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Oral Health

Oral Mucosa

Beware of diseases entering through the mouth with over 900 types of oral bacteria

In modern society, as life’s pace accelerates and environmental pollution worsens, oral and throat health issues are increasingly concerning. The ancient saying “disease enters through the mouth” remains a vital health warning today. The oral cavity serves as a primary defense line between the body and the external environment, playing an indispensable role not only in the digestion of food but also as a crucial barrier in filtering viruses, bacteria, and harmful substances through its multi-layered mucosal structure and abundant immune organs.

It’s noteworthy that the mouth harbors up to 900 types of bacteria, which are not only primary causes of periodontal disease and dental caries but may also enter the bloodstream or be ingested, leading to serious illnesses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions. This is especially severe in weakened or bedridden patients, who are more prone to inhaling bacteria and foreign bodies due to coughing, leading to aspiration pneumonia.

Diseases of the oral mucosa, aside from cavities and gum disease, are the third most common oral conditions, often complex and linked to systemic diseases. Typically manifesting as redness, swelling, pain, and ulcers in the mouth, these symptoms are easily overlooked. However, if not properly managed, they could lead to more severe health issues, such as oral cancer. Treatments like medications and radiation can also cause mucositis, significantly impairing health and quality of life.

Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and dietary habits is crucial for the health of the mouth and throat. Regular oral cleaning, avoiding shared utensils, keeping the mouth moist, frequent dental cleanings, and timely nutritional supplements like L-Glutamine are effective in preventing oral mucosal diseases. Additionally, if ulcers have formed, medicated sprays or ointments can be used to alleviate pain and promote healing.

Appropriate medication for oral or throat inflammation is also important. Minor viral infections can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, while bacterial infections might require antibiotics. However, for vulnerable populations like those with chronic illnesses or children, untreated inflammation could lead to more serious health issues, necessitating professional medical intervention.

In this context, it’s particularly important to detect and treat oral or throat issues early. Symptoms such as pain accompanied by fever, severe pain causing difficulty swallowing, inability to eat at all, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, or fatigue should prompt immediate medical attention. These could be signs of more severe health issues needing timely intervention to prevent worsening conditions.

Besides basic epidemic prevention measures to reduce the risk of droplet-transmitted diseases, people should also focus on hydrating and maintaining oral hygiene to keep the oral mucosa properly moistened and prevent damage. Finally, for those with severe inflammation or non-healing ulcers, especially those who frequently use harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, or betel nuts, prompt medical consultation is essential. This is not only because they might need professional treatment for inflammation but also because these symptoms could be precursors to precancerous lesions in the mouth.

In summary, good oral hygiene habits, a healthy diet, appropriate nutritional supplementation, and timely medical intervention are key to maintaining oral and throat health.