1. Oral Health
Jennifer Musante

2. Lesson Objectives Have an understanding of oral health
Importance of dental check-ups
Identify oral health problems like gum disease that can affect overall health
Determine how often to see the dentist
Know the importance of oral health care for not only yourself but for the baby and small children

3. Oral Health The health of our TEETH + GUMS + TONGUE
Taking good care of your oral health can prevent disease in your mouth
Nearly one-third of all adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay
One in seven adults aged 35 to 44 years has gum disease; this increases to one in every four adults aged 65 years and older
Oral cancers are most common in older adults, particularly those over 55 years who smoke and are heavy drinkers

4. Oral Health Oral health can affect the health of your entire body
TRUE
Diseases and conditions of the mouth have a direct impact on the health of the entire body
The health of your mouth can be a sign of your body's health
Mouth problems are not just cavities, toothaches, and crooked or stained teeth
Many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV, cancer, and some eating disorders are linked with oral health problems
Question 1 on the quiz
Good oral health can help improve birth outcomes, keep children from developing painful cavities and prevent seniors, and those with chronic health conditions, from developing life-threatening complications

5. Oral Health & Pregnancy
Oral Health is especially important during pregnancy:
Frequent eating
Hormonal changes
More likely to develop red, puffy gums
Additional amount of the hormone progesterone in the body causes a strong reaction to normal amounts of plaque
Gums may be sensitive
If gums are sensitive try soft floss that slides easily and comfortably between teeth

6. Oral Health Smoking or using tobacco products accelerates the chance for tooth loss
TRUE
The use of tobacco increases your risk of:
Oral bacterial infection & periodontal disease
Bad breath, or halitosis
Tooth staining and discoloration
Inflammation of the soft tissues in the mouth
‘dry mouth'
Accelerated buildup of plaque and tartar
Oral and throat cancer
Tooth loss
Any kind of tobacco-smoking or chewing is a danger to your oral health.
Just like cigarettes and cigars, smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco and snuff, contain a whole lot of chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus.
chewing tobacco products contain greater amounts of nicotine than cigarettes
One tin of snuff delivers more nicotine than three standard packets of cigarettes!

7. Most Common Oral Health Problems The most common oral health problems are cavities and gum disease
chalky white and/or brown holes on your teeth
Bacteria in your mouth make acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the outermost layer of the tooth (enamel)
Gum diseases
Gum diseases are infections caused by bacteria, along with mucus and other particles that form a sticky plaque on your teeth. Plaque that is left on teeth hardens and forms tartar
We are all at risk of tooth decay, or cavities.
Dental decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic illnesses among children.

8. Oral Health Mothers can spread cavity-causing germs that may affect their baby’s teeth
TRUE
Cavity-causing germs can be transmitted through contact – like when baby puts hands in your mouth, and then in his or her own mouth
Research has shown that since a pregnant woman shares blood with her unborn baby, any infection of the mouth – such as a cavity or gum (periodontal) disease – can affect the baby
Babies are not born with the germ that cause cavities. They get these germs from their caregivers.
Kissing baby on the mouth, tasting their food and putting pacifier in adults mouth. By taking good care of their teeth, care of their own teeth, caregivers can protect baby’s teeth from these germs for longer.

9. Oral Health Gingivitis
Signs of the first stage of the gum disease - gingivitis
Plaque that is not removed hardens over time and collects above your gum line. Hardened plaque makes it more difficult to brush and clean between your teeth. Your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily
Most common dental concern during pregnancy, affecting 50% of all pregnant women

10. Oral Health Problems Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease
It causes red, swollen gums (gums bleed easily)
Most gingivitis can be treated with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings at the dentist's office
This form of gum disease does not lead to loss of bone or tissue around the teeth
Your risk of gum disease is higher if you:
Smoke
Have a disease such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS
Use methamphetamine
Normal, healthy gums Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.

