Poor oral health can affect a person's quality of life. Oral pain, missing teeth or oral infections can influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes. These oral health problems can reduce a person's quality of life by affecting their physical, mental and social well-being.

Regular dental visits

We therefor recommend regular dental visits to maintain your healthy smile. It's not age but neglect that causes teeth to deteriorate. Prevention is the most important step. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems before they get worse.

Periodontal Evaluation

Indian Dental Association recommends that all adults receive an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation or CPE by your dentist who will assess your periodontal health by examining:

• Teeth
• Plaque
• Gums
• Bite
• Bone structure
• Risk factors

During evaluation, the dentist looks at these six areas to determine the state of your periodontal health.

The need for a CPE

All adults should thoroughly assess the state of their periodontal health to receive accurate information about the health of their mouths. By assessing your oral health on an annual basis, you and your dentist will know how healthy your mouth is, and will be better able to notice any conditions, such as periodontal disease, that may need additional treatment.

There is an association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases in older adults, as well as pre- term and low- birth- weight babies. Therefore, it is very important to treat the inflammation that causes periodontal disease as soon as possible to ensure that your entire body stays healthy. Oral disease can aggravate other health problems.

Keep your mouth clean

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Wait at least 20–30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.
• Floss every day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Limit foods and beverages containing sugar or carbohydrates.
• Ideal snack foods: cheese, nuts, vegetables, and non- acidic fruits.

Look for oral care products with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal.

As a parent, you have a big role to play in your child's teeth healthy. We recommend that you clean the child's teeth and oral cavity even before your child has teeth. This gives baby (or primary) teeth a clean place to come into. The goal is to wipe all parts of the gums and teeth.

Check your mouth regularly

• Look for signs of gum disease:
  • Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums
  • Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Bad breath that won't go away

Eat well

• Good nutrition helps build strong teeth and gums.
• Munch on snacks like cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.

Don't smoke or chew tobacco

• Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer, heart disease, gum disease, and a variety of other cancers.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Since changes in oral health are common during pregnancy, you should pay special attention to dental care while you're pregnant. To maintain good dental care during pregnancy, follow these guidelines:

• Eat a healthful diet - Eating plenty of foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins to help support the health of your baby, as well as protect your teeth.
• Brush regularly - You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day, making sure you brush for at least two minutes.
• Don't forget to floss - Flossing at least one time every day can help prevent or minimize pregnancy gingivitis.
• Use mouthwash - Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help control the bacteria that contribute to gingivitis.
• Visit your dentist - See your dentist for regular dental care while you're pregnant.