Balance Personally, Financially and Physically
Chew on this: oral health should be a priority
I was driving home the other day, and quite literally passed four veterinarian offices. Every vet was advertising teeth cleaning discounts for dogs and cats. Maybe February is house pet oral health month? I don’t know, but it got me thinking about our own – human – oral health. Nearly one-third of all U.S. adults have untreated tooth decay, and one in seven adults aged 35 to 44 years has gum disease. We have to be better in a country where over 151,000 dentists are employed.
Maintain Good Oral Health
- Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride’s protection against tooth decay works at all ages.
- Take care of your teeth and gums. Thorough tooth brushing and flossing to reduce dental plaque can prevent gingivitis—the mildest form of gum disease.
- Avoid tobacco. In addition to the general health risks posed by tobacco, smokers have 4 times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.
- Limit alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol is also a risk factor for oral and throat cancers. When used alone, alcohol and tobacco are risk factors for oral cancers, but when used in combination the effects of alcohol and tobacco are even greater.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Check-ups can detect early signs of oral health problems and can lead to treatments that will prevent further damage, and in some cases, reverse the problem.
- Diabetic patients should work to maintain control of their disease. This will help prevent the complications of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease.