11. Gingivitis

12. Periodontal Disease Gum Disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease
Severe gum infection, which destroys the bones and fibers that help to keep your teeth in place
Can cause some very unpleasant side effects including:
bleeding from the gums, tooth loss, and infection
Particular concern during pregnancy
increased risk for both preterm labor and having a low birth weight baby
If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to:
Periodontitis
Plaque left on teeth hardens into tartar. As plaque and tartar build up, the gums pull away from the teeth and pockets form between the teeth and gums. Bone supporting the teeth may get infected and start to weaken

13. Periodontal Disease

14. Periodontal Disease

15. Oral Health Problems Gum Disease
Advanced Periodontitis
The gums recede further, destroying more bone and the ligament around the tooth
Teeth may become loose and need to be removed
Pass out the images

16. Pregnancy Tumors
Can form if you are suffering from pregnancy gingivitis or periodontal disease
These tumors are growths that form on your gums
They can make it hard to speak, eat and swallow, and may cause pain and discomfort
Pass out the image

17. Oral Health Problems Halitosis
Bad breath
Bad breath is also called halitosis
Bad-smelling breath can be caused by several things, including:
Poor oral hygiene
Some foods
Dentures
Gum disease
Dry mouth
Tobacco use
Respiratory, digestive, or other health problems
Some medicines
halitosis (hal-lih-TOH-suhss).
Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco and some foods often helps people with bad-smelling breath.
You may want to try using a tongue scraper to clean food from your tongue.
You could also just brush your tongue with your toothbrush.
But if doing so doesn't seem to help or if you always need mouthwash to hide bad breath, talk to your dentist.

18. Oral Health Problems Burning Mouth
People with this condition describe a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue
It is most common in postmenopausal women
The cause is unknown, but might be linked to:
Hormones
Dry mouth
Taste problems
Nutritional deficiencies
Use of ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medicines)
Anxiety and depression
Dentures that do not fit
Infections (especially fungal infections)
The pain from burning mouth syndrome may affect your tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, or widespread areas of your whole mouth. The pain can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.
Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have burning mouth. Treatment depends on the cause — if it can be determined — and might include adjusting your dentures, vitamin supplements, or pain or other medicines

19. Oral Health Problems Cold Sores
These small, painful sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1
Once you are exposed to the virus, it can hide in your body for years
Cold sores can spread from person to person
Often form on the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin
The sores heal in about 7 to 10 days without scarring. You can buy over-the-counter drugs to put on cold sores to help relieve pain
Things that trigger the virus and lead to cold sores include:
Getting too much sun
Having a cold or infection
Feeling stressed
The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid-such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.
If you get cold sores a lot, talk with your doctor or dentist about a prescription for an antiviral drug. These drugs can help reduce healing time and the number of new sores.

20. Oral Health Problems Dry Mouth
This problem happens when you don't have enough saliva, or spit, in your mouth
Dry mouth may make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, and speak
If left untreated, it can lead to cavities
This is because saliva helps break down bits of food and helps stop acid from forming plaque on your teeth
Some reasons why people get dry mouth include:
Side effect of medicines or medical treatment, such as cancer treatments
Health problems, such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Sjogren's syndrome
A blocked salivary gland
Treatment
depends on the cause it can range from medicines to diet changes
To lessen the dryness, use artificial saliva, suck on sugarless candy, do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and use a humidifier
Dry mouth is also called xerostomia (ZEER-oh-STOM-mee-uh).
Tell your doctor if you have dry mouth

21. Oral Health Problems Canker Sores
 These sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. (white or gray base and a red border)
Women are more likely than men to have canker sores that recur
Canker sores most often heal on their own in one to three weeks.
The cause of canker sores is unknown. Risk factors include:
Fatigue
Stress
Having your period
A cut on the inside of your cheek or on your tongue
Allergies
Celiac disease
Crohn's disease
To help with pain:
Avoid hot, spicy foods
Use mild mouthwashes or salt water
Try over-the-counter pain medicines
See your dentist if you get a large sore (larger than a half inch, or about the size of a dime). You may need medicine to treat it.
No proven way exists to prevent canker sores. If you get them often, talk with your dentist.

22. Oral Health Problems Thrush
These fungal infections appear as red, yellow, or white lesions, flat or slightly raised, in the mouth or throat. It can look like cottage cheese
Your risk of getting thrush increases if:
You have a weak immune system
You don't make enough saliva
You take antibiotics
Treatment:
antifungal mouthwash or lozenges
If the infection spreads or your immune system is weak, you may need antifungal medicine
Thrush is common among:        
Denture wearers
People who are very young or elderly
People with dry mouth
People with HIV or other chronic disease (like diabetes)
Thrush is also called oral candidiasis (CAN-dih-dye-uh-sis).

23. Oral Health Problems Oral Cancer
This cancer can affect any part of the mouth and part of the throat
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you are at higher risk
Excessive alcohol use along with smoking raises your risk even more (nonsmokers can also develop oral cancer)
To help protect yourself from lip cancer, use a lip balm with sunscreen (exposure to the sun can cause lip cancer)
Oral cancer most often occurs after age 40
It isn't always painful, so it may go undetected until the late stages
Signs & Symptoms Include:
Oral cancer often starts as a tiny white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth
A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
A color change in the tissues of the mouth
A lump, rough spot, or other change
Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
Problems chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
A change in the way the teeth fit together
Ask your doctor to check for signs of oral cancer during your regular checkup.

