Oral Health Facts

Periodontal Disease	Quitting Spit Tobacco
Tobacco Facts	Dental Health During Pregnancy
Brushing	Mouth Guards
Flossing	Fluoride
Dental Sealants	Dentures

Periodontal Disease

• Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that attacks the bone and gums that support your teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

• Bacteria in your mouth, called plaque, is the major cause of periodontal disease. Other things can contribute to periodontal disease such as the general condition of your teeth, your nutrition and general health, habits and emotional stress.

• If the bacteria is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. The rough surface of this calculus will help more bacteria to stay close to your teeth and under the gum line.

• This bacteria makes products that can harm your gums and the bone around your teeth.

• Periodontal disease is painless, and in the early stages it is difficult to detect. Common early warning signs of periodontal disease may include bad breath and tender or swollen gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth.

• Periodontal disease can be prevented with proper dental care starting at an early age including brushing, flossing and regular dental visits for treatment from a dental hygienist and dentist. Caught in the early stages, periodontal disease is easier to treat!

You can keep your teeth and mouth healthy for a lifetime!

Ask your dental hygienist and dentist to evaluate the health of your gums.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Quitting Spit Tobacco

Before You Quit:

• Change to a brand you don't like

• Postpone your first chew of the day by I hour for a few days, then by 2 hours, then by 3 hours, etc.

• Set a date for quitting

When You Quit:

• Get rid of all your tobacco

• Tell everyone you know that you are quitting

• Have sugarless gum available for when you have the urge to chew

• Save the money you would have spent on tobacco and treat yourself to something you wouldn't usually purchase

When You Have The Urge To Use Tobacco, Do One of These Activities Instead:

• Take a walk or exercises with a friend

• Drink a Glass of water

If You Feel You Need More Assistance With Quitting:

• Talk to your dental professional or physician

• Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345

• Call the Louisiana Lung Association at (504) 568-7210

After You Quit:

• Don't worry if you are more sleepy or irritable than usual; these symptoms should go away.

• When you're in a tense situation, try to keep busy.

• Tell yourself that chewing won't solve the problem.

• Don't give up. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Tobacco Facts

• The nicotine found in cigarettes and in spit tobacco is a powerful, addictive drug that acts on several parts of the body. Once addicted, it becomes difficult, but not impossible, to quit using spit tobacco or stop smoking.

• The use of tobacco products is not only addicting, but is directly related to a number of health problems and diseases. A few of the oral health problems smokers or spit tobacco users can develop are:

• black hairy tongue
• ground-down teeth
• cancer of the palate
• gum disease and loss of teeth
• bad breath
• cancer of the tongue
• brown, stained teeth
• receding gums
• cancer of the lip
• gum ulcers
• cancer of the esophagus
• cancer of the cheek

• Some of the harmful ingredients found in tobacco are:

• nicotine
• arsenic
• cyanide
• pesticides
• soot
• fertilizer
• dead bugs
• manure
• formaldehyde
• dirt

• At least 19 different types of cancer-causing substances, called Nitrosomonas, are found in tobacco products.

• Oral cancer is serious - when it spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck, it is often deadly.

• Spit tobacco is NOT a harmless alternative to smoking - it is just as hazardous to your health as cigarettes. Protect your health - avoid all tobacco products.

• The risk of developing lung cancer is ten times greater for smokers than non-smokers. Also, breathing second-hand smoke (someone else's smoke) can be as dangerous as smoking.

• Once you stop using tobacco products, within 20 minutes your blood pressure, pulse rate and skin temperature will return to normal. Within 8 hours, high levels of carbon monoxide in your blood will return to normal, and within a few weeks, your circulation will improve, your sense of taste and smell will improve, you will have fewer colds and more energy. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO STOP!

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Dental Health During Pregnancy

There are many myths about dental health and pregnancy. Although you have a lot to think about during this time, oral health is Just as important during pregnancy and should not be neglected.

The following facts are true and will help improve your dental health during your pregnancy!

• Nutrition is very important during pregnancy because your baby gets nutrients from your system. By eating right, you can start caring for your teeth and your baby's teeth as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Be sure to include foods with calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Your doctor can give you information to help you eat well during pregnancy.

• Some women have dental problems during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make your gums sore, swollen and bleed. This can be prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. If you did not have your teeth cleaned before you found out that you were pregnant, having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist or dentist early in your pregnancy may help prevent most gum problems.

