Dental health

People don’t think much about their teeth and gums until a problem occurs, like a toothache or bleeding gums. Proper dental care and oral hygiene are crucial for both dental health and overall health and well-being.

Proper care includes brushing and flossing teeth and gums at least twice daily to protect against tooth decay, and dental check-ups at least twice a year. The check-up will include a cleaning, x-rays, and an exam to check for cavities, tooth and gum problems, and signs of oral cancer.

Following a healthy lifestyle is also essential for optimal dental health. This means eating a plant-based diet, avoiding sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, cutting back on alcohol, and not smoking.

Good dental health can protect against periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that begins with gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can advance to bone damage and tooth loss (periodontitis).

Left unchecked, gum disease also can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Research also suggests possible links to other conditions, including kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.

Common dental issues include:

• cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• toothache
• tooth decay
• gingivitis
• periodontitis.