A Message from the Ashland Health Department
The Importance of Dental Health
The health of your teeth and gums is connected to your overall health. The condition of your teeth and gums can impact your general health and contribute to the development of some illnesses.
Daily brushing and flossing help to keep our teeth and gums healthy, and reduce the likelihood that infection or inflammation will develop. Gum disease, in particular, can contribute to a variety of health concerns.
Your oral health might play a role in illnesses such as:
• Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Endocarditis is a rare but serious illness.
• Cardiovascular disease. Some studies suggest that heart disease, arterial disease and stroke may be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
• Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can enter the lungs. This may increase the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Some chronic illnesses can increase the risk of developing oral health problems. People with these chronic illnesses need to be extra-vigilant about maintaining good habits.
• Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection and can increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease seems to occur more frequently and be more serious in people who have diabetes. Research also shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time managing their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.
• HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
• Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome.
Make sure that your dentist knows about any medication you take regularly, as some have side effects like dry mouth, which increase the risk of dental problems.
Daily Care
In order to protect your oral health, daily care should include brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft bristle brush. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle along the line of the gums.
Many people hold the toothbrush flat against their teeth. This technique doesn’t allow the bristles to access the crevices which can contain plaque bacteria and food debris. By angling the brush at 45 degrees, the bristles reach under the gum line and disrupt plaque bacteria, food debris, and sugar residue.
Use a small circular massaging motion when you brush. There is no need to scrub or apply lots of pressure to the gum line; gently massaging the gums is enough to disrupt the plaque. Use a small circular motion as you move around the mouth, ensuring you cover every surface of the tooth.
Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months for best performance. Use floss to clean between teeth.
See a dentist at least once a year for evaluation and cleaning. If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a periodontist.
To help prevent oral health issues, some actions you can take include the following:
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use chewing tobacco
• Avoid sticky, sugary foods
• See your dentist right away if pain or sensitivity develop