‘HEALTHY MOUTH HEALTHY BODY’
Our fellow residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Government Dental Department under the Ministry of Health and Human Services are very delighted that you can join us in the month of October in celebrating Oral Health Month. The month is being celebrated under the theme ‘HEALTHY MOUTH, HEALTHY BODY’; from October 1st to October 30th, 2021.
During this month we will be highlighting various activities, geared at sensitizing the general public on the relevance of having a healthy mouth that contributes to a healthy body.
As rightly emphasized by the former US Surgeon General Everett C. Koop M.D (1916-2013) “You are not healthy without good oral health”.
Oral health begins with a healthy mouth and in having a healthy mouth; your overall health will be improved. Everyone wants to be healthy. Health is wealth. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone to prioritize your oral health especially this month of October.
A healthy mouth is a mouth that is clean, and free from oral diseases, and that is what we are advocating.
An unhealthy mouth that presents with dental caries, gum diseases, periodontal diseases, receding gums, mouth lesion, tongue lesions, halitosis; among other oral conditions, will result in an unhealthy body.
Studies have shown links between poor oral health and other health conditions, as a result of bacteria and inflammation that occur in the mouth.
Bacteria from unhealthy structures within the mouth, can be transferred through the bloodstream and compromise the overall health of an individual. Such can have an effect on the heart, kidneys, lungs, brain, and reproductive system.
Scientific Evidence-Based research, support findings linking an unhealthy mouth with causative link to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, head and neck cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, pre-mature death, and low birth rate.
As of recent, researchers have indicated also that COVID-19 virus has been detected for some individuals as an oral ulcer within the mouth.
There is numerous evidence showing correlations between diseases that affect the body such as HIV, Herpetic diseases, Vitamin deficiencies, among others , will first manifest within the mouth.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums can help you live longer. There are a few tips that you can follow to help you achieve this, such as, maintaining a balance diet, eating foods low in sugar, exercising, and brushing and flossing at least three times a day. Visiting your Dental professionals regularly at least every six months can be helpful in maintaining good Oral health and early detection of oral disease.
The dental department is here to assist you in maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy body.
Having great health is all about prevention. The old adage is still of relevance ‘Prevention is better than Cure’.
As we conclude this brief message. We are inviting you to visit our clinics during this month of October. Tune into the health matters radio program and encourage others to get involve in having healthy mouth-healthy body.
IT’S ALL ABOUT HEALTH!!!!