Good dental health is crucial to being able to eat and speak. Without healthy teeth, chewing can be painful or even impossible, causing you to limit your diet, which can affect your health.
- Common Oral diseases:
- Dental caries (tooth decay, cavities)
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Gingivitis
- Edentulism (total tooth loss)
- Oral cancer
- Causes of oral issues:
- Smoking
- Poor Hygiene
- Lack of regular checkups
- High sugar intake
- Diabetes
- Common symptoms of poor oral health include:
- Toothache
- Sensitive Teeth
- Bleeding or Sore Gums
- Mouth Sores
- Bad Breath
- Jaw Pain
- There are prevention measures you can take to improve your oral health:
- Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.
- Do not use any tobacco products.
- Limit alcoholic drinks.
- If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease.
