TIPS TO STRENGTHEN AND MAINTAIN YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

Medically Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Shilpy Bhandari - December 18, 2024

What Constitutes Dental Health?

Dental health encompasses the overall condition of your oral cavity, which includes teeth, gums, tongue, and jaws. Teeth that are clean and free of cavities are considered healthy. Pink gums that do not hurt and bleed when flossing also indicate a healthy mouth. Moreover, how your breath smells can be a major indicator of oral health; for example, persistent bad breath can be a symptom of tooth decay or gum infection.

The Current Status of Dental Hygiene Worldwide

Despite the insistence of dentists on promoting dental hygiene practices, an estimated 100 million Americans skip going to the dentist every year. Based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease report, 3.5 billion people worldwide are estimated to suffer from some form of dental disease. Tooth decay is the most common condition. Oral cancer ranks among the top three oral diseases, while periodontal disease is extremely common, with an estimated prevalence of 19% in the adult global population. Reports indicate that over a billion individuals worldwide were afflicted by severe periodontitis in 2021. This condition often results in tooth loss.

Dental health impacts your self-esteem and can significantly influence your confidence. Anyone who has experienced missing teeth or dentures that slip while eating or communicating understands the social consequences associated with ongoing and permanent dental issues. Consistent dental care is the best way to prevent these problems.

What Causes Dental and Oral Diseases?

Some of the common dental and oral diseases and their causes are discussed below:

a. Tooth Decay: Medically known as dental caries, this common oral infection affects both children and adults. It usually starts as a painless discoloration on the tooth's surface, but if left untreated, it can lead to pain and infection.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when plaque—a slimy, bacteria-filled film—forms on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria in plaque ferment the sugars from food and drinks into acids, which, with prolonged exposure, erode the surface of enamel and cause tooth discoloration. Several factors that contribute to dental caries include:

• Excess sugar intake: Excessive intake of fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose, maltose, and sucrose), particularly in the form of sticky foods, creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and ferment sugars into acids, which damage the surface of the teeth.
• Insufficient fluoride intake: The presence of fluoride in teeth strengthens them and protects against caries. Insufficient fluoride exposure increases the risk of developing caries.
• Genetics: Certain genetic variations or defects can make individuals more susceptible to tooth decay.
• Other factors: Poor oral hygiene, faulty dental work, misaligned teeth, dry mouth, and stress all contribute to a higher risk of tooth decay.

b. Gum Disease: Also termed periodontal disease, it is an infection affecting the gums and the tissues surrounding the teeth.

What Causes Gum Diseases?

It is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque on the gums, usually due to poor oral hygiene. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, making it more difficult to remove.

The gums can become inflamed and irritated due to the release of harmful toxins by the bacteria present in plaque and tartar. If left untreated, this inflammation can worsen, causing the infection to spread. Over time, it can damage the bone and tissues that support teeth, leading to loosening of teeth.

Besides the buildup of plaque caused by poor brushing and oral hygiene habits, several other factors can contribute to gum infection, including:

• Local Factors: Crowded teeth, improper dental work, and dry mouth (reduced saliva flow) can make it harder to clean teeth effectively, leading to the accumulation of plaque and calculus.
• Systemic factors:
  • Genetics: The presence of defective genes or variation in genes can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
  • Metabolic Conditions: High blood sugar in diabetics worsens gum inflammation.
  • Smoking: Nicotine reduces blood flow to gums, increasing bacterial activity and inflammation.
  • Nutritional Deficiency: Lack of Vitamin C weakens blood vessels and increases the risk of inflammation of gums.
  • Medications: Certain drugs (e.g., calcium-channel blockers, anti-epileptics) cause dry mouth or gum enlargement, raising the risk of gum disease.
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or from oral contraceptives can intensify gum inflammation.
  • Systemic Disorders: Conditions like leukemia, HIV, clotting issues, and bulimia (frequent vomiting) can lead to gum inflammation even with minimal plaque.
  • Stress: High stress levels increase cortisol, weaken gum health, and often coincide with harmful habits like smoking or drinking.

c. Malocclusion: This is a condition in which the upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned when the mouth is closed. This misalignment of teeth is common in children and adolescents and can primarily affect appearance, chewing efficiency, and swallowing function.

What Causes Malocclusion?

