National Dental Hygiene Month

Every October, we shine a spotlight on National Dental Hygiene Month to inform and remind us that the little daily habits we do (or don’t do) in our mouths can affect our body. It’s about more than just a pretty smile; our health and dental care are intertwined. In honor of this month, let’s review:

• the kinds of dental problems people face,

• how poor oral health relates to systemic disease,

• treatment strategies, and

• the most powerful prevention tools to include in your daily routine.

Common Dental Issues

According to the National Library of Medicine, oral conditions affect 3.9 billion people. The World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, and the Cleveland Clinic identify several types of conditions that occur in the mouth that can cause issues for the rest of the body:

• Dental caries (tooth decay and cavities): Caused by the buildup of dental plaque (accumulation of sugars and acids) that eventually demineralize tooth enamel, then dentin, and eventually create cavities. If untreated, it may progress deeper to reach the pulp, causing pain and infection.

• Gingivitis and Periodontitis (gum disease and periodontal disease): Gingivitis is the milder, reversible inflammation of the gums that causes bleeding, redness, swelling, and bad breath. If left untreated, it can evolve into periodontitis leading to loss of gum attachment, bone resorption, “pockets” or abscesses forming around teeth, gum recession, and eventually loosening or loss of teeth.

• Oral cancer (oral lesions and soft tissue pathology): Cancer of the lip or oral cavity due to tobacco or alcohol use and viruses.

• Oral or facial trauma: Can occur from misalignment of teeth or injury to the mouth or face.

• Craniofacial birth defects (cleft lip and palate): Incomplete closure of the lip or palate during fetal development can cause difficulty with eating, speaking, dental issues, and trouble hearing.

Health Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health

When we don't brush, floss, or have regular cleanings and checkups, many systemic issues can develop. The American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health (AAOSH), the Mayo Clinic, and sciencedirect.com identify the following diseases and health conditions that can be caused by poor dental hygiene:

• Cardiovascular disease and strokes: Bacteria and inflammation from gum disease may lead to arterial damage, hardening of the arteries, blood clot formation, and endocarditis.

• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugars caused by infections in the mouth can increase the risk of developing diabetes or cause complications for those who already have it.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and sleep disorders: Grinding of the teeth from sleep apnea increases the risk for cavities, inflammation of the gums, and dental infections. High blood pressure and heart disease are linked to OSA.

• Alzheimer's disease: Bacteria in the mouth can travel to the brain and lead to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

• Kidney disease and cancer: Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and infection in many organs of the body. This increases the risk for chronic kidney disease and cancers of the blood, pancreas, and lung.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): The inflammatory process caused by periodontal bacteria may lead to RA.

• Respiratory disease: Aspiration of oral bacteria can spread to lung tissues leading to an increased risk of pneumonia or exacerbate chronic pulmonary conditions.

• Osteoporosis and bone metabolism: Periodontal bone loss can mirror systemic bone density changes. Systemic bone disease may affect oral bone as well.

• High-risk pregnancy: Periodontal infection has been associated with preterm birth, low birthweight, and pregnancy complications.

• Obesity: Oral health problems can be related to a poor diet, which in turn can lead to obesity.

Treatment Options: Restoring Oral Health

When problems arise, dentists and hygienists have many intervention options. Depending on the severity of damage to teeth or gums, the Mayo Clinic lists the following options available to treat cavities and periodontitis:

• Fluoride treatments for early stage cavities.

• Fillings, crowns, and root canals for advanced cavities.

• Extraction when a tooth is too damaged to be restored.

• Scaling and root planing to remove tartar and bacteria below the gumline.

• Antibiotics (topical or oral) to treat local infections in the mouth.

• Flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and tissue-stimulating proteins for advanced periodontitis.

Prevention: Your Frontline in Dental & Systemic Health

The websites referenced above and the CDCs pediatric oral health tips provide numerous recommendations about how to promote good oral hygiene and prevent systemic health issues. These include:

Daily habits

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Assist young children to brush properly.

• Wipe infants' gums with a soft, clean cloth twice a day.

• Use a soft-bristled brush, and replace it every 3 months.

• Clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.

• Use antimicrobial mouth rinses (if recommended).

• Limit frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates such as sugary snacks and drinks.

• Stay hydrated to improve salivary flow.

• Chew sugar-free gum or use saliva substitutes, especially if you have dry mouth.

  
  

Behavior & lifestyle modifications

• Quit smoking and using tobacco. Tobacco is a major risk factor for periodontal disease, oral cancer, and systemic inflammation.

• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in whole foods and low in sugars and refined carbohydrates.

• Manage systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

• Reduce stress. Chronic stress may indirectly worsen oral health due to grinding, immune suppression, and neglect of healthcare habits.

• Maintain good general health practices, such as adequate sleep and exercise.

• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months, or more often if high risk.

• Detect early signs of cavities or gingivitis before they progress.

• Dental sealants for molars, pits, and fissures in children to help prevent cavities.

Oral health is deeply woven into your entire body’s well-being. Nurture not just your smile but your whole self. For additional information on how to promote wellness for the body, mind, and soul please visit Nurture Your Whole Self.