• Some women develop a "pregnancy tumor" on their gums. This is a painless bump on your gums which can be pink, red or purple. It will usually not cause any problems, but care should be taken to keep the area around the tumor clean. See your dentist if you think you may be having this problem.

• Dental problems can also be caused by snacking more often. When the snacks are sweet, tooth decay or cavities occur. It is important to snack less often, and eat sweets at the end of a meal instead of between meals.

• It is important to see your dentist and dental hygienist during your pregnancy to prevent dental problems. Be sure to make a dental appointment before your baby is born. After birth, it may be several months before you will be able to find the time for an appointment.

• If you need to have emergency dental care during your pregnancy, you may need to have some x-rays taken of your teeth. Always be sure to remind your dental care professional of your pregnancy. Care should be taken to limit or avoid nitrous oxide, some prescribed antibiotics and some pain medications. Your dentist can contact your obstetrician with any questions.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Brushing Your Teeth

• Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime! Tooth decay or cavities, and periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can be avoided or reduced by the daily removal of plaque.

• Plaque is made up of germs that live on your teeth, all the time. It is important to remove this plaque daily, to prevent these germs from making acid and other products that can cause cavities and harm your gums and the bone around your teeth.

• If you spend less than three minutes brushing your teeth, probably all the plaque is not being removed. Also, a toothbrush with worn out bristles cannot clean your teeth properly. Try to replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.

• A dental home care plan should include:

• daily tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush that is not worn out or frayed

• using dental floss daily to clean the areas your toothbrush cannot reach that are between your teeth and under the gum line

• using a toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride

• eating balanced meals and limiting foods high in sugar

• To brush away the plaque on your teeth, follow these steps:

• Start by brushing the side of your teeth that touch your check.

• Angle your toothbrush so it is up against your teeth and gums and jiggle the toothbrush back and forth in small strokes.

• Do only a few teeth at time, and do it several times in each spot.

• When you have completed the check side of your top and bottom teeth, brush the side that face your tongue on the top and bottom teeth in the same way.

• Brush the flat, chewing surfaces of your top and bottom teeth. These surfaces have many deep grooves where germs can "hide out". Brush your tongue when you finish brushing your teeth tongue when you finish brushing your teeth to make your mouth feel fresher. To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, clean in between your teeth with dental floss after tooth brushing.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Oral Injury Prevention - Mouth Guards

• A mouth guard is horseshoe-shaped, soft plastic device used to protect the teeth, lips, gums and cheeks from injuries which occur when playing many different sports.

• Mouth guards have been found to prevent more than 200,000 injuries a year.

• Several studies suggest that mouth guards reduce the number of concussions by decreasing the force of injuries.

• There are three types of mouth guards:

• Stock - ready to wear

• Mouth formed - boil first and then bite to fit Customer made - made by a dental professional from all impression made of your teeth

• Customer made - made by a dental professional from an impression made of your teeth

• Mouth guards can range in price from $1.00 to $100.00 and the money they can save you from repairing injuries to your mouth is well worth the investment.

• After using a mouth guard, it should be rinsed with water and stored in a rigid container with holes in it to allow the mouth guard to dry. Mouth guards can last for more than one season when cared for properly.

• The American Dental Association and other sports dentistry groups recommend the use of mouth guards in all organized team sports where a mouth injury can occur. This includes football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and wrestling.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Flossing Your Teeth

• Dental health begins with good oral hygiene. Proper tooth brushing helps to remove the germs that live on you teeth (called plaque), from the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth. But plaque will still remain on your teeth unless dental floss is also used.

• Flossing will remove plaque from between your teeth, especially in those hard-to-reach areas under the gum line. By combining the use of dental floss with tooth brushing to thoroughly remove plaque each day, you will be able to help prevent cavities and an infection in your gums called periodontal disease or gum disease.

How to Floss:

• First wrap an 18-inch piece of floss around the middle finger of each hand. Hold about an inch of floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger.

• Gently slide the floss between the teeth. Be certain not to snap the floss in, or you may hurt your gums. Press the floss against one side the tooth and move the floss up and down the tooth several times, being sure to reach under the gum line.

• Floss both sides of every tooth. When you move on the next tooth, be sure to use a clean section of the floss.

Your gums may bleed slightly the first few days you use dental floss. They will become healthier if you keep flossing. If it is hard for you to use floss, try a floss holder that you can buy at a drug store or pharmacy. It is recommended that you regularly visit a dental office to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Fluoride to Prevent Tooth Decay

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral your body needs to grow and be healthy. Fluoride makes teeth and bones strong, and it protects your teeth against decay. It can be found naturally in all soil, plants, animals and water.