Here are some of the causes of malocclusion:

• Genetics: Genetic factors can contribute to facial asymmetries, cleft lip and palate, discrepancies in jaw size, and variations in tooth size and shape.
• Congenital Syndromes: Conditions present at birth, such as cerebral palsy, torticollis, cleidocranial dysostosis, and congenital syphilis, can lead to malocclusion.
• Persistent Poor Oral Habits and Functional Issues: Persistent poor oral habits, such as thumb-sucking, finger-sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting, and mouth breathing, and issues like enlarged tonsils and adenoids, can contribute to malocclusion.
• Local Factors: Factors such as abnormal tooth size and shape, improper dental restorations, delayed tooth eruption, dental caries, and premature tooth loss can lead to malocclusion.
• Environmental Causes: Prenatal factors like maternal diet, trauma, and infections, as well as postnatal factors like birth injury and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injury, can contribute to malocclusion.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus can interfere with bone metabolism and jaw growth, potentially leading to malocclusion.

d. Oral Cancer: This has a higher incidence rate in men, particularly in older adults. It has considerably high morbidity and mortality rates. This cancer can develop in various areas of the mouth, including the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, salivary glands, and pharynx.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Here are some of the causes of oral cancer:

• Tobacco and Alcohol: Using any form of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, betel quid, or snuff, damages the cells in the mouth and significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Infections: Bacterial infections (e.g., syphilis), fungal infections (e.g., candidiasis), and viral infections (e.g., HPV, HSV, AIDS) can contribute to the development of oral cancers.
• Chronic Irritation: Persistent irritation from sharp teeth, faulty prosthetics, or restorations can cause trauma to the inner lining of the oral cavity, potentially leading to oral cancer.
• Radiation Exposure: Excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet radiation can damage DNA and increase the risk of oral cancer.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Poor Oral Health?

Here are some common signs of bad oral hygiene that contribute to poor oral health:

• Bleeding Gums
• Persistent Bad Breath
• Swollen Gums
• Swollen jaws
• Pus discharge from gums
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Tooth Pain
• Multiple Tooth Decay (Dental caries)
• Receding gums
• Loose Teeth
• Other oral Infections: Fungal infections, oral herpes, or recurring mouth ulcers

How does Poor Dental Hygiene Impact your Heart and Overall Health?

The ADA states that bacteria from gum infections, often caused by poor oral hygiene, can enter the bloodstream and reach the heart. These bacteria can damage the blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow, elevating the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, inflammatory chemicals, such as C-reactive protein, Interleukins 1 and 6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor released by the body in response to periodontal disease, can further damage the heart and its blood vessels, elevating the risk of these serious conditions.

Besides heart, poor oral hygiene can affect other health conditions as well. Diseases caused by poor dental hygiene include:

• Diabetes: People with diabetes and poor oral hygiene are three times more likely to develop gum infections than those without diabetes. High blood sugar levels release inflammatory chemicals, which worsen gum problems. In turn, these infections make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
• Respiratory diseases: Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and bronchitis. It can harbor harmful bacteria in the mouth, which may contaminate saliva. This bacteria can then be aspirated into the lungs or enter through the bloodstream, leading to infections.
• Pregnancy-related complications: Gum infections in pregnant women may increase the risk of premature birth by up to 7.5 times. Additionally, these infections can raise the risk of low birth weight in newborns, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and spontaneous abortions.
• Osteoporosis: There is an established association between periodontal disease and osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. Evidence has shown that the presence of osteoporosis can increase the risk of bone resorption (bone loss), including the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loosening and eventual loss.
• Psychological disorders: Poor dental health can have significant effects on an individual's quality of life and mental health. It can impair chewing efficiency, speech, and appearance, leading to self-consciousness and reduced social interactions, which may contribute to social anxiety. Additionally, individuals with mental illnesses often struggle to maintain proper oral hygiene, further exacerbating dental and mental health challenges.
• Cancer: Poor dental hygiene is associated with an increased risk of oral and throat cancers.

Why is Oral Hygiene Important?

Good oral hygiene is key to overall health. Proper care of your teeth and gums helps prevent the pain, discomfort, and expense of extensive dental procedures. Tooth loss, for instance, may require costly solutions like dentures, partials, or implants. Regular annual check-ups at a health and wellness center are vital for monitoring your overall health and identifying potential issues early.

Importance of Dental Hygiene While Using Implants

Good oral health is important for implant success. Poor hygiene leads to plaque buildup and gum inflammation around the implant. If untreated, this can spread to the supporting bone, leading to implant loosening and eventual failure.

