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Health Topics: /Dental and oral health

It's important to take care of your mouth and teeth starting in childhood. If you don't, you could have problems with your teeth and gums - like cavities or even tooth loss.

Here's how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:

  • Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another type of between-the-teeth cleaner
  • Snack smart - limit sugary snacks
  • Don't smoke or chew tobacco
  • See your dentist or oral health professional regularly

NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Start Here

  • Daily Tips for Good Oral Hygiene (Academy of General Dentistry)
  • How Does What I Eat Affect My Oral Health? (Academy of General Dentistry)
  • Mouth and Teeth: How To Keep Them Healthy (American Academy of Family Physicians)Available in Spanish
  • Oral Health: Brush Up on Dental Care Basics (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
  • Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums 

    Diagnosis and Tests

     Healthy mouth, healthy body T he mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. For example, systemic diseases—those that affect the entire body, such as diabetes, AIDS and Sjögren’s syndrome—may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of periodontal disease that can cause tooth loss) is linked with other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering preterm and/or low-birth-weight infants. EXPLORING POSSIBLE LINKS More studies are needed, but some researchers suspect that bacteria and inflammation linked to periodontitis play a role in some systemic diseases or conditions. Likewise, diseases such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe. Several studies link chronic inflammation from periodontitis with the development of cardiovascular problems. Some evidence suggests that oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, arterial blockages and stroke. People with diabetes often have periodontal disease. In addition, there is evidence that people with diabetes are more likely to develop and have more severe periodontitis than those without diabetes. Some studies suggest that periodontitis can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Although periodontitis may contribute to these health conditions, it’s important to understand that just because two conditions occur at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. That’s why researchers are examining what happens when periodontitis is treated in people with these various health problems. WHAT YOU CAN DO Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, prevention may be an important step in maintaining overall health. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Clean between your teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner once a day. Your dentist may recommend using an antimicrobial mouthrinse as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Choose dental products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, which may reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Schedule regular dental checkups. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove calculus (tartar), which traps plaque bacteria along the gum line. If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist: dgums that bleed during brushing and flossing; dred, swollen or tender gums; dgums that have pulled away from your teeth; dpersistent bad breath; dpus between your teeth and gums; dloose or separating teeth; da change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; da change in the fit of partial dentures. Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health, particularly any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history, including medication use—both prescription and over-the-counter products. If you use tobacco, talk to your dentist about options for quitting. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, pay particular attention to your teeth and gums. That’s because pregnancy—and the changing hormone levels that occur with it—can exaggerate some dental problems. Taking good care of your oral health is important for you and your infant. ? Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation with The Journal of the American Dental Association and the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any other use, copying or distribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the ADA Publishing Division. “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not substitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual patient’s needs and desires. Osteoporosis and tooth loss are health concerns that affect many older men and women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become less dense and more likely to fracture. This disease can affect any bone in the body, although the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist are affected most often. In the United States more than 53 million people either already have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass.

    Research suggests a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. The bone in the jaw supports and anchors the teeth. When the jawbone becomes less dense, tooth loss can occur, a common occurrence in older adults.

    Skeletal Bone Density and Dental Concerns

    The portion of the jawbone that supports our teeth is known as the alveolar process. Several studies have found a link between the loss of alveolar bone and an increase in loose teeth (tooth mobility) and tooth loss. Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease.

    Low bone density in the jaw can result in other dental problems as well. For example, older women with osteoporosis may be more likely to have difficulty with loose or ill-fitting dentures and may have less optimal outcomes from oral surgical procedures.

    Periodontal Disease and Bone Health

    Periodontitis is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth. Bacteria and the body’s own immune system break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Teeth may eventually become loose, fall out, or have to be removed.

    Although tooth loss is a well-documented consequence of periodontitis, the relationship between periodontitis and skeletal bone density is less clear. Some studies have found a strong and direct relationship among bone loss, periodontitis, and tooth loss. It is possible that the loss of alveolar bone mineral density leaves bone more susceptible to periodontal bacteria, increasing the risk for periodontitis and tooth loss.

    Role of the Dentist and Dental X-Rays

    Research supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) suggests that dental x-rays may be used as a screening tool for osteoporosis. Researchers found that dental x-rays were highly effective in distinguishing people with osteoporosis from those with normal bone density.

    Because many people see their dentist more regularly than their doctor, dentists are in a unique position to help identify people with low bone density and to encourage them to talk to their doctors about their bone health. Dental concerns that may indicate low bone density include loose teeth, gums detaching from the teeth or receding gums, and ill-fitting or loose dentures

    Tips to help you care for mouth problems

    Sore Mouth, Sore Throat
    To help keep your mouth clean, rinse often with 1/4 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of warm water. Follow with plain water rinse. Ask your cancer care team about medicines that can help with the pain.

    Dry Mouth
    Rinse your mouth often with water, use sugar-free gum or candy, and talk to your dentist about saliva substitutes.

    Infections
    Call your cancer care team right away if you see a sore, swelling, bleeding, or a sticky, white film in your mouth.

    Eating Problems
    Your cancer care team can help by giving you medicines to numb the pain from mouth sores and showing you how to choose foods that are easy to swallow.

    Bleeding
    If your gums bleed or hurt, avoid flossing the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing other teeth. Soften the bristles of your toothbrush in warm water.

    Stiffness in Chewing Muscles
    Three times a day, open and close your mouth as far as you can without pain. Repeat 20 times.

    Vomiting
    Rinse your mouth after vomiting with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water.

    Cavities
    Brush your teeth after meals and before bedtime. Your dentist might have you put fluoride gel on your teeth to help prevent cavities.

