Tips for Preventing Oral Health Problems

Tips for Preventing Oral Health Problems

Preventing Oral Health Problems

Good oral hygiene can help protect more than just your teeth. People with poor oral health may also have:

• self-esteem issues
• a harder time finding a job
• difficulty participating and performing well in school
• oral discomfort
• speech problems
• malnutrition
• swallowing problems

A neglected infection or untreated oral cancer can even be fatal.

There are some universal ways to maintain your dental health, such as regularly visiting the dentist and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Some groups of people, though, may need to take extra precautions. Keep reading to learn more.

Children

Early childhood caries (ECC), or baby bottle syndrome, is a distinctive pattern of tooth decay. When it first appears, you may notice white spots near the gum line. These spots will turn brown as the decay progresses. Early treatment is important to reduce the level of decay.

Sugars left on the teeth can lead to ECC. These sugars may come from milk, juice, or foods. Here are some tips for preventing ECC:

• Restrict bottle feeding to meal times.
• Don't put your baby to sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice that pools in the mouth will bathe teeth in the sugars on which bacteria feed.
• Before their teeth grow in, get your baby accustomed to regular oral care by wiping their gums twice per day with a clean, soft, thin cloth, such as a handkerchief.
• After your baby’s teeth erupt, switch to a baby toothbrush moistened with water. Don't use toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out. Swallowing toothpaste while their teeth are developing can cause a condition called fluorosis, which occurs from absorbing too much fluoride and causes their teeth to look mottled or grainy.
• You should wean your child from the bottle by the time they’re 1 year old. Introduce a sippy cup or other spill-proof cup with a valve.

Women

Women have different dental concerns during various life stages.

Teenage Years

When a young woman begins to menstruate, her periods may be accompanied by mouth sores or swollen gums.

Early Adulthood

Women of childbearing age have an additional reason to practice good oral hygiene. Periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm birth with low birth weight.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a spike in progesterone and other hormones can upset your body's normal balance. This can result in gingivitis, too little or too much saliva, or benign, tumor-like growths on your gums called granulomas. Frequent vomiting caused by morning sickness can encourage tooth decay by dissolving tooth enamel. The best way to prevent these problems is to practice good oral hygiene. Consult your dentist or doctor with any medical concerns.

Don’t skip your dentist appointments while pregnant. It’s safe for pregnant women to receive dental care. Just make sure you let your dentist know that you’re pregnant.

Menopause and Postmenopausal

When women reach menopause, estrogen deficiency puts them at risk for periodontal disease. Many also have burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This disorder is characterized by an unpleasant tingling sensation occasionally associated with changes in taste perception. The condition is treated with medicated creams or lozenges, or with oral medications.