What is dental health? Dental health, also called oral hygiene, is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and cleaning between the teeth. This practice of dental health must be carried out regularly to enable the prevention of dental disease and bad breath. Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavitiesand gum disease and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Symptoms of dental health issues *Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that will not heal after a week or two. *Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing *Chronic bad breath *Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages *Pain or toothache *Loose teeth *Receding gums *Pain with chewing or biting *Clicking of the jaw *Cracked or broken teeth How dental health affects our overall health Like other areas of the body, our mouth teams with mostly harmless bacteria. But our mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Normally the body's natural defenses and good dental health care, such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, keep the bacteria at bay. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, certain medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect the person from microbes that multiply and lead to many diseases. Recent studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to oral diseases, making oral health issues or conditions more severe.

What conditions can be linked to oral health? Dental health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including the following: Endocarditis: This infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of the body, such as the oral cavity, spread through the bloodstream and attach to certain areas in the heart. Cardiovascular disease: Some suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause. Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in the oral cavity can be pulled into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Certain conditions also might affect our dental health Diabetes: By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. People who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control. HIV/AIDS: Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. Osteoporosis: This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw. Alzheimer's disease: Worsening dental health is seen as Alzheimer's disease progresses. Other conditions that might be linked to dental health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome.) The mouth-body connection Certain chronic diseases are sometimes shown to raise the risk of gum diseases, and sometimes having gum disease is shown to raise the risk and severity of the chronic disease. Some of the chronic diseases that commonly occur with gum disease are: *Arthritis *Diabetes *Emphysema *Heart disease *High blood pressure *Liver diseases like the hepatitis C virus *Obesity *Stroke

What can be done to treat this? 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 mouth rinse 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 check-ups. *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: *gums that bleed during brushing and flossing; *red, swollen, or tender gums; *gums that have pulled away from your teeth; *persistent bad breath; *pus between your teeth and gums; *loose or separating teeth; *a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite *a 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. The bottom line about dental and oral health Your oral health affects more than just your teeth. Poor oral and dental health can contribute to issues with your self-esteem, speech, or nutrition. They can also affect your comfort and overall quality of life. Many dental and oral problems develop without any symptoms. Seeing a dentist regularly for a check-up and exam is the best way to catch a problem before it gets worse. Ultimately, your long-term outcome depends on your efforts. You cannot always prevent every cavity, but you can reduce your risk of severe gum disease and tooth loss by staying on top of your daily oral care.