Oral hygiene habits to protect teeth, overall health
Experts, including Ada Cooper, D.D.S., a consumer adviser spokesperson for the ADA, provided tips clinicians can pass along to their patients in order to maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Data from an ADA Health Policy Institute report updated in 2024 indicated that more than 13% of dental patients may experience cost barriers discouraging them from receiving necessary dental care, a metric that is about three times higher than in other healthcare fields, according to a news article from The Washington Post. Studies have also shown that nearly three-fourths of patients have some level of dental fear that sometimes precludes them from seeking treatment.
Dr. Cooper explained that poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease and dental caries, resulting in oral inflammation and a rise in oral pathogenic bacteria. The increase in both inflammation and pathogenic bacteria in the mouth have the ability to spread throughout the body and potentially cause systemic diseases. Because of the high percentage of patients with untreated dental caries and the known link between poor oral health and diseases beyond the oral cavity — including depression, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and premature mortality — the experts cited in the article emphasized the significance of practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Dr. Cooper underscored the need for regular dental visits so that clinicians can detect issues at their earliest stages and provide simpler and more affordable care. Patients without symptoms were encouraged to adhere to regular dental visits since early dental issues can occur without pain, but if pain is present, patients should schedule appointments immediately to address more serious issues before they progress.
The experts also suggested individuals brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice per day for at least two minutes and floss once per day, stay hydrated throughout the day, avoid sugary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages like candy and soda, eliminate snacking between meals that can come with a heightened risk of dental decay, rinse with water rather than brush the teeth immediately following the intake of acidic foods and beverages to prevent enamel loss, and use sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of enamel-remineralizing saliva.
Read more: The Washington Post
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.