Oral hygiene is important for more than just a fresh breath.

Oral Hygiene: Keys for a Good Routine

In fact, your oral health can be a window into your general health. For example, did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease? Or that people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease?

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to other problems such as cavities, infections, and even bone loss. Preventative dentistry gives you the best chance for a beautiful smile and long-lasting oral health. Hence, you should schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL AND ORAL DISEASES?

While there are a lot of dental and oral diseases, the most common ones include:

• Cavities

Cavities are permanent holes that form in your teeth as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Once the enamel is gone, the bacteria can start to damage the dentin, which is the next layer down.

• Thrush

Oral thrush is caused by an excess of a yeast germ called candida. Women appear to be more susceptible to developing thrush than men. In men, thrush symptoms might be identical to those of a sexually transmitted disease. Male thrush symptoms include burning, itching, and others.

• Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form on the tongue, gums, or inside of the cheek. They are usually white or yellow and have a red border. Canker sores are not contagious, but they can be painful and often reoccur. There are many possible causes of canker sores, including stress, certain foods, and mouth injuries. There is no cure for canker sores, but some treatments can help ease the pain and speed up healing.

• Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that results in inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

Both conditions are caused by plaque.

• Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity can occur as a result of dental surgery, such as a root canal or cavity filling. It may also indicate dental decay or gum disease.

• Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common problem that can have many causes. It can be a side effect of certain medications, a symptom of a medical condition, or simply due to dehydration. A dry mouth can be uncomfortable and cause problems with eating, drinking, and speaking. There are many ways to treat dry mouth, including over-the-counter products and home remedies.

• Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. Oral cancer is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 40.

• Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small sores that can form on any of the soft tissues in your mouth, including your gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. They’re usually red and painful and can make eating and talking uncomfortable.

• Cold Sores

Also known as herpes of the mouth, cold sores can be caused due to cold weather, or if you have a viral or bacterial infection.

• Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a white or grey patch that forms on the mucous membranes of the mouth, typically on the tongue. The cause is unknown, but it’s often linked to tobacco use and smoking.

• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control chewing. The syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, injury, arthritis, and stress. Treatment for TMJ often includes a combination of self-care measures, such as ice packs and muscle relaxation exercises, and medical interventions, such as oral splints or medications.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE LINKED TO ORAL HEALTH?

Gingivitis and periodontitis have been linked to a variety of health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Stroke.
• Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of your heart).
• Pneumonia.
• Premature birth and low birth weight are examples of pregnancy complications.

Certain health conditions, on the other hand, can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums, including:

• Diabetes.
• Osteoporosis.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Alzheimer’s disease

If you or a loved one suffers from any of the conditions listed above, talk to your dentist about how you can improve your overall health by practicing good oral hygiene.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE?

There are a number of warning indicators that may suggest oral health issues.

The following are the most common indications of inadequate oral hygiene:

• Gums that are bleeding.
• Tooth decay
• Chronically foul breath
• Loose teeth.
• Recession of the gums.
• Mouth ulcers that do not heal.
• Toothache.
• Jaw inflammation.
• Gingivostomatitis, a mouth infection caused by bacteria or viruses.

HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH?

It is estimated that over half of adults in the US and UK suffer from some form of periodontal disease, which is why taking care of your oral health is so important.

Here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy and free from disease:

• Brush your teeth on a frequent and proper basis.
• Floss once a day.
• Make use of fluoride toothpaste.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash every day.
• Reduce sugar and make other lifestyle improvements (avoiding tobacco and smoking – healthier meals like veggies and keto dieting).
• Regular visits to your dentist.
• Dental implants help with oral health for the long term.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Krishma Patel is the co-founder and the superintendent pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments, along with free online consultations.

She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high-quality, safe, and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the director and the superintendent pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprised of 32 branches.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com.

A key factor in achieving optimal oral health is ensuring that teeth and mouths are being cared for regularly. This National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental highlights findings from a recent study showing that adults and children across the country continue to engage in strong at-home oral health practices. The study found that, on average, children and adults:

Delta Dental recognizes National Dental Hygiene Month by highlighting the importance of strong at-home oral health practices.

