Oral Health

A nice smile and good teeth are often the first things we notice about a person. But not having healthy teeth can affect not only how our smile looks, it can also affect our overall health. People with gum disease are more at risk for heart disease. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have their babies born early and with low birth weights. Many serious illnesses show early signs and symptoms in the mouth. Cavities can happen to us at any age, not just when we are children. Brushing each day after every meal with a soft bristle toothbrush and using dental floss daily, drinking fluorinated water, using fluoride toothpaste, plus check ups with a health care provider, can help a person to have and maintain good oral health.

A woman's body image can be affected by her oral health. Oral lesions, such as cold sores and canker sores, may happen more often due to changing hormones during a woman's period, pregnancy, and menopause. Dry mouth, common in adults, can make it hard to eat and speak, and can be hard to cope with. Bad breath can happen when teeth and dentures (false teeth) are not properly cleaned and can be embarrassing. Tooth loss can occur as a result of gum disease or tooth decay. People over 40 years old are more at risk for mouth cancer, which often is not noticed in its early stages because people do not have regular visits with their health care provider. It can be hard for some women to get used to dentures. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations for women to learn more about oral health and maintaining a positive body image.

Publications

Age Page: Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth
This fact sheet offers information on different types of tooth, mouth, and gum diseases. It also gives advice on how to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
This brochure discusses the causes of dry mouth, the importance of saliva to oral health, steps to follow to relieve dryness, and information on the Dry Mouth Clinic at the National Institute of Dental Research.

Frequently Asked Questions - Oral Health
This publication contains information on oral health, how it affects your overall health, other oral health contions that women should be aware of, do pregnant women have special oral health needs, and what every mother should know after her baby is born.

Bad Breath (Halitosis) (Copyright © ADA)
This publication contains information on possible causes of bad breath (halitosis), what can be done about it, how to find a dentist, possible treatment options and products that may be useful in treating bad breath and overall oral health.

Oral Health

Publications

Organizations