Comments on: Oral Health Initiative 2010: “Oral Health is Integral to Overall Health” http://blog.hcfama.org/2010/06/03/oral-health-initiative-2010-%e2%80%9coral-health-is-integral-to-overall-health%e2%80%9d/ The Ultimate Massachusetts Health Care Insider Information Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:02:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Ali A. http://blog.hcfama.org/2010/06/03/oral-health-initiative-2010-%e2%80%9coral-health-is-integral-to-overall-health%e2%80%9d/#comment-3523 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:05:49 +0000 http://blog.hcfama.org/?p=4732#comment-3523 I went to see my dentist recently and she brought up the issue of oral health in the U.S. and how it is neglected. Issues with oral health can be stopped from a primary care perspective…following simple and routine health hygiene practices. For example, it can’t be stressed enough that flossing should accompany brushing like peanut butter to jelly.

One thing I did learn during my visit was that gums that recede (due to not brushing in a circular motion) expose the sensitive parts of the tooth and increase chances of cavities or tooth decay. This can easily be prevented by brushing up from the bottom of the gums – think of it as a proper massage for your mouth.

Nutrition is also something important to consider when caring for your mouth. Certain foods or beverages (e.g. coffee) are cariogenic – foods containing fermentable carbs that are metabolized by bacteria to cause tooth demineralization. I posted an article that goes into more detail (http://publichealthbugle.com/?p=1359).

]]>