Oral hygiene involves preventive measures to avoid oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, halitosis, and other problems by maintaining good dental care. Furthermore, oral health is interconnected with overall well-being.
For instance, oral infections can spread bacteria through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, potentially leading to conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Thus, preserving the health of your teeth and gums is a crucial component of ensuring long-term overall health.
Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not.
More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.
More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.
Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).
The good news is that cavities are preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth.Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.
Dental sealants can also prevent cavities for many years. Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth prevent 80% of cavities.
For Babies
- Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
- When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small?bristled toothbrush and plain water.
- Visit the dentist by your babys first birthday to spot signs of problems early.
- Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your childs teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
For Children
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Help your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills.
- If your child is younger than 6, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow.
- Ask your childs dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.
- Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
Good Dental Health Is Important When Pregnant
When you are pregnant, you may be more prone to gum disease and cavities, which can affect your babys health. Follow these 3 steps to protect your teeth:
- See a dentist (it is safe!) before you deliver.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss Daily.
If you have nausea, rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water after you get sick. This helps wash stomach acid away and keep your tooth enamel safe.
