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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.
Conditions that are Linked with Oral Health
• Endocarditis• Cardiovascular disease• Lung disease• Premature birth and low birth weight • Diabetes• Osteoporosis • Alzheimer’s disease
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!!
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
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
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.
15 Signs You Should See A Dentist 1. Teeth are sensitive to hot or cold2. Gums are puffy and/or bleed when brushed or flossed3. You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.4. You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look5. Persistent bad breath or bad taste 6. Pregnancy 7. Pain or swelling in mouth, face, or neck8. Difficulty chewing or swallowing9. Family history of gum disease or tooth decay10. Any medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive11. Often have dry mouth12. Smoke or use other tobacco products13. Undergoing any medical treatment such as radiation,
chemotherapy14. Jaw pops or is painful when opening and closing15. Spot or sores that doesn’t look or feel normal
Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?Check-UpThe 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.
CleaningThe 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.
References
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentalhealth.htmlhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475?pg=2http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/action-for-dental-healthhttp://www.webmd.com/oral-health