24. Oral Health As we get older, our chance for cavities increases
TRUE
Changes in your mouth as you age make cavities more likely
Although decay may occur in any area of the tooth, as you age decay is more likely to develop around old fillings or in the softer root of the tooth that is exposed as gums recede
 As you age, you become more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease
Researchers believe that symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases

25. Cancer
If you are being treated for cancer, you may develop sores or other problems with your mouth
Pay attention to your mouth each day, and remember to brush and floss gently
Call your doctor or nurse if you notice a mouth problem, or if an old problem gets worse

26. Diabetes
People with diabetes are at special risk for gum disease. Gum disease can lead to painful chewing and even tooth loss
Dry mouth, often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay.
People with diabetes can also get thrush
Smoking makes these problems worse
By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent gum disease. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.

27. Heart disease
Before some dental treatments, patients who have certain heart conditions or joint replacements may take antibiotics
May be at risk of getting an infection when bacteria that lives in the mouth goes into the bloodstream during treatment
Antibiotics lower this risk
Talk to your doctor or dentist if you are not sure whether you should take antibiotics before dental treatment.

28. HIV
Oral problems are common in people with HIV because of a weak immune system
These problems can make it hard to eat
Lack of nutrition – Mouth pain or tenderness makes it hard to chew and swallow
The most common mouth problems linked with HIV can be treated

29. Oral Health Gum Disease can’t be prevented
FALSE
Gum disease can be reversed in nearly all cases
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Tell dentist if you are pregnant
Avoid dental x-rays during pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary)
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day
Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse
Avoid tobacco
Limit alcohol
Avoid or limit sugary snacks
Eat healthy, balanced diet (fruits and vegetables)
baby’s first teeth begin to develop about 3 month
Avoid tobacco
Limit alcohol

30. Choosing the right toothpaste
So many different kinds of toothpaste are available today.
whitening, reducing gingivitis and plaque, and sensitive teeth
Toothpaste should contain fluoride and look for the seal of acceptance from American Dental Association's (ADA)
Beyond that, choosing toothpastes is a personal choice
Mouthwashes claim to freshen your breath. But they really only mask breath odor for a few hours
You can also use a tongue scraper to freshen breath
A tongue scraper removes food particles trapped in the pits along the tongue's surface
Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can also remove these bits of food
ADA seal can be found on gum that is proven to help reduce plaque build up
If you always need to use a mouthwash to hide bad breath, see your dentist

31. Oral Health If one brushes three times a day instead of twice, flossing is not necessary.
FALSE
Flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove sticky bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth
Floss gets to places your toothbrush can't, removing small bits of food trapped in between your teeth and gums
Floss gets to places your toothbrush can't, removing small bits of food trapped in between your teeth and gums. If you don't get all this food out, it forms bacteria. Those bacteria will eventually turn into plaque, which yields to tartar and eventually some form of gum disease. At first, your gums might become sore, swell or bleed when you brush. After some time, this can lead to gingivitis and then periodontitis, also known as advanced gum disease.

32. Toothbrush Change your toothbrush every 6 months
FALSE
Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out
A new toothbrush removes more plaque

33. Infant Oral Health
Early childhood cavities (ECC) often called baby bottle tooth decay
occurs when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars (like milk, formula, and fruit juice) cling to an infant's teeth for long periods of time
Water should be the only liquid put in a bedtime bottle
Propping a baby’s bottle
liquid gathers in a baby's mouth when the bottle is propped (choking is also a hazard)
Baby teeth are important because they guide the permanent teeth - You should start caring for your baby’s gums even before their first teeth come in
*It is important to start taking care of your infants and young children's teeth early on.
Before babies teeth come in:
Get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet wash cloth during bath time
You don’t need to use any toothpaste yet
Wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over his gums