How Does Fluoride Help Your Teeth?

Fluoride is needed for infants and children - when teeth are still forming under the gums. The fluoride swallowed at this time, in water or from vitamins that contain fluoride, deposits itself into the outer part of the tooth and makes the tooth stronger and better able to fight decay.

Fluoride also works after the teeth erupt, and are present in your mouth. At this time, fluoride from water, food, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments received in a dental office, wash over the teeth and help to prevent decay or even stop small areas of decay that have already started. The fluoride minerals make the outer surface of the teeth stronger. Fluoride acts this way to prevent cavities in adults too.

What is the Best Way to Get Fluoride?

Even though natural fluoride is found in food, plants, animals and water, the amount is usually too low to provide the best protection from decay. Many Louisiana communities add a small amount of fluoride to their water supply so the best protection will be provided. This is called water fluoridation. Drinking fluoridated water from birth can reduce decay by 40%.

If a community does not have the benefits of water fluoridation, a dentist or physician can write a prescription for a vitamin with fluoride, in a tablet or drops. For best results, these tablets or drops should be taken from 6 months of age through 14 years of age.

Another way to get fluoride is through dental products such as toothpastes or mouth rinses that have the seal of the American Dental Association on their label. These products are good for children and adults, whether or not they drink fluoridated water.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Dental Sealants

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces where pits and groves tend to trap food and bacteria. Sealants fill in these pits and grooves so that bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Applying sealants is quite simple and may be done by a dental hygienist or dentist. First, the teeth are cleaned. Then the teeth to be sealed are dabbed with a very mild acidic solution similar in strength to vinegar or lemon juice. This roughens the tooth surface slightly so that the sealant will bond to it. After the tooth is prepared, the sealant is painted onto the tooth. It flows into the pits and grooves and hardens in about 60 seconds. After sealing, bacteria cannot reach the pits and grooves and cause decay. Applying sealants requires no drilling or removal of the tooth surface.

Will Sealants Make Teeth Feel Different?

Sealants will not result in any change in bite because they are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves. At first they may feel bulkier, but a few days of normal chewing will wear the sealants into place.

How Long Will Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last as long as 5 years and often longer. Sealants should be checked regularly and reapplied if they wear off. Because teeth are more likely to decay when they first appear in the mouth, dental sealants are recommended for children and teenagers.

Why Is Sealing A Tooth Better Than Waiting For Decay and Filling A Cavity?

Sealants help to keep teeth healthy by protecting them from decay. Decay destroys parts of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, more tooth is lost. Silver filling last above 6 - 8 years before they need to be replaced. Using sealants saves time and money and helps to keep teeth healthy.

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Caring For Your Dentures

It is important to clean your mouth and denture daily so your mouth will stay healthy. It isn't enough to soak your dentures in water or a denture cleaner. They must be brushed with a soft toothbrush, or a toothbrush made especially for dentures.

Be sure to brush and massage your gums daily with a soft toothbrush, and brush any remaining natural teeth you may have.

• Do not clean a denture with boiling water.

• Clean all the surfaces of your denture, both inside and outside, with a denture brush and denture cleaner that you can.buy at a drug store. Do not use an abrasive cleaning powder like Ajax or Comet.

• When cleaning a denture, hold it over a bowl of water between your thumb and forefinger. If it slips out of your hand, it will land in the water and not break.

• If a denture smells, it can be soaked in a solution of I teaspoon of bleach (Clorox) in one cup of water. Soak the denture for 30 minutes. Rinse the denture well before putting it back in your mouth.

• Take your denture out of your mouth for at least 8 hours every day. When it is out of your mouth, keep the denture in a bowl of water or diluted mouthwash.

• Do not try to adjust a denture with sandpaper or files - they will ruin the denture.

• Do not use denture liners or denture adhesives.

Go To The Dentist for the Following:

• Your regular fitting appointments after you get a denture

• When you have mouth sores that last for more than one week

• When your dentures become loose in your mouth

• One time a year to check the health of your mouth and the fit of your denture

This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Department of Health Services.

Go Back to Top

Go Oral Health Home

Maternal and Child Health, Oral Health Program, 325 Loyola Avenue, Room 612, New Orleans, LA, 70112

For more information contact: jsutherl@dhhmail.dhh.state.la.us