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Designed to assist home care workers encourage and support older people to maintain and enjoy good oral health Download
Designed to be given to residential aged care staff attending oral health education and traning. It is part of a suite of three Better Oral Health in Download
You can keep your teeth for your lifetime. Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth.
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Image: Dental Health Services Victoria Looking after your teeth and gums is important for the health of your mouth. A healthy mouth allows you to smile, eat and speak which helps your general health, mental wellbeing and ability socialise with others. Poor oral health has been linked heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, cancer and stroke. Enjoying a nutritious low-sugar diet, daily toothbrushing and regular dental visits are key ways to keep your mouth feeling good and working well. Common diseases: tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancerThe most common dental diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Let’s take a closer look at how these happen and how they can be prevented. Tooth decayWhen you consume food and drinks that are sugary or starchy (high in carbohydrates), the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth, break them down forming acids. These acids attack and dissolve the outer surface (enamel) of your teeth. Over time this can result in a hole. The risk of tooth decay is increased for people with dry mouth syndrome. The first sign of tooth decay is a chalky white spot on the tooth. At this stage, the decay process can be reversed. If you think you might have early stage tooth decay, make an appointment to see your oral health professional. Gum DiseaseGum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on your teeth. There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when dental plaque builds up on your teeth, particularly around the gumline. Signs of gingivitis include bleeding, redness, and/or swelling of the gums. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that can occur if gingivitis is left untreated. The part of the gum that joins to the tooth becomes weakened and allows bacteria to become trapped between the gum and the tooth. This can damage the soft tissue that connects your teeth and jaw bones, which can cause teeth to loosen. Oral cancerOral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the lips, tongue, gums, floor and roof of the mouth. Oral cancer is the 8th most common cancer in men in Victoria, and the 14th most common cancer in women. Consuming alcohol and tobacco are the two main risk factors for oral cancer. Oral cancer symptoms can include:
Whilst dental diseases are common, there are several simple ways you can reduce your risk. Clean well for a healthy mouthRegular toothbrushing helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by reducing the amount of bacteria and plaque around your teeth and gums. Tips for effective cleaning include:
Electric toothbrushes can also be a good option. Guide the brush slowly across, pausing for a few seconds at each tooth. Do not press too hard or scrub, let the brush do the work. Find out about toothbrushing for children. FlossingIt is important to clean between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Products such as floss and interdental brushes can remove plaque from between your teeth. Talk to your oral health professional about whether you should use one of these products. Eat well for a healthy mouthThe foods you eat impact your oral health. Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tips for eating well include:
For more information on eating well, visit the Australian Dietary . Chewing sugar-free gum can also be helpful in the fight against decay. It can help to produce saliva, which is able to wash sugar out of the mouth into the stomach, neutralise acid, fight bacteria and repair the early stages of tooth decay. Drink well for a healthy mouthLike food, what you drink also impacts your oral health. Sugary drinks feed the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Choosing tap water (which contains fluoride for most Victorians) helps to repair the damage done by bacteria and reduces your risk of tooth decay. Tips for drinking well:
Have regular dental visits for a healthy mouthThe early signs of dental disease can be difficult to see. An oral health professional is trained to spot and treat any problems early, which can prevent bigger problems developing. They can also provide you with care to prevent disease, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a dental check-up. If you have not had a dental visit for a while, it might be a good idea to book one. Having no pain does not always mean that your teeth and mouth are healthy. Always see your oral health professional if you have:
Read more about seeing an oral health professional. Reduce your risk of oral cancerTobacco and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for oral cancer. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk even more. You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by:
MouthguardsWearing a mouthguard when training or playing contact sport, or any leisure activity where there is risk of injury to the teeth and face, can significantly reduce your risk of injury to your teeth and mouth. Talk to your oral health professional about the best option for you. Where to get help |