In Part 2 of our conversation on “Oral Health in Women,” we discuss oral hygiene tips to help you take care of your mouth throughout your lifespan. If you missed Part 1 (Oral Health’s Relationship to Overall Health), you can read it here.
To understand what we’re protecting our mouth from with good oral hygiene, let’s quickly review some of the different types of oral problems:
- Tooth decay: Another word for cavity, tooth decay is a common, preventable problem for people of all ages.
- Periodontal disease: A condition in which the gums pull away from your tooth, resulting in loose teeth or even lost teeth. When bacteria stay on your teeth long enough, it forms a film called plaque, which eventually leads to tartar, which can sit below your gum line and cause irritation. Gingivitis (“swelling of gums”) is an early stage of periodontal disease. Other signs can include bad breath, painful chewing, loose teeth, and sensitive teeth.
- Periodontitis: Similar to periodontal disease, but more serious when bacteria spread deeper and affect the tissues that support your tooth, like tooth roots.
- Medication side effects: Hundreds of drugs/medications are known to cause mouth problems, such as dry mouth, oral yeast infections, gum swelling, mouth sores, taste changes, tooth decay, and tooth discoloration. Some common culprits for causing dry mouth specifically are decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, and diuretics.
- Oral cancers: Occur most often in people who smoke or use other forms of tobacco and alcohol, but it is also increasing rapidly as the result of being exposed to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cancers often start as a small white or red spot in the mouth, but be aware of any sores, bleeding, or changes that last for 2 weeks or more.
In addition to these, women or individuals may have concerns about the color of their teeth, teeth straightening, that they grind their teeth at night, etc. ANY concern can be directed towards your dentist or health care provider. He or she can help diagnose what’s going on and help you find the right treatment. Ignoring a dental problem won’t make the problem go away – but your teeth just might – especially if it’s a dental emergency!
The ultimate goal, however, is to KEEP your mouth healthy, so you are less likely to run into these kind of problems. When it comes to promoting good oral health, there are 4 important steps to take:
BRUSH.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste. Avoid brushing too fast, and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Either manual or powered toothbrushes can be used effectively.
FLOSS.
Every day. Yes, every day, using traditional string floss, flossing picks, water picks, or floss holders to clean between your teeth. Mouthwash has benefits for your oral health too, but it is not meant to replace flossing.
EAT WELL.
To keep your teeth healthy, limit your intake of sugary soft drinks and foods, especially those that stick to your teeth (examples: hard candy, lollipops, caramel). Get enough calcium through milk, cheese, other dairy products, and foods like greens, sardines, and salmon to strengthen your enamel (the protective coating on your tooth), and also to protect your teeth from wearing down from the acids in your mouth. Avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol too.
VISIT A DENTIST.
See your dentist regularly – about every 6 months – for a check up and cleaning. This can be difficult if your insurance doesn’t cover dental, but there are several affordable options, which can help you access dental care. Remember, a dental problem that goes untreated will be a lot more expensive in the long-run, and it can cost you emotionally as well if you feel self-conscious or insecure about the way your mouth or teeth look and feel.
No matter what your age, follow these 4 steps to keep your mouth healthy and smiling! For more information, visit the American Dental Association’s “Healthy Mouth” website.