Oral Disease Prevention

ORAL DISEASE PREVENTION
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY
Sealants
The top surfaces of the back teeth have deep pits and fissures. These are difficult
to keep clean and are vulnerable to decay. One way to help prevent decay on
these surfaces is with sealants. Sealants are safe coatings that help prevent
decay. They are easy to apply and are placed on permanent molars as soon as
they erupt. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about sealants.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the outside of teeth. Strong teeth resist decay. Tooth decay can
be reduced by 50–70%with ingestion of proper amounts of fluoride. Many community water supply
systems (in Connecticut close to 90%) add fluoride to their water.
Well water, bottled water, and filtered water usually do not contain the right amounts of fluoride to help
strengthen teeth. Some local water supplies are not fluoridated. If your water source is not fluoridated, a
dental professional should be consulted to arrange for other ways to provide fluoride.
PREVENTING ORAL CANCER

Stopping tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption and protection from over exposure to sunlight will
help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Individuals should routinely examine their mouth, tongue
and lips and feel the area around the face and neck for any changes, lumps or discoloration.
Early detection is key to effectively treating oral cancer. When detected early, 76% of those diagnosed
with oral cancer will be alive five years later compared to 19% diagnosed at a later stage. The longer it
is left undiagnosed, the greater the chance the cancer will spread deep into surrounding tissue and into
the lymph glands of the neck. Be concerned about:
! A persistent sore or irritation that doesn’t heal.

! Color changes: red or white lesions.
! Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth or lips.
! A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area.
! Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue & jaw.
! Change in bite.
PREVENTING ORAL AND FACIAL INJURIES

There are many ways to make playgrounds and sports events safer. According to the National
Program for Playground Safety, caregivers should ensure that there is proper supervision at all
times, that equipment is age-appropriate, that playground surfaces are cushioned, and that the
equipment is safe. Caregivers should also ensure that the proper protective equipment is used,
provided and required by all organized sports activities.
ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION
PROPER NUTRITION AND SELF CARE

Teeth, like bones, benefit from a diet with the right amount of calcium. Eating high amounts of sweets
and regularly snacking between meals promotes tooth decay. Having a balanced diet improves overall
good health. Oral health is no exception to this rule.
To prevent tooth decay, babies should never be put to bed with a bottle and
should not be allowed to drink beverages containing sugars (even milk) all day
long. Children should use a cup rather than a bottle as soon as they are able
to sit up alone. Both children and adults should avoid snacking between meals
and visit the dentist every six months for cleaning and a checkup.
A program of daily brushing and flossing helps prevent oral health problems.
The teeth should be brushed using a soft bristle brush at least twice a day.
Flossing between the teeth is just as important and should be done at least
once per day. It is important not to forget the back teeth and other difficult
places to reach when brushing and flossing.
FIRST YEAR = FIRST VISIT

Building a foundation for good oral health must start early. Children should have an oral health exam
before their first birthday. During these early visits, the dentist and dental hygienist will assess proper
tooth development and check for other problems. By starting early, caregivers can learn steps to ensure
good oral hygiene for their children. Through example, children will learn the importance of oral health
care and will see that the oral health visit is a very positive experience.
ORAL HEALTH AS WE AGE

Paying special attention to our oral health is a critical part of feeling good and
preserving our quality of life as we age. Continuing to brush, floss and visit the
dentist are important steps. We should also learn about the impact of aging on
our oral health and take the necessary steps to meet these challenges.
Caregivers, dental professionals and medical professionals must remember that
the oral health of seniors is just as important as the oral health of children. It is
important to take oral health into consideration when planning and establishing
treatments for problems associated with aging.
PROTECTION
Stopping tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption and protection from over exposure to sunlight will
help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Individuals should routinely examine their mouth, tongue
and lips and feel the area around the face and neck for any changes, lumps or discoloration.
Most sports related injuries happen because of poor protection. People who participate in sports should
use the proper protective equipment. Mouth and face guards are very effective in preventing injuries to
the mouth, head and neck. The American Dental Association reports that over 200,000 football oral-
facial injuries are prevented as a result of proper protection. For other sports the numbers are not so
good. In baseball, where the use of mouth and face guards is not common or required, 41 percent of all
injuries involved the face and head.

Oral Disease Prevention

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ORAL DISEASE PREVENTION

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY

PREVENTING ORAL CANCER

! A persistent sore or irritation that doesn’t heal.

PREVENTING ORAL AND FACIAL INJURIES

ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION

PROPER NUTRITION AND SELF CARE

FIRST YEAR = FIRST VISIT

ORAL HEALTH AS WE AGE

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