar control in people living with diabetes.

According to him, diabetes may also increase the risk of kidney failure, nerve damage, the narrowing of arteries, eye damage that may lead to blindness, foot complications, and fungal or bacterial infections affecting the skin and mouth.

Moloi says oral bacteria have also been linked to liver infections and some cancers, including colon cancer.

To prevent these conditions, he advises brushing and flossing teeth twice daily to remove plaque and visiting a dentist every six months for professional cleaning.

The WHO also recommends prevention through good oral hygiene, reduced sugar intake and regular access to essential oral healthcare services.

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