Better Oral Hygiene, Better Health?

The health of your mouth says a lot about your overall health. Likewise, problems inside your mouth may affect your overall health. Everyone’s mouth has bacteria, even healthy mouths. Good oral hygiene routines, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing, helps to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control.1

The Root of the Matter

Your mouth can act as a point of entry for infection. In fact, Gum Disease is linked to a host of other diseases, such as diabetes.2,3
94% of adults (aged 35 to 64) and over 50% of children (aged 6 to 8) have cavities4,5
Around 51 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental health professionals6
34 million school hours are lost each year due to unplanned emergency dental care
The healthy smile that comes with good oral health can also improve your self-esteem and boost your confidence.8,9 Some keys to a healthy smile are:
Regular visits to the dentist.
Even if you are healthy, it is important to have regular exams, cleanings, and screenings in order to prevent the potential risk of disease associated with oral plaque and bacteria.10
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
A good oral care routine is key to a healthy mouth. Brushing and flossing are important in maintaining a clean, healthy mouth, but these won’t do the job alone. Using an antimicrobial mouthrinse in addition to these methods can rid your mouth of the germs brushing and flossing tend to leave behind.11
Minding Your Diet and Nutrition.
A diet high in sugars, acidic food and beverages may influence your oral health. Consider limiting the consumption of these foods to help avoid cavities and tooth erosion.12
References
  1. Mayo Clinic. Oral health: a window to your overall health. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475. Accessed May 2, 2017.
  2. Diabetes and oral health. J Am Dent Assoc. 2002;133:1299.
  3. Lamster IB, Lalla E, Borgnakke WS, Taylor GW. The relationship between oral health and diabetes mellitus. J Am Dent Assoc. 2008;139(suppl):19S-24S.
  4. Dye BA, Thornton-Evans G, Li X, lafolla TJ. Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in the United States, 2011-2012. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2015:1-8.
  5. Dye BA, Thornton-Evans G, Li X, lafolla TJ. Dental caries and sealant prevalence in children and adolescents in the United States, 2011-2012. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2015:1-8.
  6. Health Resources & Services Administration. Oral health. 2016:1-4.
  7. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National health expenditure data. http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/ Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/NationalHealthExpendData/. Accessed May 2, 2017.
  8. Padykula J. A healthy smile means healthy self-esteem. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/838185/a-healthy-smile-means-healthy-self-esteem. Accessed May 2, 2017.
  9. WebMD. The mouth-body connection: 6 ways oral hygiene helps keep you well. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-disease-health. Accessed May 2, 2017.
  10. Mouth Healthy. Gum disease. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease. Accessed May 2, 2017.
  11. Learn more about mouthrinses. ADA.org Web site. http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/mouthrinses. Accessed May 2, 2017
  12. ADA Nutrition and Oral Health https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health
  13. CDC Cost-Effectiveness of Oral Diseases Interventions https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/programs-impact/pop/oral-disease

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