Having healthy teeth goes much further than what is apparent. The key is to understand that the oral cavity is not an independent system of the body, but rather it is the gateway to the rest of the body. Oral health has become a priority issue for the World Health Organization (WHO). The figures could not be more illuminating: 3.5 billion people worldwide – almost half of the world’s population – suffer from untreated oral diseases and, in the last thirty years, the situation has not improved.
The most common oral pathologies are dental caries, severe periodontitis, tooth loss and oral cancer, warns the WHO. Untreated dental caries is the most prevalent condition worldwide and is estimated to affect 2.5 billion people. Severe periodontitis, one of the leading causes of total tooth loss, is estimated to be suffered by an estimated one billion people worldwide. In addition, about 380,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year.
Given this panorama, experts consider it essential to move from a preventive to a curative approach to achieve lower figures in terms of the prevalence of these ailments. In the case of Spain, gingivitis, a serious gum disease that manifests itself through inflammation and bleeding, has a high incidence: one in two people suffers from it. If not treated in time, it can lead to tooth loss, becoming the prelude to periodontitis.
Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease that can increase the possibility of having systemic diseases or aggravate those we already suffer from, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases—the latter are the leading cause of mortality in Spain, according to the Spanish Heart Foundation. Although prevention must be extended to the entire population, patients who suffer from these pathologies must take special care of their oral health. For them, maintaining good habits is even more essential.
For example, in the case of diabetes there is a bidirectional correlation between this condition and periodontitis. A diabetic person can multiply the risk of having periodontal disease by four, while someone with periodontitis should know that they are more likely to be affected by diabetes. Likewise, various medical institutions such as the American Heart Association recommend taking care of gum health as a way to prevent cardiovascular complications and disorders.
Establishing correct daily oral hygiene habits helps prevent gum disease and, consequently, contributes to good health in general. In fact, gingivitis can be reversed and having a healthy mouth again is possible. The solution is not to neglect regular visits to the dentist, who will assess the general condition of our mouth and what treatment to carry out if necessary. In addition, we must use a suitable paste and mouthwash.
When preventing and treating gingivitis, it is advisable to use products with antiseptic and antiplaque active ingredients such as CPC, which inhibits the formation of bacterial plaque and reduces its formation, controlling the development of the disease. In fact, there are formulations where the main ingredient is sodium bicarbonate, a salt that acts as an antiseptic, stopping bleeding but does not stop the problem at its roots.
For this, there is the Vitis gum range specially formulated to treat inflamed and bleeding gums. Along with CPC, it is made up of other specific active ingredients such as provitamin B5, which reduces inflammation and revitalizes the gums, zinc lactate, which inhibits bleeding and enhances the antiseptic effect of CPC, as well as fluoride to keep teeth free. of cavities.
To these specific products, a correct brushing routine should be added after each meal, lasting at least two minutes and from the gums to the end of the tooth, choosing a brush that suits our needs, using floss. or dental tape once a day and use the mouthwash for thirty seconds. However, regular visits to the dentist are another key to correct prevention, especially in the event of any warning signs. Therefore, enjoying good health can depend not only on our mouth, but is also in our hands.