• Brushed their teeth twice per day
• Flossed their teeth once per day
• Used mouthwash once per day

“At-home oral hygiene habits play a key role in maintaining good oral health, and it is encouraging to see respondents are committed to brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash regularly,” said Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Vice President of Dental Science, Delta Dental Plans Association.

Such habits are motivated by the health benefits associated with each, with many reporting they are brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay, prevent dental issues, and maintain or improve oral health.

Beyond their brushing and flossing frequency, many follow American Dental Association guidelines on how often to replace their toothbrush. In fact, about 2 in 3 adults (65%) switch out their brush at least once every three months, while 86 percent of parents do this for their child at least once a month. Similarly, parents acknowledge fluoride as an important step in dental hygiene. Slightly more than 4 in 5 (83%) parents believe fluoride is very — if not extremely — important to their child’s oral health.

Learn more about consumer opinions and behaviors related to oral health in Delta Dental’s 2020 State of America’s Oral Health Report.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

Delta Dental’s Adult’s Oral Health & Wellness Survey was conducted December 28, 2020, through January 8, 2021, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000+ Americans ages 18+, with a margin of error of +/- 3%

Follow us on Twitter @DeltaDental and Facebook: Delta Dental Plans Association

ABOUT DELTA DENTAL PLANS ASSOCIATION

Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation’s largest provider of dental insurance, covering more than 80 million Americans, and offering the country’s largest dental network with approximately 156,000 participating dentists. Over the last decade, Delta Dental companies provided over $1.75 billion in direct and in-kind support to improve the oral health of our communities across the country. Visit deltadental.com for information on individual dental insurance plans and group dental insurance plans.

Follow us on Twitter @DeltaDental and Facebook: Delta Dental Plans Association

• A total of 185,257 dental hygiene products were donated to help struggling families.
• Generous oral care product donations from SmileMakers, Crest, and Oral-B were distributed to 159 charitable organizations through America’s ToothFairy.
• 857 volunteers collected 34,255 oral care products benefitting an additional 95 nonprofit organizations serving families in need in their own communities.
• To date, a total of 254 nonprofit organizations have received dental hygiene products to distribute to the families that need them the most. The remaining items are being delivered to organizations hosting back-to-school events.

Hello, Dentistry Today readers. We have a special treat for you all. This is for all those who have had questions about the do’s and don’ts of oral hygiene. There’s the obvious answers, I’m sure, but DT is here to help make things more clear cut. We got some help, too. We got us an expert to weigh in.

Dr. Tozzi provides us all with a very simple and straight forward list.

Do:

• Establish a consistent oral hygiene routine
• Brush after breakfast/coffee in the am 
• Scape your tongue 
• Floss using proper technique 
• Use mouthwash to remove any remove any remaining debris 
• Drink plenty of water to maintain a neutral ph in the mouth 
• Midday advice – use a xylitol based gum or mints to keep bacteria at bay
• Use an automatic toothbrush 
• Use soft bristles
• Rinse with water after drinking acidic beverages 

Don’t

• Stay away from consuming excessive amounts of acidic beverages
• Use alcohol based mouthwashes – (dehydrates saliva flow, causes irritation and ulcers to tissues)
• Consume large amounts of sugary or acidic based food/drinks
• Stay away from toothbrush bristles that can be damaging to enamel and gum tissue 
• Be too aggressive with brushing – (technique is more important than forced pressure)
• Forget to brush before bed – (water only after brushing before bed)
• Sleep with mouth open – (dries out mouth, leading to no saliva flow, which leads to increased risk for cavities and periodontal problems)
• Overdo whitening toothpastes or bleaching treatments – (can lead to sensitivity and thinning of enamel)

We want to thank Dr. Tozzi for weighing in and providing us with this list. 

ABOUT DR. TOZZI

Dr. Michaela Tozzi is a doctor of dental medicine who specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry in Henderson, NV. She is the owner and founder of her private practice, Michaela Tozzi, DMD. She is known as one of the best dentists in the Las Vegas area and was featured in My Vegas Magazine as one of Las Vegas’ top 100 doctors and dentists of the year.

She is committed to providing gold-standard dental care and emphasizes preventive treatment to help maintain the long-term oral health of her patients. She believes that a good doctor-patient relationship is the key to success and loves getting to know each of her patients on a personal level.

