As Muslims we have been commanded by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to take care of our oral health and hygiene. Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'Was it not for my fear of imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salaat'." *Bukhari. Today people are becoming increasingly aware and conscientious of what is good and bad and paying more attention to their well being. Despite, all this it seems that people still do not realize the importance of oral hygiene and the role that it plays in their overall health. Alhamdulilah, more and more people are realizing its importance, but I would like to see a greater increase in this aspect within the Muslim community.
Not only does your oral hygiene impact your teeth and gums, in fact recent and ongoing studies have proved that it has a great impact in our systemic health. No longer should we think of going to the dentist or dental hygienist to simply clean your teeth, but as a means of preventing potential oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, that in turn will affect your overall well being.
Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections, such as: 1) contributing to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death 2) increase the risk of a stroke 3) Increase a woman’s risk of having a pre-term, low birth weight baby and4) poses a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis.
So now you may be asking yourself, “How do I get on track to good oral hygiene?” Well the first thing is to make sure you are brushing and flossing on a daily basis and with the right technique. The other most important thing is to visit a dentist and see a hygienist regularly. You should also make it a great effort to give up damaging habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco that besides its unappealing smell, it has been linked to cancer, emphysema and many other diseases. And last but not least is being wise about the foods that we eat. Healthy foods help diminish the formation of plaque.
Remember that with kids, parents set the example. Good oral hygiene habits should be instilled into kids from a young age by helping them brush and floss at least once a day. Kids under 10 years of age should be supervised, and for infants (when they get their teeth) a moist towel can be used to wipe them, and never let them go to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in their mouth; The sugar contained in these drinks, along with bacteria, will cause detrimental damages to the dentition of your child.
Good oral hygiene prevents the build up of plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria and food that forms on the teeth, gum line, and tongue. Plaque adheres to the teeth surfaces and fissures and generates acid that if not removed on a regular basis (ideally twice a day), it eats away the enamel of the teeth and causes holes which are clinically known as cavities. Plaque also irritates the gums which can further lead to gum disease (periodontal disease).
Another problem that many people encounter is bad breath or halitosis. The good news is that with proper care that can be eliminated. The majority of the time bad breath comes from bacteria in the mouth and other times can stem from some stomach problem or nasal drip. To pin point the problem the best solution is to see your dentist and dental hygienist and keep a good oral hygiene regime at home thereafter.
So remember, the way to achieve a healthy mouth is by visiting your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis, keeping up the good habits at home of brushing and flossing, giving up bad habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco, and incorporating healthier eating habits that consists of less simple sugars.
Let us be examples not only to our families and children, but also a model to others in our communities and remember that “cleanliness is from Iman (faith)”.
By: N. Mena
Dental Hygiene Student