Importance of Dental Health During Pregnancy

Maintaining good dental health while pregnant is essential for both maternal and fetal well-being. Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy can result in the following oral conditions:

• Gingivitis (Inflammation of gums): About 60–75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis due to increased levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones. During gingivitis, patients may experience symptoms such as redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. This condition peaks during the second trimester and resolves after childbirth.
• Dental Caries (Tooth Decay): Pregnancy increases the risk of tooth decay, partly due to hormonal changes that can trigger sugar cravings. Higher sugar intake boosts bacterial activity, producing acids that damage tooth surfaces. If left untreated, tooth decay may worsen during pregnancy.
• Overgrowth of Gums: About 9% of women may experience overgrowth of gums, also known as pregnancy tumors. These are harmless overgrowths attributed to poor oral hygiene and usually subside after childbirth.
• Dry Mouth: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may induce dryness of the mouth, which exacerbates the risk of tooth decay.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy can elevate the risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) in babies.

What are the Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene?

Here are some of the benefits of good oral hygiene:

• Prevents Oral Diseases: Helps protect against tooth decay, gum infections, and other oral health issues.
• Supports Systemic Health: Promotes overall health by mitigating the risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other systemic issues.
• Enhances Daily Functionality: Enables proper tasting and chewing of food and improves speech clarity.
• Boosts Confidence: Enhances appearance, self-esteem, and confidence.
• Facilitates Nutrition: Aids in the intake of nutritious food essential for growth and development.
• Reduces Dental Costs: Lowers the frequency of dental visits and associated treatment expenses.

Tips to Maintain your Dental Health

Good dental health helps you chew food, speak clearly, and smile confidently. It also provides psychological benefits and enhances overall quality of life. Maintaining strong teeth is essential for your overall well-being. Here’s how to take care of your teeth:

Brush your Teeth Twice Daily

Brushing twice a day helps remove food debris and plaque (a slimy film of bacteria) from the front and back surfaces of your teeth. To prevent the accumulation of dental plaque, it is advisable to gently brush the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush for a duration of no more than two minutes. For more effective results, you can chew disclosing tablets or use disclosing toothpaste, which stains hard-to-see plaque, making it visible and improving your plaque removal efficiency.

Proper brushing technique is key to effective cleaning. Follow these steps for better results:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of the tooth, with the bristles pointing towards the gums.
• Move the brush in short back-and-forth strokes, then sweep away from the gums.
• Repeat on the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Replace your brush every 3-4 months or when you notice the bristles becoming frayed.

Floss your Teeth Every Day

Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth, areas that toothbrushes may have difficulty reaching. If left uncleaned, plaque can cause gum inflammation and tooth decay and harden into calculus, which regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. The buildup of calculus can worsen gum inflammation, leading to bone loss, tooth loosening, and eventual tooth loss.

Flossing can be performed using dental floss, which is a nylon or teflon thread that can be slid easily between teeth and help clean the side of the tooth with up and down motion along the curvature of teeth.

Here is the correct technique to use a dental floss:

• Take about 1.5 to 2 feet of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of both hands.
• Use your index fingers and thumbs to grip the floss.
• Carefully slide the floss between your teeth, guiding it along the gum line.
• Move the floss up and down along the contours (sides) of each tooth.

Flossing once a day, either before or after brushing, using the correct technique, helps maintain dental health. In addition to traditional dental floss, the use of other aids such as floss with a holder, tiny interdental brushes, or a water flosser (a device used to clean between teeth using a jet of water) can also be effective in maintaining hygiene between teeth.

Clean your Tongue Regularly

​Cleaning your tongue regularly helps in removing plaque and reducing bacteria that contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. To maintain optimal oral health, clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or toothbrush after brushing your teeth. However, research suggests that tongue scrapers are more effective than toothbrushes for this purpose.

Use Mouthwash Regularly

Mouthwash is a helpful addition to brushing and flossing. It reduces bad breath and improves oral hygiene by reaching areas that brushing cannot. However, it should not replace a regular oral care routine. Mouthwashes are broadly categorized into two types: therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active antimicrobial ingredients (e.g., chlorhexidine) that help treat gum infections and foul odor, prevent cavities, and address oral conditions such as dry sockets, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, and oral cancers. However, they should only be used for a limited time under the guidance of a dentist or expert.

In contrast, cosmetic mouthwashes lack active antimicrobial ingredients and are primarily used to freshen breath. They are safe for daily use.

For best results, use mouthwash 20–30 minutes before or after brushing, especially when using fluoridated toothpaste.

