Cleveland magazine
Ξ January 28th, 2009 | → | ∇ Uncategorized |
Your mouth is telling a story
Your mouth is telling a story, a story about you.
Most of us were taught as children that straight, pearly white teeth are the most desirable, that failure to brush your teeth might lead to not having them anymore, and that bad breath discourages popularity.
Today there is growing evidence indicating that the health of your teeth, gums and mouth is much more significant than merely being a social asset. Oral health directly relates to your overall health. There is a link between poor oral health and systemic diseases like diabetes in persons of all ages, and respiratory disease in the elderly. There may even be connections between poor oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth-weight births. According to the Center for Disease Control Foundation, on their Web site www.cdc.gov, in the United States alone, more than 30,000 individuals are diagnosed with some form of oral cancer each year, making it the sixth most common cancer in the country. Oral cancers claim about 8,000 deaths each year, meaning that one person dies every hour from this form of disease.
While these statistics are disturbing, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to improve and maintain your oral health as well as practice preventive medicine.
1. Make mouth maintenance a daily routine of brushing your teeth and tongue, and flossing between teeth to dislodge dead cells and minute particles of food that can cause decay and bad breath. If you are a parent of small children, be sure to brush their teeth for them until they develop enough manual dexterity to clearly write their name. Holland dentist Kathleen Stratton recommends brushing after eating or snacking, preferably with toothpaste that contains fluoride, and flossing once daily. “If it is not possible to do that, then at least brush and floss at bedtime,” said Stratton. “Brushing your tongue is a good idea, and fluoride is helpful in maintaining strong teeth at any age.”
2. See your dentist twice annually to have your mouth and teeth examined for changes. Many times oral cancers and other medical issues are detected during a routine dental examination. Do not hesitate to consult with your dentist between visits if you develop symptoms or concerns. Stratton said she personally detected oral cancer in a patient once within the last year. “I always refer patients to a specialist or to their own physician when I see something that needs further attention,” she said.
3. Maintain a balanced diet and limit snacks. Every time you eat snacks containing sugars or starches, your teeth are exposed to acids produced by bacteria for 20 minutes. These acids may lead to the formation of cavities. If you snack, brush your teeth or chew sugarless gum afterward. Other foods that can naturally freshen the mouth are raw carrots and celery.
4. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco increases your risk of oral cancer, gum disease and tooth decay. It also stains the teeth.
5. Minimize or avoid the use of alcohol. The risk for oral cancer increases with the amount of alcohol you consume, and increases even more if you both drink and use tobacco.
6. Examine your own mouth regularly, and be aware of changes that may be of concern. Dentists today are on the lookout f
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on February 7th, 2009 at 3:05 am
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