Diet can affect Oral Health via numerous mechanisms. Dietary deficiencies are known to cause several diseases that manifest as oral changes. In addition, certain foods have both beneficial and disease-causing capacity, potentially affecting the teeth, periodontal structures, and mucosa. Dietary considerations are also important in the prevention and management of head and neck cancer. These dietary variables are very important on multiple aspects of oral health.

What is basic dental care?

Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teethregularly, seeing your dentistand/or dental hygienist for regular checkups, and eating a healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.

The significant improvement in the oral health of Americans over the past 50 years is a health success story. Most of the gains are a result of effective prevention and treatment efforts. One major success is community water fluoridation, which now benefits about 7 out of 10 Americans who get water through public water systems. However, some Americans do not have access to preventive programs. People who have the least access to preventive services and dental treatment have greater rates of oral diseases. A person’s ability to access oral health care is associated with factors such as education level, income, race, and ethnicity.

Emerging Issues in Oral Health

Major improvements have occurred in the Nation’s oral health, but some challenges remain. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publication reported that despite dental sealants preventing over 80% of dental cavities, only 1 in 3 children aged 6 to 8 has a dental sealant. Lack of access to dental care for all ages remains a public health challenge. This issue was highlighted in a 2008 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that described difficulties in accessing dental care for low-income children. In 2013, GAO reported an increase in dental services among children who were Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, but children still visited the dentist less often than privately insured children.

Are there ways to avoid dental problems?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.

• Brush your teeth twice a day-in the morning and before bed-and floss once a day. This removes plaque, which can lead to damaged teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association.
• Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) also may cause gum disease as well as other health problems.
• Practice tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a back-to-front direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.

Do you know the best way to regularly care for your teeth? The more studies that come out, the more obvious it is that oral health is connected to overall health. That’s why it is especially important to maintain good oral health as you age. Whether you are an older adult or are a caregiver for a relative or friend, you should always take a good care of your teeth!