Our teeth, eyes and ears perform highly specialized functions. There are a large number of nerves
governing sensation to these parts of the body, and when problems arise the resulting pain may be
quite severe. The sensation of pain is a valuable trigger that warns us that there is something wrong
and that we should seek medical advice.
Teeth
When it comes to looking after your oral health your dentist plays an integral role in both treatment and prevention. It is recommended that you see them every 6-12 months for a check up and clean.
However the role of the dentist is much more important than just cleaning teeth. They perform
specialized functions such as repairing damaged teeth, fitting special dental plates and false teeth,
ensuring that they are checked regularly so they fit well and do not cause any damage to the gums.
One of the most important roles of the dentist is to examine teeth for signs of tooth decay, and gums
for signs of gum disease.
Some dentists further specialize in orthodontics which corrects unevenly spaced or crowded teeth.
This form of treatment is primarily used on children or adolescents as their teeth are still developing.
It often involves the use of fixed braces and can take up to a couple of years to complete.
Oral Hygiene
Apart from regular visits to the dentist, personal oral hygiene is also vitally important for our denta
health. When it comes to brushing teeth it is best to use a soft brush and to start at the gum level and
brush away from the gums. Flossing teeth daily reduces the germs that like to live in crevices between
teeth and this will decrease the risk of dental caries occurring in spots that are difficult to clean. Ideally,
brush your teeth after every meal. Toothpaste containing fluoride is especially important as it helps the
teeth repair enamel and makes them more resistant to acids that cause decay.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is also known as ‘caries’ and results from acids produced by germs (plaque) that sit in
and around the teeth and gums. These germs convert carbohydrates (such as sugar) in sweet foods
into acid which attacks the enamel of the teeth and irritate the gums (gingivitis).
Tooth decay is more likely to occur if:
- Teeth are not brushed regularly to remove plaque.
- A diet that is very high in sugar is consumed on a regular basis.
- If an individual has a persistently dry mouth.
- If there is a medical condition such as diabetes present that increases the risk of germ
overgrowth.
There are a variety of antibacterial mouthwashes available from the pharmacy to reduce the incidence
of gingivitis. With proper oral hygiene and the addition of fluoride in our drinking water and toothpastes,
tooth decay in this day and age is really a preventable health problem.
Losing a tooth
Teeth can be loosened or lost through trauma. If the tooth is knocked out it should be gently replaced if possible, or kept in the mouth in the pocket that forms between the gum and the cheek (if this happens to a child, place the tooth in milk). A dentist should be urgently consulted. The dentist can also assist with making a mouthguard for people that play high risk sports.
Mouth ulcers
Teeth are also a common cause of mouth ulcers, especially if a dental plate is worn or if teeth are crowded in the jaw or not in good alignment. It is common for the molars to bite the cheek on the inside. If the same area is repeatedly traumatised a dentist must be consulted. Other causes of mouth ulcers include infections (such as the virus causing cold sores, or thrush in older people) and ‘apthous’ ulcers which are very painful and shallow with a yellow scum on top.
Antibacterial mouthwashes may help reduce mouth ulcers. If mouth ulcers don’t appear to have a cause and are severe or recurrent a doctor or dentist should be consulted (especially in older people
and smokers).
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The best way of keeping ears healthy is to keep them dry and not to use cotton buds (as wax will be
pushed further into the ear canal and become obstructed). Wet ear canals cause swimmer’s ear which
is a fungal or bacterial infection in the outer ear. There may be discharge or echoing of hearing, and the problem may grumble on for weeks and may become quite severe. This is treated by prescription ear
drops and sometimes by oral antibiotics. Wet ear may be prevented by over-the-counter ear drops from
the pharmacy, which reduce the problem when used before swimming.
It is very important to avoid very loud noise or other high decibel noise - for example from machinery or aircraft. This is a major risk factor for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and for hearing loss. Ear plugs are a
very effective way of preventing noise-related damage. Work-related hearing loss and concerts with
loud music are the most common causes of unnecessary high pitched hearing loss in the community.
Otitis Media – Middle Ear Infection
Otitis Media is an infection, commonly due to viruses or bacteria, of the middle ear. Symptoms usually include pain (which may be severe), temperature and deafness. Mild cases are commonly due to
allergy or viral infections (as part of a cold or other virus) and are usually not treated with oral
antibiotics. More severe cases are bacterial and this is most commonly seen in young children,
especially after a recent cold. The pharmacy will have several appropriate types of pain relief
medications, such as paracetamol, paracetamol and codeine elixirs and ibuprofen. Occasionally
grommets are needed to reduce the number of attacks and to treat prolonged glue ear.
Glue Ear
‘Glue ear’ refers to a condition where the secretions in the middle ear become thickened after an
infection. It is diagnosed by looking into the ear. It may last anywhere from a week to a few months,
and is associated with hearing loss which is not permanent. It is common in children and may cause
a temporary delay in their speech and learning. There is no truly effective treatment for this condition
and it tends to resolve in time.
It is vital to keep eyes healthy, and many ways of doing so are frequently overlooked! Sunglasses
should be used from early childhood onwards to decrease the risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens associated with ageing and ultraviolet light) and sun-related cancers of the eye.
Strained Eyes
Focusing eyes close up for long periods at computer screens or books leads to eye strain, where the muscles of the eyes become tired and headache and eye aches result. The problem is avoided by
taking a break every hour and focusing into the distance for 5 minutes or so. This allows the muscles
to relax. Being short sighted or far sighted may also cause eye fatigue and this is easily diagnosed by
an optometrist.
Red and Irritated Eyes
Eyes may become mildly red and gritty from a variety of causes. Allergy and dryness are common
problems in Australia and usually respond to over-the-counter products, such as eye lubricant drops
and antihistamine drops. If an eye is sore or is not responding to the treatment, medical advice
should be sought quickly.
Protective eyewear is vital when doing jobs involving welding or whenever there is a risk of something
falling or flying off into the eye. If this does happen the eye should be gently padded shut and medical
advice should be sought.
© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this booklet, to the extent permitted by API, their agents and employees:
a. will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and
b. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any loss (including, without limitation, any
injury, claim, suit, damage, cost and expense) arising out of or incurred in connection with any
reliance on the contents of this booklet by any person and irrespective of whether such loss
arises out of API’s negligence or otherwise.
