What do we mean by oral health?
When dentists talk about “oral health,” they mean the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth — the oral cavity. Unlike many internal organs that mainly regulate themselves, the mouth needs regular, active care. Teeth and gums don’t fix themselves, so daily attention is necessary.
Good oral hygiene is closely tied to keeping your teeth for life. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says proper care greatly improves the chance that your natural teeth will last. Hygiene isn’t the only factor, though — there are other important parts of oral health we’ll cover below.
Why is oral health important?
Oral health is more than a nice smile. It affects many parts of your health and helps prevent several problems:
Prevents gum disease
Gum disease includes gingivitis and the more severe periodontitis. If plaque and food debris build up, they can harden into tartar (calculus), which can’t be removed by brushing at home. As Dr. Guneet Alag explains, tartar puts pressure on the supporting bone, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and in severe cases, tooth loss.
Reduces and prevents cavities (dental caries)
Cavities range from tiny spots that can sometimes be reversed with good hygiene and fluoride to deep decay that reaches the tooth’s pulp. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and abscesses. Most cavities need a dentist to remove the decay and place a filling to restore the tooth.
Lowers risk of oral cancer
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to oral cancer. A 2019 NIH study found that bad oral health can increase the cancer-causing effects of other risk factors, like tobacco and alcohol.
Can affect chronic diseases
Poor oral health can worsen existing long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and eating disorders. The connection varies by condition, so if you have or are at risk for any of these, it’s worth discussing oral health with your doctor or dentist.
How to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Here are practical tips to maintain good oral health:
Regular hygiene
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day, ideally before bed. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash to help reduce harmful bacteria.
Eat nutritious foods
Good oral health starts from the inside. Eat foods rich in nutrients, especially calcium, which helps keep bones and teeth strong. This is especially important during pregnancy and childhood.
Limit processed foods and sugar
Sugary and processed foods and drinks feed the bacteria that cause cavities. These bacteria produce acids that erode enamel and lead to tooth decay.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Smoking increases plaque buildup and reduces blood flow to the gums, raising the risk of gum disease. Alcohol can dry out the mouth and lower saliva, which is important for protecting teeth.
Keep up with dental visits
Even with great home care, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential. Dentists can clean areas you can’t reach, find early signs of gum disease or cavities, and treat problems before they become serious. Early care can also save money by preventing costly treatments later.
Signs of unhealthy teeth and gums
Watch for these warning signs and seek dental care if you notice them:
– Persistent bad breath
– Bleeding gums
– Loose teeth
– Visible tooth decay
– Tooth pain
– Mouth sores or blisters
– Swollen or tender gums
If you experience any of these, see a dentist promptly so the problem can be treated effectively.