Oral Health Promotion

By Sahba Kazerani & Spencer Close

Why Promote Oral Health? Improve overall health and well-being

Recognise common oral diseases

Prevent dental pain

Reduce the need for medical/dental treatment

Decrease a lifetime of dental “repairs”

Prevent orthodontic problems

Common Oral Problems: Xerostomia – Dry Mouth

Caries (Tooth Decay)

Gingivitis (Bleeding gums)

Dental Erosion

XerostomiaDry Mouth

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)Due to lack of saliva – “cotton mouth”

Heavily linked to those on medication

Significant impact on oral health and the increased risk of;

Tooth wear and decay, Periodontal disease Oral infections such as candidiasis, glossitis,

generalised stomatitis

(Scully & Cawson, 1998)

Candidiasis Apthous Stomatitis (Ulcer)

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)Dry mouth may present as

difficulties with;

Speech

Chewing

Swallowing

Poor denture tolerance

Problems with retention and stability of dentures (Scully & Cawson, 1998)

Preventive MethodsChewing Sugar Free gum or Xylitol containing

gum

Water intake throughout the day

Preventive Methods

Biotene or Oral Balance RangeToothpaste, Dry mouth lubricating liquid Mouthwash

CariesTooth Decay

Why do Teeth Decay?

Recommendations!Avoid a high sugar diet

Use fluoride containing products daily

Good oral hygiene habits;Brushing 2x a dayFlossing

Stimulate salivary flow;Dairy productsChewing gumWater

GingivitisGum Disease

Dental ErosionAcid Erosion

What is Erosion?Acid erosion, also known as dental erosion, is

the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids

Creates a yellow or transparent appearance on your teeth

May experience sensitivity

Preventing Dental ErosionReduce acid exposure (frequency & contact

time)Dietary acids (Cola, Sports drinks, Tea, Juice)Medications (take with tap water)Alcohol

Avoid acidic foods & drinks:In between meals

Time for remineralisationLate at night

Saliva flow reduced

(Lussi & Hellwing, 2006, and Kargul & Bakkal, 2009)

Drinks to Avoid!

Recommendations1) Do not hold or swish acidic drinks/beverages

in mouth

2) Avoid sipping acidic drinks; use a straw (flow towards throat instead of tooth surface)

3) Avoid tooth brushing immediately after acid

4) Use soft toothbrush & low abrasion fluoride toothpaste

(Lussi & Hellwing, 2006, and Kargul & Bakkal, 2009)

Denture Care

Denture Neglect

Denture Care

Dietary Advice

Toothbrushing Instructions

Reference Kargul B & Bakkal M, (2009), ‘Prevalence, Etiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and

Preventive Strategies of Dental Erosion: Literature Review (Part l & Part II),’ International Journal of Oral Sciences and Dental Medicine, volume 43, nop. 3, pp. 165-187

Lussi A & Hellwig E, (2006), ‘Risk Assessment & Preventive Measures,’ Monographs in Oral Science, volume 20, pp. 190-199

Mount, GJ & Hume, WR (1998). Preservation and Restoration of Tooth Structure. 1st ed. Australia, Queensland: Knowledge Books and Software. p21-40.