October is National Dental Hygiene Month

By Dr. Nicolas Elian, Chief Dental Office, ProHEALTH Dental, and Dr. Martha Miqueo, Associate Chief Dental Officer ProHEALTH Dental

Oral hygiene is vital to an individual’s overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many are unaware that untreated oral diseases may increase the risk of adverse health conditions and even cause self-esteem issues, oral discomfort, speech problems, and malnutrition. Also, most don’t realize that it is never too early to start practicing good oral health – even with babies and children!

The primary goal of oral hygiene is to prevent plaque buildup that may cause tooth decay or gum infection. Your mouth serves as the door to the internal part of your body. If not treated properly, health complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, bacterial pneumonia, infective endocarditis, pregnancy complications, low birth weight, cancer, and sepsis can arise. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. This is caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth and not cleaning your teeth well.

Some tips for good oral health include:

• Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months.
• Floss at least once per day.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Some people will benefit from fluoride treatments and mouth rinses.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks.
• Avoid the use of tobacco products.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals or chew sugarless gum.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal.
• Protect your teeth with a mouth guard when playing contact sports.
• Use a night guard when you tend to grind your teeth during sleep.

Tooth decay can develop as soon as the first tooth comes in, and cavities are one of childhood’s most common chronic diseases. Since a child’s chance of getting cavities can be higher if they eat and drink a lot of sugary foods and drinks, the American Dental Association recommends drinking plenty of water and eating a variety of foods, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low fat and fat-free dairy products, and lean protein sources.

If you notice any symptoms of oral disease, do not wait to act. Instead, make an appointment with your dental care provider as soon as possible.

ProHEALTH Dental's mission and goal are to provide services and education to patients regarding the critical importance of proper oral health care and its impact on systemic health. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.phdental.com or call 855-PHD-CARE.