34. Infant Oral Health
The best way to brush babies teeth after they start coming in:
As your child’s teeth start to appear (generally 6 months) look for a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for your hand.
Use a tiny amount of toothpaste (size of a grain)
Twice daily, gently brushing on the inside and outside of each of your baby’s teeth, as well as the tongue
Floss once all the baby teeth have come in
Make sure your child is getting enough fluoride
If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist or doctor how your child should get it
Never giving your child a pacifier dipped in anything sweet
Decreasing your child's sugar intake, especially between meals
*It’s important to start kids off with dental health habits when they are young and encouraged throughout the years. As a parent you are the first person who will influence how they care for their teeth and gums.
Show examples of this – child tooth brush and child safe toothpaste
Begin using fluoridated toothpaste to brush your child's teeth when the child is 2 years old. Be careful to use only a small dab of toothpaste (about the size of your child's pinky fingernail). Young children tend to swallow toothpaste when brushing rather than spit it out. Though it's uncommon, this can sometimes lead to fluorosis and cosmetic problems in the permanent teeth.
As soon as two teeth touch each other, floss between them once a day. You can use regular floss or special plastic floss holders.
When should I Start Using Fluoride Toothpaste for My Child? When your child is able to spit. Fluoride is safe and necessary to keep teeth strong, but only at appropriate levels. Younger toddlers tend to swallow toothpaste in excessive amounts, and this may lead to fluorosis, which causes discoloration of the teeth. And remember – even if your water is fluoridated, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is necessary in both "topical" forms – like toothpaste, and "ingested" forms – like water or fluoride supplements.

35. Infant Oral Health A child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday
TRUE
Baby should see a dentist by first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth comes in
Children with special needs should be seen more often
At least once per year
ADA and the AAPD recommend taking your baby to their first appointment as soon as his first teeth emerges
AAP recommends you take baby to dentist before age 1 only if there’s a problem that needs attention or if your baby is at high risk for tooth decay (risk factors include a family history of cavities and poor dental health in the mother during pregnancy)

36. Infant Oral Health Baby teeth are not very important
False
Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, speaking, and smiling
They also serve as placeholders for the adult teeth
Eating Strong teeth help to chew and break down food. Once teeth become decayed, chewing can be difficult and painful.
Talking Teeth play an important role with speech. The tongue uses teeth for positioning and for forming words.
Saving space for adult teeth Baby teeth hold a space in the mouth for adult teeth. When adult teeth arrive, the baby teeth guide them into the proper spot. Without baby teeth as a guide, the adult teeth could shift into the empty space. This may lead to crowding.
Smiling Losing teeth too early can have an effect on self esteem.

37. Childhood Oral Health Parents can check their child’s teeth for signs of childhood dental decay
TRUE
You can check your child's mouth for Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) by lifting the lip and checking their teeth and gum line (check behind their front teeth as well – can use dental mirror)
Some signs of tooth decay are:
brown or yellow spots on the teeth or "chalky" areas
grooves or changes to the front teeth

38. Teaching Children to brush their teeth
Make it fun
Incorporate a game, fun song
great way to show children plaque on their teeth is by using disclosing
Children need help brushing their teeth until they are 8 years old
Teach children to always spit out toothpaste and store toothpaste out of their reach
Swallowing toothpaste with fluoride can lead to permanent spots on forming teeth
Give out toothbrush kits, handout different activities , coloring book, and songs
Depending on time – read through some songs and games
Ask the group who have children what techniques they use to teach bushing teeth

39. References http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/adult.ht m
cations_teeth/
eblinks_oral_health.htm
r-publications/fact-sheet/oral-health.cfm#a

40. Q&A What do you get impacted gums from?
What is the difference in the whitening toothpaste?
What do you know about whitening products (crest strips, mouth pieces)
Last session these were the following questions asked?
Sore gums are often a symptom of poor oral health, and typically occur in teenagers and adults. There are several leading causes for sore gums, some of which include teething, impacted teeth, injuries, gum disease, oral cancer, and mouth ulcers, just to name a few; many women also experience painful and bleeding gums due to a change in hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Various methods for preventing painful gums, such as good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and eating less sugar, can help reduce any gum soreness or prevent it from occurring; however, when proper precautions are not taken to care for teeth and gums, there is a risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.\
According to many dental experts, the toothbrush is what really matters. "The brush does 95% of the work." A "In all honesty, you do not need toothpaste. The friction of the toothbrush is the most important thing! "Some toothpastes are good for sensitivity, some for canker sores, etc. But for the average patient, just choose the one that tastes the best.“
Whitening products: there are a variety on the market you can choose based on:
Effectiveness.  Some solutions show results right away; while others take 2 weeks or more to show results.
Convenience.  Differences in the way the products are applied, and how long they are required to work, make some solutions more convenient than others.
Cost.  Although most solutions have become quite affordable, there is still a difference in the cost for each.