Importance of Oral Health

1. Importance of Oral Health

2. Did you know?
• Oral health can offer clues about overall health.
• Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of the body.
The mouth is swarming with bacteria, just like several
other areas of the body, most of them harmless. Normally
the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care,
such as brushing daily and flossing, helps keep these
bacteria under control.
However, without proper hygiene, bacteria levels can be
so harmful that it might lead to oral infections, such as
tooth decay or gum disease.

3. Conditions that are Linked with Oral Health
• Endocarditis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung disease
• Premature birth and low birth weight
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s disease

4. Myth or Fact?
Acid causes tooth decay.
 Fact. Acidic foods break down your teeth’s outer shell (enamel),
weakens the tooth, and make teeth more prone to decay
You’ll know when you have a cavity.
 Myth. Sometimes you will know it, but at that point it may have
spread to larger proportions that it would have it had been found
at a routine dental screening.
Chips and cracks in teeth lead to decay.
 Fact. Cracks and chips create a home for bacteria where a
toothbrush will not reach, speeding up decay.
Sensitivity in teeth Means You Have Decay.
 Myth. Cavities can cause some sensitivities to cold and sweets,
but not all.
You have to brush, floss, and rinse to prevent cavities.
 Fact. Prevention is key!!

5. Practicing Good Oral Health
It is important to practice good oral hygiene every day.
This includes:
• Brushing teeth at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Eating a healthy diet and limiting in between meal snacks
• Replace toothbrush every three to four months or sooner once
bristles are frayed
• Schedule regular dental checkups, at least twice a year

6. Why is Dental Care Important?
• Prevents tooth decay
• Prevents gum disease, which can
damage gum tissue and the bones that
support the teeth. This can lead to the
loss of teeth
• Prevents bad breath
• Helps keep teeth white my
preventing staining from food and
drinks
• Improves overall health

7. Top Excuses for Not Flossing
1. “Food never gets stuck in my teeth” – Flossing is not only to
remove food from the teeth, it gets rid of plaque.
2. “I don’t have time to floss” – Find a time of day that works and
make it a part of your daily routine.
3. “It hurts when I floss” – If you brush and floss daily, bleeding and
pain should stop in less than two weeks.
4. “My teeth are too close together” – Try waxed or glide floss for an
easier fit.

8. 15 Signs You Should See A Dentist
1. Teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
2. Gums are puffy and/or bleed when brushed or flossed
3. You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
4. You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
5. Persistent bad breath or bad taste
6. Pregnancy
7. Pain or swelling in mouth, face, or neck
8. Difficulty chewing or swallowing
9. Family history of gum disease or tooth decay
10. Any medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
eating disorders, or are HIV positive
11. Often have dry mouth
12. Smoke or use other tobacco products
13. Undergoing any medical treatment such as radiation,
chemotherapy
14. Jaw pops or is painful when opening and closing
15. Spot or sores that doesn’t look or feel normal

9. Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?
Check-Up
The dental professional will check for cavities and to see if there is
plaque or tarter on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of
bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tarter. Tarter
cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.
Cleaning
The dental professional will use special tools to
remove tartar called scaling. After the teeth are
scaled, they may be polished. This will help
remove any surface stains on your teeth. The
final step is flossing to make sure the areas
between your teeth are clean.

10. References
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentalhealth.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475?pg=2
http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/action-for-dental-health
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health