The oral cavity is a very important part of the human body. It houses the teeth, tongue, lips and other parts of the mouth. The oral cavity also has an impact on the overall health of the body as it is a major site for the absorption of nutrients, elimination of toxins and regulation of the immune system.
Oral health refers to the condition of the oral cavity. This includes both the inside and the outside of the mouth. In addition, oral health also encompasses the gums, teeth, tongue, lips, palate and other areas that make up the oral cavity.
The importance of good oral health can be easily understood if you consider that there are approximately 100,000 teeth in the average adult. Teeth have many functions. They help us chew food, they protect our jaw bones and teeth from injury and they aid in speech production. In addition, the teeth also play a role in the digestion of food by grinding it into small particles.
Teeth are constantly growing throughout our lives. During the first two years of life, we grow about one third of our adult height. During this time, the teeth continue to grow and develop. After age 20, however, the growth of the teeth slows down. As a result, the teeth may begin to recede or fall out.
It is important to note that the rate of tooth loss increases with age. As people age, their teeth become more brittle and less resistant to injury. At the same time, the rate at which the teeth are lost increases. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people over 60 to lose all of their teeth.
The oral cavity is also the primary site for the formation of plaque, a thin, sticky film that forms on the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque is caused by bacteria that thrive on foods and drinks that contain sugar. These foods and drinks include soft drinks, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, candy, ice cream, cake, cookies and many others.
Plaque is a normal part of life. It is necessary to form plaque in order for the body to maintain its normal balance of acidity and alkalinity. However, when plaque accumulates on the teeth, it creates an ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria. When these bacteria multiply and produce toxins, the gums and other tissues of the mouth can become inflamed. This is called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is the most common type of gum disease. It affects almost half of all Americans over the age of 40. Periodontal disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss. If left untreated, periodontal disease can also lead to bone loss around the teeth and even heart disease.
If you suffer from bad breath, you should be concerned about your oral health. Bad breath is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that cause the unpleasant odor.
There are many reasons why bad breath can occur. For example, gum disease can cause bad breath because the bacteria that live in the mouth release sulfur compounds that smell foul. Bad breath can also be caused by smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
Bad breath can also be caused by a variety of medical conditions including sinus infections, dry mouth, anemia, liver problems and certain types of cancer.
If you experience bad breath, it is important to see a dentist right away. The dentist will check your teeth and gums for any signs of infection or disease. He or she may also take x-rays to determine if you have any bone loss around the teeth. If you have bone loss, the dentist will recommend dental implants or dentures.
Dentists can also prescribe antibiotics to treat the bad breath. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Some dentists also use ozone therapy to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.