Use Fluoride-based Products and Fluoridated Water

The use of fluoride-based toothpaste, dental products, and fluoridated water, salt, milk, or foods like tea, coffee, seafood, grapes, and raisins helps prevent cavities and support bone growth. Most toothpastes contain fluoride (e.g., sodium fluoride, mono-fluorophosphate, or stannous fluoride) within the safe daily range of 1,000–1,500 ppm. Other fluoride products, such as mouth rinses, gels, and professionally applied treatments (such as, gels, foams, varnishes, and silver diamine fluoride), are also effective in preventing and stopping the progression of tooth decay.

Include and Avoid Certain Foods for Better Oral Health

Foods and Drinks to Include

Here are foods that strengthen enamel and keep teeth healthy:

• Whole Grains, Vegetables, and Fiber-Rich Fruits: Help remove plaque, maintain saliva flow and pH, and strengthen immunity against bacterial attacks.
• Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are packed with calcium and phosphates. These essential minerals help fortify tooth enamel and protect it from demineralization. Cheese also stimulates saliva flow, aiding natural cleaning.
• Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Occasionally chewing sugar-free gum promotes saliva production.
• Green and Black Tea: These have polyphenols, which inhibit bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum inflammation by restricting their growth and activity.
• Plain Water: Keeps the mouth hydrated, washes away food debris and bacteria, and maintains oral pH balance.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Here are foods that can damage teeth:

• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excess consumption of chocolates, candies, pastries, energy drinks, flavored milk, and fruit juices can lead to cavities as bacteria ferment sugars to produce acid.

• Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits, sodas, and energy drinks can erode tooth enamel, causing sensitivity.

• Caffeinated Tea and Coffee: Overconsumption can dry the mouth and stain teeth.

• Sticky Foods: Candies, chocolates, chewing gum, and dried fruits adhere to teeth, increasing enamel damage and potentially affecting orthodontic devices.

• Alcohol: It can reduce saliva production, resulting in dry mouth and raising the risk of cavities and other oral health problems.

Visit a Dentist for Regular Check-ups

Visiting a professional dentist is essential for maintaining oral health. Regular check-ups help detect and manage dental problems early. Professional cleanings during these visits are vital, as even the most diligent brushing and flossing cannot completely prevent plaque buildup along the gum line and tooth surfaces.

What Dental Problems should be Treated to stop them from Spreading and Protect Other Teeth?

Here are some of the dental conditions that have to be treated on time to prevent them from spreading:

• Tooth decay: Tooth decay should be treated early to prevent it from spreading. If left untreated, decay can progress from the enamel (outer layer) to the dentin and eventually reach the pulp, where nerves are exposed to oral bacteria, causing pain. Prolonged untreated decay can lead to a dental abscess (pus formation), which may spread to the supporting bone.

• Gum infections: Gum infections need early intervention to prevent them from spreading to the supporting bone and tissues. If left untreated, these conditions can result in bone loss and loose teeth. Additionally, early control of the infection reduces the risk of associated systemic conditions.

• Dental abscess: This is a collection of pus that forms around infected teeth or gums. It should be treated immediately; otherwise, the infection may spread to other areas of the face and neck.

• Cracked or a chipped tooth: A deep crack or large chip in a tooth can expose the inner pulp to oral bacteria, potentially causing an infection of the nerves. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the tooth tip and the surrounding bone, leading to more severe complications such as abscesses or even tooth loss. 

FAQs

• Can a bad tooth turn into cancer? Or can rotten teeth cause cancer?

A bad or rotten tooth itself does not directly cause cancer; instead, it can cause a tooth abscess. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal infections and has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as oral and throat cancers.

• Is charcoal toothpaste good for your teeth?

No, charcoal toothpaste does not benefit your teeth. Charcoal is marketed in toothpaste as a whitening agent, but there is no strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Additionally, the abrasive nature of charcoal can increase the risk of enamel damage if used regularly.

• Is chewing gum good for dental health?

Chewing gum, especially sugar-free gum, increases saliva production, which helps clean teeth, neutralize acids, and reduce plaque and stains on tooth surfaces. It also supports remineralization of the enamel, strengthens tooth surfaces, and helps alleviate dry mouth and bad breath.

• When to start dental care for a baby?

Dental care for babies should begin even before the first tooth appears by gently wiping their gums with a soft cloth. Once teeth erupt, usually around 6-9 months, brushing should be done twice daily using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, a visit to the dentist by their first birthday is recommended to ensure the baby's proper dental health.

• What do healthy teeth look like?

Healthy teeth are characterized by smooth, glossy enamel that is white or slightly off-white, free from stains or discoloration.They are free of cavities and exhibit no sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. Healthy teeth are surrounded by firm, pink gums with no signs of bleeding or swelling and are accompanied by fresh breath.

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