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The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry’s Pride Alliance will use a $4,000 award from the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Community Service Grants program to implement “Oral Health Advocacy for the LGBT+ Community.”

The community-based outreach program will consist of a two-day event over two weekends in July or August, which are yet to be determined. College of Dentistry volunteers will provide oral health information specific to the LGBT+ community, including youth, homeless, and at-risk LGBT+ community members, such as oral health problems, care for the oral cavity, and essential information on well-being.

“At these events, we plan on having food, games, and open dialogue sessions for all to join and feel welcome,” said Brian Currie, a third-year student and co-president of the Pride Alliance. “We will also be distributing oral hygiene kits and educational information pamphlets.”

In addition to creating an inclusive environment for all, the Pride Alliance said, Oral Health Advocacy for the LGBT+ Community will increase oral health literacy, enhance the understanding of oral health and its connection to overall health, and distribute resources to improve access to inclusive oral healthcare.

“The program seeks to increase oral health literacy by providing activities where individuals can learn proper techniques on how to brush and floss, how often to replace a toothbrush, why it’s important to visit a dentist regularly, and what kind of signs and symptoms to look for when immediate care is needed, among other important goals,” Currie said.

Currie also noted the importance of enhancing the understanding of oral health and its connection to overall health.

“We seek to inform individuals about smoking effects on their general health and oral health. Additionally, we want to emphasize nutritional counseling on the importance of having a balanced diet for proper nutrient intake and how deficiencies can manifest in the oral cavity and explain the impact of HPV on the development of oropharyngeal cancer,” he said.

As the goals include providing essential information on well-being, the Pride Alliance said, the initiative also focuses on providing necessary resources for the community.

“We wish to provide resource distribution for individuals to obtain access to inclusive care from dentists and oral health facilities in the Chicagoland area that are LGBT friendly in order to establish a dental home for those currently lacking one,” said Currie.

Additional information will be provided soon regarding Oral Health Advocacy for the LGBT+ Community, said the Pride Alliance said, which encourages those interested to follow the UIC College of Dentistry’s social media pages for the latest updates and more.

“We are so excited to get out in the community to improve oral health and wellness in an inclusive and welcoming environment for all,” Currie said.

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Poor oral hygiene has a negative impact on athletic training and performance, according to Sunstar, which notes that maintaining a healthy mouth should be an essential part of athletes’ training programs and has partnered with the FDI World Dental Federation to launch Sports Dentistry Guidelines.

In a study of 302 athletes, 40% said they were bothered by their oral health, while 28% reported an impact on their quality of life, and 18% reported an effect on their training and performance. Also, 55% of the athletes had cavities, 45% had dental erosion, and 76% had periodontal disease.

Athletes are at high risk of developing oral diseases for several reasons, Sunstar said. For example, they require a lot of calories, which often are consumed via sugary protein sports bars. Also, athletes consumer a lot of sports drinks, which are mostly acidic and have high sugar content. Training leads to increased mouth breathing and reduced saliva flow, causing dry mouth and creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow as well.

Sports-related stress is another risk factor that can cause gum disease, tooth erosion, cavities, and teeth grinding. In aquatic sports, low pH in swimming pool water can cause tooth erosion.

Just as athletics can impact oral health, oral health can impact athletic performance, Sunstar said. Poor oral health overall affects quality of life and well-being, which are key for optimal athletic performance, the company said.

Also, tooth decay and gum disease can cause and maintain inflammation in the body, which can negatively impact athletic performance. And athletes who have an infected tooth, mouth abscess, or some other painful condition could possibly perform badly or even withdraw from competition or training.

Sunstar offers advice for athletes:

• Make your oral health a priority, just like other parts of your training program, and include it as part of your daily routine like training, nutrition, and physio.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, ideally 30 minutes after eating, and clean between your teeth using interdental brushes, picks, or floss.
• Chew sugar-free gum or rinse with water after meals and snacks when brushing isn’t an option.
• Ensure you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a complete oral health checkup.

“We are striving to raise awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene to athletes and to their overall performance,” said Dr. Marzia Massignani, PhD, senior manager of scientific affairs at Sunstar. 

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