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You are here: Home / Mind and Body / Healthy Teeth and Gums, Healthy Body

February 22, 2016

Healthy Teeth and Gums, Healthy Body

Do you ever think “Thank goodness I don’t have that!” when you hear about teeth and gum issues?  Well here’s what you need to know about where those issues come from.

Bacteria can be found almost everywhere and our mouths are full of bacteria.  A sticky film on teeth and tissues in the mouth, caused by bacteria and mucus along with other particles, is called “plaque.”  Plaque is being formed continuously and cannot be stopped.  When food particles and plaque stick to teeth and areas between teeth the bacteria from plaque turns the food particles into acid.  The acid then leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

A mild form of gum disease known as gingivitis can happen when plaque builds up on tissues that surround the teeth. Gingivitis symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums but can be reversed with good oral hygiene.

If gingivitis is not treated the result is a chronic infection in the pockets around the teeth called periodontitis.  This more severe form of gum disease, caused by specific bacteria in plaque, needs to be treated by a dentist.  If left untreated it can ruin the bones, gums, and other tissues that support your teeth.  This may result in teeth becoming loose, falling out or require removal by a dentist.

Good news though – plaque can be controlled!

To control plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease:

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes.
  • Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss.
  • Get a dental cleaning every six months.dental floss tooth brush
  • Eat a balanced diet and stay active.
  • Limit snacking and drinking between meals.
  • Limit added sugars in your diet by reading the label and looking for added sugars like corn syrup, glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey and maple syrup.

Want to get your children and preteens more involved in their dental care?      Go to http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/ and find videos, quizzes and 7 tooth brushing tunes for kids!

Thank goodness you can avoid teeth and gum issues. Conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits equals healthy teeth and gums, part of a healthy body.

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WRITTEN BY: Candace J. Heer, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Morrow County, heer.7@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County, dellifield.2@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • http://www.ohr.gatech.edu/openenrollment/educate

REFERENCES:

  • http://archives.microbeworld.org/microbes/bacteria/where.aspx
  • http://www.simplyteeth.com/category/sections/adult/CaringTeethGums/CleaningBetweenTeeth.asp?category=adultList§ion=99&page=30
  • http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm
  • http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/basics/prevention/con-20030076
  • http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition
  • http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/

Categories: Mind and Body
Tags: balanced diet, dental cleaning, good oral hygiene, healthy teeth and gums, kids and dental care

Avatar for Candace J. Heer
Avatar for Candace J. Heer

About Candace J. Heer

Candace J. Heer, M.S., L.S.W. is an Ohio State University Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences in Morrow County. Her specializations are Health and Wellness and Financial Wellness. She also focuses her programming on home food preservation and food safety. Candace is a Licensed Social Work (Ohio) with an emphasis in behavioral and mental health and is a Certified Personal & Family Finance Educator (AAFCS). She is enthusiastic about promoting worthiness and well-being for people, animals, and the environment. You can find Candace crocheting, reading, watching sci-fi and spending time with family and friends, including her furry family members.

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