Science & technology, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – The season and other special occasions are times when we generally put aside concerns of health and overindulge in heavy treats which as unhealthy. Individuals with diabetes and heart problems who over indulge in the season can be a particular concern for doctors, but our dental health is often over looked.
Boxing Day can be the most intense day for dentists who keep working over the summer holidays. This can be associated with numerous factors.
Clinical Professor Tony Skapetis, from the University of Sydney Dental School and a Clinical Director of Education in Oral Health at Western Sydney Local Health District states that these factors are not astonishing for people in the know.
Professor Skapetis also stated that Dentists who continue to work in the holidays are kept busy due to fewer dentist being available, but risks are also linked to summer and the holiday period that individuals keep watch to prevent an emergency appointment in the holidays.
Dental health issues in Australia are going up with roughly 70,000 preventable hospitalizations as a result of dental health issues every year, with 25% being avoidable, as revealed by a new analysis from researchers at the University of Sydney.
While certain measures are made to proactively maintain oral health year-round like flossing and brushing your teeth, with some in a run-down of some lesser-known risks that may be more prevalent during the season.
Researchers also point out that in spite most people taking time out to enjoy the season and relax, certain holiday activities can lead to unexpected risks for our teeth.
Dental emergencies can be generally classified as anything leading to substantial dental pain and not being able to eat. Dental trauma is a factor that can result from a broken teeth occurring due to hard or crunchy foods or external trauma happening as a result of accidents, dental infections that may lead to facial swelling and uncontrolled oral bleeding, generally following a tooth extracted, according to Professor Skapetis.
For people experiencing any of these symptoms or other pain or swelling at any stage, are advised to get advice from a dentist or other health professionals.
When placing Christmas decorations teeth are probably not the primary consideration, however Professor Skapetis points out that Christmas lights are a contributing factor for dental problems.
“People falling off roofs and ladders while putting up decorations are frequent visitors to the emergency department at this time of year, and almost 50 percent of facial trauma also has a dental component.”
To minimize this risk of an accident, make having another person assist in steadying the ladder, or possibly arranging Christmas decorations at lower levels to the ground, can be taken into consideration.
Food has always been a significant factor to cracked teeth, particularly hard, chewy lollies, caramels and brittles, according to Professor Skapetis.
Sweets are not the only culprits; summer staples with stony pits, such as cherries and olives, are also possible problems. There is also a need to be cautious when biting into fruits like peaches, mangos, plums and apricots. Fruit is a healthier option as long as you don’t misjudge the pit.
“Broken teeth may be a consequence of overindulgence, especially in foods you may not normally eat . Beware of trying foods without knowing what’s inside.”
Alcohol, along with other substances consumed during parties, may also lead to accidents and traumatic dental injuries and a large contributor to dental visits throughout the year.
“If you can’t access a dental clinic over the holidays and suffer dental trauma from falls or accidents, especially if you are unable to close your back teeth properly, or experience uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth or facial swelling due to a dental infection, you should be seen urgently by a medical GP. Some practices have extended hours, or you may need to visit a hospital emergency department.”