    Good dental or oral care is important to maintaining healthy teeth, gums and tongue. Oral problems, including bad breath, dry mouth, canker or cold sores, TMD, tooth decay, or thrush are all treatable with proper dignosis and care.
    Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems, most commonly, dental cavities, gingivitis, Image result for dental and oral healthImage result for dental and oral health

Prevention and Risk Factors

Treatments and Therapies

  • Minimally Invasive Dentistry (Academy of General Dentistry)
  • Plaque: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It 

    Effects of Osteoporosis Treatments on Oral Health

    It is not known whether osteoporosis treatments have the same beneficial effect on oral health as they do on other bones in the skeleton. Additional research is needed to fully clarify the relationship between osteoporosis and oral bone loss; however, scientists are hopeful that efforts to optimize skeletal bone density will have a favorable impact on dental health.

    Bisphosphonates, a group of medications available for the treatment of osteoporosis, have been linked to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which is cause for concern. The risk of ONJ has been greatest in patients receiving large doses of intravenous bisphosphonates, a therapy used to treat cancer. The occurrence of ONJ is rare in individuals taking oral forms of the medication for osteoporosis treatment.

    Taking Steps for Healthy Bones

    A healthy lifestyle can be critically important for keeping bones strong. You can take many important steps to optimize your bone health:

    • Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
    • Engage in regular physical activity or exercise. Weight-bearing activities—such as walking, jogging, dancing, and weight training—are the best for keeping bones strong.
    • Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol intake.
    • Report any problems with loose teeth, detached or receding gums, and loose or ill-fitting dentures to your dentist and your doctor.
      1 - Feel better

      Cancer treatment can cause side effects in your mouth. A dental checkup before treatment starts can help prevent painful mouth problems.

      2 - Save teeth and bones

      A dentist will help protect your mouth, teeth, and jaw bones from damage caused by head and neck radiation and chemotherapy. Children also need special protection for their growing teeth and facial bones.

      3 - Fight cancer

      Serious side effects in the mouth can delay, or even stop, cancer treatment. To fight cancer best, your cancer care team should include a dentist.


      Protect Your Mouth During Cancer Treatment

      Brush gently, brush often
      • Brush your teeth—and your tongue—gently with an extra-soft toothbrush.
      • Soften the bristles in warm water if your mouth is very sore.
      • Brush after every meal and at bedtime.
      Floss gently—do it daily
      • Floss once a day to remove plaque.
      • Avoid areas of your gums that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
      Keep your mouth moist
      • Rinse often with water.
      • Don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
      • Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.
      Eat and drink with care
      • Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods.
      • Protect your mouth from spicy, sour, or crunchy foods.
      • Choose lukewarm foods and drinks instead of hot or icy-cold ones.
      • Avoid alcoholic drinks.
      Stop using tobacco
      • Ask your cancer care team to help you stop smoking or chewing tobacco. People who quit smoking or chewing tobacco have fewer mouth problems.

      Image result for dental and oral health

Prevention and Risk Factors

Treatments and Therapies

  • Minimally Invasive Dentistry (Academy of General Dentistry)
  • Plaque: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It 

    Effects of Osteoporosis Treatments on Oral Health

    It is not known whether osteoporosis treatments have the same beneficial effect on oral health as they do on other bones in the skeleton. Additional research is needed to fully clarify the relationship between osteoporosis and oral bone loss; however, scientists are hopeful that efforts to optimize skeletal bone density will have a favorable impact on dental health.

    Bisphosphonates, a group of medications available for the treatment of osteoporosis, have been linked to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which is cause for concern. The risk of ONJ has been greatest in patients receiving large doses of intravenous bisphosphonates, a therapy used to treat cancer. The occurrence of ONJ is rare in individuals taking oral forms of the medication for osteoporosis treatment.

    Taking Steps for Healthy Bones

    A healthy lifestyle can be critically important for keeping bones strong. You can take many important steps to optimize your bone health:

    • Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
    • Engage in regular physical activity or exercise. Weight-bearing activities—such as walking, jogging, dancing, and weight training—are the best for keeping bones strong.
    • Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol intake.
    • Report any problems with loose teeth, detached or receding gums, and loose or ill-fitting dentures to your dentist and your doctor.
      1 - Feel better

      Cancer treatment can cause side effects in your mouth. A dental checkup before treatment starts can help prevent painful mouth problems.

      2 - Save teeth and bones

      A dentist will help protect your mouth, teeth, and jaw bones from damage caused by head and neck radiation and chemotherapy. Children also need special protection for their growing teeth and facial bones.

      3 - Fight cancer

      Serious side effects in the mouth can delay, or even stop, cancer treatment. To fight cancer best, your cancer care team should include a dentist.


      Protect Your Mouth During Cancer Treatment

      Brush gently, brush often
      • Brush your teeth—and your tongue—gently with an extra-soft toothbrush.
      • Soften the bristles in warm water if your mouth is very sore.
      • Brush after every meal and at bedtime.
      Floss gently—do it daily
      • Floss once a day to remove plaque.
      • Avoid areas of your gums that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
      Keep your mouth moist
      • Rinse often with water.
      • Don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
      • Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.
      Eat and drink with care
      • Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods.
      • Protect your mouth from spicy, sour, or crunchy foods.
      • Choose lukewarm foods and drinks instead of hot or icy-cold ones.
      • Avoid alcoholic drinks.
      Stop using tobacco
      • Ask your cancer care team to help you stop smoking or chewing tobacco. People who quit smoking or chewing tobacco have fewer mouth problems.

      Image result for dental and oral health

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