General Oral Health
At which stage in life is oral health the most important?
Childhood
What have schools started doing to help manage children's oral health?
Dental Screenings, added oral care to their health programs, require proof of oral health assessments
How does poor oral health affect a person’s confidence or self-esteem?
It can cause embarrassment, social withdrawal, and low self-image.
Why is the mouth often referred to as the “gateway to the body”?
Because it’s constantly exposed to bacteria, food, and toxins, and connects to the rest of the body’s systems
How often should you floss?
What is the procedure called for removing impacted wisdom teeth?
Extraction
What have many companies started offering as a benefit to help their employees manage their oral health?
Dental Insurance
What kind of pain can lead to anxiety, stress, or depression?
Chronic oral pain from infections or gum disease.
How can poor oral health affect eating and digestion?
It can make chewing and tasting food painful or difficult, reducing nutrition
Why is it important to go to the dentist?
Dentists can find problems you may miss; Preventative visits are cheaper and less painful; professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing alone misses
How can bad oral health have a negative impact on nutrition?
It can prevent you from eating necessary nutrients
In the 1940s studies started to show that children in certain towns had fewer cavities, why was this?
The towns had natural fluoride in the water
What communication challenge can poor oral health cause?
Difficulty speaking clearly or comfortably in social settings
What happens when oral bacteria enter the bloodstream?
They can trigger systemic inflammation and worsen overall health.
How often should you go to the dentist for a general check up?
Every 6 Months
What is an example of a gum disease?
Gingivitis or Periodontitis
What is one advancement that has been made in dental care (that we mentioned)?
Modern fillings match tooth color, Thin Sealing Coatings are used to help prevent cavities, New materials make crowns more durable (Zirconia and ceramics)
How can mental illness contribute to poor oral health?
Depression or anxiety may lead to neglect of hygiene, poor diet, or substance use.
What are two ways oral health affects overall systemic health?
Through chronic inflammation and by allowing bacteria to spread to other organs.
Calcium is very important for oral health and is found in what foods?
Milk, Cheese, Yogurt
What is the outer layer of the teeth called?
Enamel
What percent of Americans on public water systems receive Fluoride in their water?
70%-75%
What kind of relationship exists between mental and oral health?
A feedback loop — poor oral health worsens mental health, which in turn worsens oral health
True or False: Oral health problems only affect the teeth and gums.
False — they affect the entire body, including heart, brain, and immune function.
This chemical is added to drinking water, toothpastes, mouthwash, and more.
Flouride