What do we mean by dental health?
Dental health refers to all aspects of the health and functioning of our mouth especially the teeth and gums. Apart from working properly to enable us to eat, speak, laugh (look nice), teeth and gums should be free from infection, which can cause dental caries, inflammation of gums, tooth loss and bad breath.
a. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is the most common disorder affecting the teeth. Dental caries affects to 60 to 65 % of the population in India.The main factors controlling the risk of dental caries are oral hygiene, exposure to fluoride and a moderate frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods.
b. Teeth are also affected by tooth wear or erosion. This condition is a normal part of aging where tooth enamel is lost due to exposure from acids other than those produced by plaque.
c. Attrition and abrasion are other forms of tooth wear. Attrition occurs when teeth are eroded by tooth-to-tooth contact such as teeth grinding. Abrasion is caused by external mechanical factors such as incorrect tooth brushing.
d. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by infection and inflammation of the gingiva (gum), the periodontal connective tissues and the alveolar bone. If left untreated it leads to Tooth loss. Periodontal diseases affects an estimated 50 to 90 % of the general population. Periodontitis is responsible for more than 40% of all teeth lost after the age of 35 and is probably the leading cause for Edentulous mouths.
Why is dental health important for general health and well being?
The health of our teeth and mouth are linked to overall health and well-being in a number of ways. The ability to chew and swallow our food is essential for obtaining the nutrients we need for good health. Apart from the impact on nutritional status, poor dental health can also adversely affect speech and self-esteem. Dental diseases impose both financial and social burdens as treatment is costly and both children and adults may miss time from school or work because of dental pain.
Neglecting Oral Health is as serious neglecting General Health. Oral Cancer ranks in the top three of all cancers in India. Oral Cancer is a significant public health problem, related directly to Oral Health. 95% of Oral Cancer cases is attributed to Smoking and use of chewableTobacco products. Besides smoking , use of smokeless tobacco, Betel nut, gutka, zarda and khaini are also high-risk factors for cancers of the oral cavity.
Dental Health Care: What Does It Mean To You?
As an adult, you are not immune to dental problems. In addition to maintaining a good home care routine, the best thing you can do is to schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. You also have a variety of cosmetic options available, including orthodontics (braces), whitening (both in-office and at-home) and bonding (veneers).
What does dental health care mean to you? Those with routine dental checkups may view it as a way of maintaining good oral health, but there are others who only consider it in emergency situations. Then there are those who simply seek access to it for quick fixes or professional advice. It's viewed in different ways, depending on the situation, but its main purpose is to optimize oral care for a healthier family.
Routine Visits :
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately two-thirds of Americans seek routine dental care. During a routine dental visit, the dentist will perform various examinations to identify healthy and unhealthy areas in and around the mouth. He will use different equipment to detect and diagnose disease, such as tooth decay or gum disease. If untreated, these conditions can lead to pain, dysfunction, tooth loss, absence from school or work or simply poor appearance. Following your own examination, the doctor will report his or her findings and make recommendations for necessary treatment.
Typically, the dentist develops a special plan to meet your needs at subsequent dental visits, while answering any questions or concerns you may have about you and your family's oral health.
Dental Cleanings and Advice :
Some people don't feel that they have had dental care until they've had a dental cleaning, a service that a dental hygienist primarily performs to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums to prevent common oral conditions such as gum disease or gingivitis and polish the teeth. A dental hygienist will also take x-rays, apply sealants and in-office fluorides, but what they really excel at is giving lessons on adopting personal oral hygiene habits, as well as nutrition counseling and recommended products. For example, a dental hygienist will suggest a child brushing a least twice a day with products such as Colgate® Kids Fruit Flavored Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste to help develop a daily oral care routine.
Fixing Tooth Problems :
You may also think of dental care as a means for helping with a single tooth problem, and many can crop up that only a dental professional can handle. The majority of dental problems a person complains about involve a tooth that's decaying, missing, loose or impacted (below the gumline), as well as chips or cracks, sensitivity or function of the teeth. Defected fillings are also a typical issue, and an easy fix.
The dentist office is one of the first places a person goes for dental health care when they're in pain, especially when it's a pressing issue. Often these types of problems are a result of trauma, and may include cracked teeth, or those that need to be pulled. In a dental emergency and in less pressing situations, your dentist may fix the problems personally, but he may also refer you to a dental specialist. Specialists such as prosthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons will help with more complex conditions affecting the jaw and teeth.
