Oral Focus

Everything You Need to Know About Dental and Oral Health

Oral health includes your teeth and gums, both of which require regular care to avoid cavities, infections, and other issues. Taking care of your oral health can also benefit other parts of your body, including your heart.

Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits — such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake — the easier it’ll be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.

Facts about dental and oral health

Dental cavities and gum disease are very common. According to the World Health Organisation Trusted Source:

• between 60 and 90 percent of school children have at least one dental cavity

• nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental cavity

• between 15 and 20 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have severe gum disease

• about 30 percent of people around the world ages 65 to 74 don’t have any natural teeth left

• in most countries, out of every 100,000 people, there are between 1 and 10 cases of oral cancer

• the burden of oral disease is much higher in poor or disadvantaged population groups

  Keeping your teeth and gums healthy

  Good oral health boils down to good general health and common sense. The best ways to prevent oral health problems are to:

  • brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

  • floss at least once a day (one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent disease in your oral cavity)

  • have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional every six months

  • avoid tobacco products

  • follow a high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

  • limit sugary snacks and drinks

  Foods with hidden sugars include:

  • condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce

  • sliced fruit or applesauce in cans or jars that have added sugars

  • flavoured yogurt

  • pasta sauce

  • sweetened iced tea

  • soda

  • sports drinks

  • juice or juice blends

  • granola and cereal bars

  • muffins