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What Are the Benefits of Good Oral Health
Poor dental hygiene can cause major oral health issues including tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth loss to name a few. However, taking care of your oral health by cleaning your teeth correctly and regularly and flossing as well as visiting your dentist for regular checkups can prevent many of these problems.
Some major benefits of having good oral health and continuing to have a great relationship with your dentist by getting regular dental checkups and dental cleanings include:
- Reduced risk of gum disease
- Reduced risk of tooth decay
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- Reduced risk of lung disease
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer's
The connection between oral health and overall health
Studies and research – show that regular preventive care can help stem the progression of oral and gum diseases, helping to lessen the risks associated with heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy. Good dental care can also help improve self-esteem because healthy teeth and gums are important to their feelings about themselves.
The mouth can also tell you a lot about what's happening in the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% of all common diseases have oral symptoms. Just one example: mucosal lesions or sores are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. Consistent preventive care may help with the early detection and treatment of HIV/AIDS and many other conditions.
To realize the many benefits of regular preventive care, people need to see a dental provider regularly. Yet despite the importance, too many Americans avoid going to the dentist. Like other kinds of medical care, dental procedures can be expensive – and that cost deters many from getting the care they need. Dental insurance may help eliminate that barrier.
What is Good Oral Hygiene?
Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:
- Your teeth are clean and free of debris
- Gums are firmly held against teeth and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
- If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.
Your dental professional can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Tips For Preventing Dental Caries In Older Adults
- Brush your teeth twice a day using an electric toothbrush or a soft manual toothbrush.
- When indicated, use fluoride or antimicrobial rinses on a daily basis.
- Interdental cleaners should be used (dental floss, soft pics, interdental brushes)
- Regularly see a dental professional.
- When patients have carers, include them in the oral care planning and delivery.
When recently examined in 2018, the prevalence of edentulism (the loss of some or all teeth) among individuals aged 65 and older in the United States had decreased from 23% in 2008 to 19%. However, rates vary by population group. Native Americans and African Americans have the highest rates, while Asians and Hispanics have the lowest. Low-income groups also have higher rates.