What is oral health? You may ask. Oral health means that your mouth, teeth, bones, gums and craniofacial structure are healthy by performing the following tasks.  Oral Health evaluations in Chinese Medicine are not uncommon by  health practitioners who conduct an oral cavity examination to help diagnose and treat systematic diseases.  Your dental health is linked to quality of life. As Dr. Mayo once said, “If a person can take care of their teeth and gums, they can extend their life by at least 10 years.” There are many ways that you may deter poor oral health and subsequent, poor body health. Check out some quick tips to maintain oral health. Break a link between your oral cavity and systematic disease today! Dental health can never be better than with some helpful tips to stay on track!

Suds-ey Teeth Cleaning. When brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day, use the toothpaste to create suds.  When combined with small circular tooth brush motion, these suds help scrub and dissolve away dental plaque.   Don’t forget to floss once a day.  This is the most critical part of home care.  That floss should get everywhere your tooth brush cannot.  As they say in the dental office: “Floss The Teeth You Want To Keep.”

Prevent Bio Film Build Up: Since pathogens, irritants and toxic microbes enter the oral cavity each day; there is a risk that a bio film layer of unhealthy microbes may develop.  Bacteria, viruses, fungi, dental caries, and periodontal disease feed on bio films. Saliva is fully equipped to combat bio films. In fact, lysozyme located in saliva is an antibacterial agent that targets cell structures of bacteria on teeth. So, it’s important to prevent dry mouth syndrome which may be due to medications, mouth breathing, or a natural progression of age. You may wish to avoid alcohol based mouthwashes that dry out the oral cavity. Consider oral gels that offer a touch-tongue approach to stimulate cleansing saliva flow.  And remember proper saliva flow helps to prevent tooth enamel loss, another cause for tooth decay and dental infections. You may also want to check into bio film treatment.

It’s In The Bite: A poor bite, also known as malocclusion, may prompt cell and tissue production to help maintain a normal function of your bite. Poor oral health may disrupt this cellular and tissue reproduction process and limit bite functionality which contributes to the selection of soft foods and lack of nutrients for the body- a precursor for disease. Dentists can treat malocclusion.

A Healthy Craniofacial Structure: The craniofacial structure may be adversely affected by genetic deformities, environmental circumstances and/or behavioral factors.  When left untreated, the craniofacial structure may affect other organs in the body.  This is particularly true for people who suffer from TMJ Dysfunction Syndrome.  The TMJ or Temporo-Madibular Joint (jaw joint) is connected to many muscles of the head, neck and back and can cause trouble in these areas. Dentists oral surgeons and orthodontists offer varying solutions for craniofacial structure abnormalities.

Wholesome Lifestyle Habits: Tobacco and alcohol avoidance reduces the risk of cancer and periodontal disease. Vitamins and supplements help keep the teeth and gums strong.  A good healthy diet minimizes the formation of bio films and dental plaque by helping to keep the levels of bad oral bacteria low.  In turn, this keeps the levels of blood borne bacteria low, helping the whole body.  Wholesome lifestyle habits can go a long way for oral and systemic health.

The Dental Visits: Two visits to a dentist annually is the appropriate prescription and more often when the dentist advises. Always do what the dental hygienist says when he or she is demonstrating good oral hygiene techniques.  Early intervention for tooth decay, periodontal disease and dental emergencies helps to maintain oral and bodily health.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.