Improving Aesthetics :
Of course, some people see dental health care as a way to improve their looks. People with crowded, crooked or missing teeth will seek out help to correct the appearance and function of their teeth. Orthodontists and prosthodontics can help improve the function of your teeth through numerous types of braces and restorative procedures. And for all of us who can't seem to get the perfect shine, dental health care is seen as a way to improve teeth's color through dental tooth "whitening." Dental treatment options for whitening are available for use at home or in the dental office.
About the author: Yolanda Eddis, RDH, BASDH, is a clinical registered dental hygienist for the United States government. She is a member of the American Dental Education Association and Esther Wilkins Education Program, and is a Colgate Oral Health Advisor. Her research interests include community outreach projects. Eddis is currently pursuing her Masters of Health Science degree in a generalist concentration at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Common Conditions During ADULTHOOD
As we get older, dental care for adults is crucial. Here are a few of the conditions to be aware of:
Gum disease – if your home care routine of brushing and flossing has slipped and you have skipped your regular dental cleanings, bacterial plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. The plaque and tartar, if left untreated, may eventually cause irreparable damage to your jawbone and support structures, and could lead to tooth loss.
Oral cancer – according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, men over the age of 40 have the greatest risk for oral cancer. About approximately 43,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, tongue or throat area, and the ACS estimates that about 7,000 people will die from these cancers. The use of tobacco products and alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer. Most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist during a routine checkup.
Dental fillings break down – fillings have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years. However, they can last 20 years or longer. When the fillings in your mouth start to break down, food and bacteria can get underneath them and can cause decay deep in the tooth.
Keep your teeth clean with an oral health routine
Establishing an oral health routine is important for a healthy mouth. Try one of our oral health products to help you establish a schedule.
Healthy Teeth for Life: 10 Tips for Families
You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased risk of heart disease.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how:
1. Start children early:
Despite great strides in decay prevention, one in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. “Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months,” Caryn Solie, RDH, president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, tells WebMD. “Teeth can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth or a very soft brush. At about age 2, you can let kids try brushing for themselves although it’s important to supervise.”
2. Seal off trouble:
Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.
3. Use enough but not too much fluoride:
The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, who may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth.
4. Brush twice a day and floss daily:
Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems and not just for older people. Three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed, according to the ADHA. Along with the basic advice, remember:
- Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.
- Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist.
- Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. Others simply put a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of a regular toothbrush to make it easier to hold.
5. Rinse or chew gum after meals:
In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid.
6. Block blows to teeth:
Sports and recreational activities build healthy bodies, but they can pose a threat to teeth. Most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards. But remember: unsupervised recreational activities like skate-boarding and roller-blading can also result in injuries. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard. Another option: buy a mouth guard at a sporting goods store that can be softened using hot water to form fit your mouth.
7. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco:
Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, consider quitting. Counsel your kids not to start.
8. Eat smart:
At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products will provide all the nutrients you need. Some researchers believe that omega-3 fats, the kind found in fish, may also reduce inflammation, thereby lowering risk of gum disease, says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry.
9. Avoid sugary foods:
When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, opening the door to decay. “Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time,” says Steven E. Schonfeld, DDS, PhD, a dentist in private practice and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “Carbonated drinks may make matters worse, since carbonation also increases acidity.” Sticky candies are another culprit, because they linger on teeth surfaces.
10. Make an appointment:
Most experts recommend a dental check-up every 6 months more often if you have problems like gum disease. During a routine exam, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away and look for signs of decay. A regular dental exam also spots:
- Early signs of oral cancer - Nine out of 10 cases of oral cancer can be treated if found early enough. Undetected, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become harder to treat.
- Wear and tear from tooth grinding - Called bruxism, teeth grinding may be caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, it can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. If your teeth show signs of bruxism, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard worn at night to prevent grinding.
- Signs of gum disease - Gum disease, also called gingivitis or periodontitis, is the leading cause of tooth loss in older people. “Unfortunately, by the time most people notice any of the warning signs of periodontitis, it’s too late to reverse the damage,” says Sam Low, DDS, professor of periodontology at the University of Florida and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Periodically, your dental professional should examine your gums for signs of trouble.
- Interactions with medications - Older patients, especially those on multiple medications, are at risk of dry mouth, or xerostomia. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of decay and gum problems. As many as 800 different drugs cause dry mouth as a side effect, says Iacopino, dean of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry. “Always tell your dental professional about any medications you take,” he says. A change in prescriptions may help alleviate the problem. Saliva-like oral mouthwashes are also available.
Almost all tooth decay and most gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene. We’re talking about taking a few minutes each day to brush and floss. That’s not a lot in return for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
