Oral Health and Tobacco: Using tobacco products can result in serious oral health problems. Many are already aware that tobacco products are linked to several chronic diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema, but using tobacco also puts people at significantly higher risk for oral cancer and periodontal disease. For individuals concerned about their appearance, tobacco use is also associated with bad breath, stained teeth and bleeding gums. For more information on tobacco see the Tobacco Fact Sheet from the American Dental Hygienists» Association.
Diet and Nutrition: Eating a nutritious and low sugar diet is a sure way to maintain good oral hygiene. Foods high in sugar and starch mix with the bacteria (plaque) in the mouth to form acid that eats away at teeth. In addition, scalding hot foods, and char-grilled foods have been linked to increased rates of oral cancer. A few ways to reduce the risk of cavities through diet include eating less sugar, incorporating calcium into diets, and snacking less between meals. Diets high in vitamin C and fresh fruits and vegetables can also help prevent oral cancer. For more information on oral health and nutrition, visit the World Health Organizations website.
Injury Prevention: Common injuries to the mouth include broken teeth, tongue bites, and toothaches. These injuries are often painful, but they can be prevented. Avoiding hard foods such as ice and popcorn kernels can reduce the risk of injury, and sports related oral injuries can be prevented by using a mouth guard. For more information on oral injuries and prevention, visit the American Dental Association»s website on dental emergencies and injuries.
Drug Use » Methamphetamines: Methamphetamines (also known as speed, crank, and crystal etc.) have an intensely negative effect on oral hygiene. Methamphetamines themselves are very acidic, and cause severe tooth decay. Other effects that methamphetamines have on teeth include craving foods and beverages high in sugar which produce acid, as well as constant teeth grinding that can wear down the protective covering of teeth known as enamel. If you or someone you know is using methamphetamines it is never too late to get help. Visit the American Dental Association»s »Meth Mouth• website for more information.
Oral Cancer Screening: When diagnosed early, the survival rate for oral cancer is quite high. According to the American Cancer Society, »If the cancer is found early, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 82%.» The chances of survival greatly decrease if oral cancer is not treated early. Symptoms of oral cancer can range from a sore in the mouth that will not heal to difficulty in swallowing. For more information on detecting oral cancer and its symptoms, please see the American Dental Hygienists» Association fact sheet on oral cancer.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin » a chemical used to process sugar. Diabetics (people with diabetes) are at higher risk for mouth infections, especially gum disease. Other problems diabetics may experience are dry mouth and fungal infections called thrush. If you have diabetes, you can prevent oral health problems by controlling your blood sugar, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist on a regular basis. For more information on diabetes and oral health, see the National Institutes of Health brochure on oral health and diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease and Oral Health: Does taking care of ones» mouth mean that their heart will be healthy too? Recent studies suggest that individuals who have chronic inflammation of the gums may be at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD.) Other research implies that the presence of bacteria that causes gum disease is related to thicker carotid arteries. Much more research has to be done in order to say a link between oral health and CVD exists, but that does not mean people do not have to take care of their gums until more research is available. For more information on oral health and cardiovascular disease, please visit the National Institutes of Health»s Heart Disease and Oral Health webpage.
Premature Birth: Periodontal disease in mothers may increase the chances of premature or low birth weight births. Brushing and flossing every day and seeing a dentist two times a year are ways to lower the risk of periodontal disease, thus potentially lowering the risk of a difficult birth outcome. For more information on periodontal disease and premature birth and low birth weight babies, visit the American Academy of Periodontology»s Preterm Low Birth Weight Births website.
HIV/AIDS: People living with HIV and/or AIDS often experience oral health complications such as lesions and thrush which require suitable dental care. Although dental professionals in the United States cannot withhold care from someone because they are HIV positive, it is important to obtain care from someone who understands how to provide services to someone living with HIV. If you or someone you know is HIV positive and would like more information on oral health treatment and care, please visit Project Inform. For dental professionals who want more information on providing care to patients with HIV, please visit the American Dental Association»s website.
Transmission from Mother to Infant: Studies show that oral bacteria can be transmitted from the mother to an infant in utero, and during birth. After birth, bacteria can also be easily transferred from a mother»s mouth to her newborn infant. New mothers should avoid sharing utensils with their infants, testing the temperature of bottles with mouths, or orally cleaning pacifiers or bottle nipples. These simple guidelines can limit harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay from getting into infants» mouths.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is disorder characterized by low bone density. Studies show people with osteoporosis have a higher risk of losing their teeth because jawbones become too weak to hold their teeth in place. Seniors need to be especially attentive to their dental health as they are more susceptible to osteoporosis and tooth loss. Approximately one in three seniors over the age of 64 experiences tooth loss. Osteoporosis can be prevented, which would reduce the risk of tooth loss. Chances of keeping teeth intact can be improved by eating a diet high in calcium and vitamin D, getting regular dental check-ups, and by avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. For more information on osteoporosis and oral health, see the National Institutes of Health»s fact sheet.
Learning at School: Although people may be wonder, »what does oral health have to do with learning?» scientific evidence shows that students with good oral health are better students. Early tooth loss can result in absence from, and an inability to concentrate in school; and toothaches can result in lower academic test scores. By taking the necessary steps to care for a child»s teeth, children are simultaneously prepared to learn. For more information on oral health and learning, see the Maternal and Child Health Bureau»s fact sheet.
Productivity at Work: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 164 million hours of work each year in the United States are lost due to dental disease or dental visits. Dental problems can also restrict work activity, making hours spent at work less productive. By getting routine dental check-ups, brushing and flossing, loss of work time can be avoided.