Oral and Dental Health

ORAL AND DENTAL
HEALTH
TABAYAG ELYZA C.
WHAT IS ORAL
HEALTH?
ORAL HEALTH
Oral health refers to the health of the teeth,
gums, and the entire oral-facial system that
allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Some
of the most common diseases that impact
our oral health include cavities (tooth
decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral
cancer.
WHAT IS DENTAL
HEALTH?
DENTAL HEALTH
Dental or oral health is concerned with

your teeth, gums and mouth. The goal is to
prevent complications such as tooth decay
(cavities) and gum disease and to maintain
the overall health of your mouth.
Is My Overall Health
really tied to my Oral
Health?
Toothaches, cavities, and other various
dental problems can seem to be isolated to
just your mouth, but the truth is, your oral
Dental or oral health is concerned with your health is directly tied to your body’s
teeth, gums and mouth. The goal is to prevent overall health.
complications such as tooth decay (cavities)
and gum disease and to maintain the overall
health of your mouth.
When your mouth is happy and healthy, so is Disease and other conditions can affect
the rest of your body. On the flip side, when a your dental health and dental problems
dental problem presents itself, it could affect can affect other parts of your body. Failing
other systems in your body or could be an to properly care for your oral health may
indicator of further health problems. Let’s dive lead to other health problems.
more into the connection between oral health You can help prevent or minimize many
and overall health! oral health problems by regular preventive
steps (brushing, flossing and so on) and
regular visits to dental health
professionals.
proper dental care and regular cleanings with your dentist
are a great line of defense against these issues. To avoid
these risks and diseases, make sure to consult and visit your
dentist often. Dentists are usually the first line of defense
and can recognize any warning signs and help you on the
road to recovery.
Along with your dentist, you can be aware of the warning
signs of bad oral health:
• Sensitive, inflamed, or bleeding gums.
• Constant bad breath.
• Pus by teeth or gums.
• Feeling of loose teeth.
Using tobacco products can also greatly increase the risk of
gum disease and multiple health problems.
INJURIES TO THE MOUTH
Injuries to the mouth and teeth can cause problems,
especially for young people playing sports. Make sure
young (and not so young) athletes use a properly fitted
mouth guard, especially when playing contact sports
or engaging is activities where falls and blows to the
mouth are possible.
TOOTH DECAY
Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called
enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental
plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque
produce acids that can harm enamel and cause
cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent
decay, but once a cavity forms, to avoid further
damage, a dentist must fix it with a filling.
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. Plaque causes an
infection that hurts the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. A mild form of gum disease
may make your gums red, tender, and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can
often be fixed by brushing and flossing every day.
A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, must be treated by a dentist. If not
treated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth
loss.
GUM DISEASE
To prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss regularly.
• Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning. Tell the dentist about any medical
conditions you have and medications you take.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.
How to Clean Your Teeth and Gums
Gently brush your teeth on all sides Brush carefully and gently
Use small circular motions and
with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride short back-and-forth strokes. along your gum line.
toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush
every 3 to 4 months.
How to Clean Your Teeth and Gums
Clean between your teeth with

Clean between your teeth with
dental floss, prethreaded flossers, a
dental floss, prethreaded flossers,
Lightly brush your tongue or use a water flosser, or a similar product.
a water flosser, or a similar
This removes plaque and leftover
tongue scraper to help keep your product. This removes plaque
food that a toothbrush can't reach
mouth clean. and leftover food that a
and cleanse after you floss.
toothbrush can't reach.
People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand motion may find it hard to hold and
use a toothbrush. Some helpful tips are:
• Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush.
• Buy a toothbrush with a larger handle.
• Attach the toothbrush handle to your hand with a wide elastic band.
See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or hurts your mouth. If
you have trouble flossing, a floss holder may help. Ask your dentist to show you the right
way to floss.
What Can Adults Do to Maintain
Good Oral Health?
• Drink fluoridated water and brush with
1 fluoride toothpaste.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth

thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
2 between the teeth to remove dental
plaque.
• Visit your dentist at least once a year,
even if you have no natural teeth or
3
have dentures.
Good Oral Health?
• Do not use any tobacco products. If
1 you smoke, quit.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.

2
• If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a

different medication that may not cause this condition. If
3 dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew
sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
Good Oral Health?
1 • See your doctor or a dentist if you have
sudden changes in taste and smell.
• When acting as a caregiver, help older
individuals brush and floss their teeth
2 if they are not able to perform these
activities independently.
Thank you!
is there any question

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ORAL AND DENTAL

Dental or oral health is concerned with

To prevent gum disease:

Clean between your teeth with

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth

• Limit alcoholic drinks.

• If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a

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