Healthy Mouths

The path toward a brighter and healthier smile starts with foundational knowledge of oral health

What is Oral Health?

Oral health means how healthy your mouth is. Your mouth includes your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw. A healthy mouth lets you eat without pain, speak clearly, smile, and feel comfortable every day. When your mouth is healthy, daily life is easier and more enjoyable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says good oral health means no pain in your mouth or face, no cavities, no bleeding gums, no sores or infections, and no missing teeth. A healthy mouth helps build confidence and leads to a better quality of life.

I'm Looking For Information About...

Throughout the Lifespan

Including pediatric dentistry, oral health for older adults, and oral health during pregnancy.

Affording Dental Care

Including understanding dental costs, the types of insurance, government assistance, care on a budget, and more.

Healthy Oral Health Habits

Including healthy eating and the connection between diet and oral health.

Special Care Needs

Including considerations for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Including options to change how your teeth look and how you feel about your smile. 

Fluoride

Including facts and important information about fluoride and your health.

Why is Oral Health Important?

Your body and mouth are connected. Everyone has germs in their mouth. Some are helpful, while others can cause harm. If your teeth and gums are not cleaned well, harmful germs can grow. Germs can travel through the body and lead to health problems such as:

    • Heart disease and stroke: Germs can travel through the blood and harm your heart and blood vessels.
    • Diabetes: Infection in the gums can cause swelling in the body, which is linked to diabetes.
    • Pregnancy problems: Gum disease is linked to early birth and low birth weight.
    • Lung infections: Germs from the mouth can enter the lungs, causing infection or worsening breathing problems.

It Impacts Daily Life and Confidence. Poor oral health can affect everyday life and how you feel. Pain, missing teeth, and infections make it harder for:

    • Eating and nutrition: Tooth pain or missing teeth make chewing healthy foods hard.
    • Speech and self-esteem: Visible tooth problems may lower confidence and make people feel shy about smiling or talking.
    • Learning: Tooth pain and dental emergencies are a top reason children miss school. A healthy mouth helps kids learn, play, and feel good.

Oral Health Affects the Future. Most mouth problems can be prevented before they start. Still, oral health problems are still very common around the world. Healthy habits can help by:

  • Saving money: Prevention lowers the need for costly fillings, crowns, and tooth removal later.
  • Better nutrition: Healthy teeth help to chew all kinds of food, allowing the body to get nutrients and keep it strong. People with tooth pain or missing teeth often struggle to eat well.
  • Better pregnancy outcomes: Mothers can pass good and bad germs to their babies. When moms improve their oral health, it lowers the risk of cavities in their children.
  • Health for everyone: Community programs, fluoride in water, and public education help reduce differences in oral health.

How To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Daily Habits

    • Brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
    • Clean between teeth every day with floss or small brushes.
    • Drink fluoridated water to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
    • Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
    • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol, as they increase the risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

Professional Care

  • Visit your dentist regularly (typically every 6 months).
  • Talk about medicines, dry mouth, and health conditions that affect oral health.
  • Help children build healthy habits early.

A Healthy Mouth = A Healthier You!

https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=362073&picture=healthy-smiling-tooth

Citations:

    1. World Health Organization. (2026). Oral health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health
    2. American Heart Association. (2019). Gum disease, inflammation, hardened arteries may be linked to stroke risk. American Heart Association Newsroom.  https://newsroom.heart.org/news/gum-disease-inflammation-hardened-arteries-may-be-linked-to-stroke-risk
    3. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Oral health and diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/oral-gum-disease
    4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Talking to pregnant women about oral health. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html
    5. Colgate Oral Care Center. (n.d.). How oral bacteria affect your lungs. Colgate.  https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/respiratory-conditions/how-oral-bacteria-affect-your-lungs
    6. American Dental Association. (2023). Nutrition and oral health. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health
    7. American Psychiatric Association. (2023). How dental health and mental health are connected.  https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/how-dental-health-and-mental-health-are-connected
    8. Roseman University of Health Sciences. (2019). Oral health one of the culprits to chronic absenteeism. https://www.roseman.edu/student-experience/news/oral-health-one-of-the-culprits-to-chronic-absenteeism/
    9. Lamster, I. B., Malloy, K. P., DiMura, P. M., Cheng, B., Wagner, V. L., Matson, J. M., Proj, A., Xi, Y., Abel, S. N., & Alfano, M. C. (2022). Preventive dental care is associated with improved healthcare outcomes and reduced costs for Medicaid members with diabetes. Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.952182
    10. Azzolino, D., Passarelli, P. C., De Angelis, P., Piccirillo, G. B., D'Addona, A., & Cesari, M. (2019). Poor Oral Health as a Determinant of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia. Nutrients, 11(12), 2898. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122898
    11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Health equity in oral health. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/health-equity/index.html
    12. American Dental Association. (2024). Home oral care. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-care
    13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Oral health.https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/index.html

    Common Dental Terms

    Receiving treatment from a medical professional can be scary. Doctors often use terms that we cannot understand or conceptualize. If you ever find yourself curious about what your doctor says, stop and ask them to explain. You are in control of your health and have the right to make informed decisions. The following terms are those that are commonly confusing to patients. In this FAQ section, we will attempt to clarify them.

    Root Canal

    What is a root canal?

    A root canal fixes a tooth that has an infected or damaged nerve. The dentist removes the infection and seals the inside of the tooth. This helps stop more damage.

    Crowns

    What is a crown?

    A crown is a cap placed over a weak or damaged tooth. It protects the tooth and helps it look and work better.

    Extractions

    Why would I need a tooth removed?

    A tooth may need to be removed if it is badly damaged, infected, broken, or stuck under the gums.

    What can I eat after a tooth is removed?

    • Eat soft foods for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, very hot, or chewy foods for a few days.

    What is a dry socket and how do I prevent it?

    Dry socket happens when the blood clot comes out too soon after a tooth is removed. This can be painful and you should see a dentist if you are having bad pain. To prevent it, do not smoke, use straws, or spit hard for at least 3 days.

    Fillings

    What are dental fillings?

      • Fillingsfix teeth that have cavities, cracks, or chips.
      • Fillings remove tooth decay, help you chew and protect and strengthen your tooth.

    Are silver (amalgam) fillings harmful?

    Silver and tooth-colored fillings are both safe and strong.

    Gum Disease

    What is gum disease?

    Gum disease, known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. It can damage the gums and bone and may lead to tooth loss.

    What causes gum disease?

      • Bacteria in plaque cause gum disease. Smoking, poor brushing, stress, and health problems like diabetes can make it worse.
      • Gingivitis (early gum disease) can be reversed with better brushing and flossing. More serious gum disease cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled and stabilized.

    What treatments are available for gum disease?

      • Deep cleanings can remove bacteria below the gums.
      • Antibiotics may be used.
      • Some people may need gum surgery.
      X-Rays

      What are Dental X-Rays?

        • Dental x-rays are pictures of your teeth and jaw. They show areas the dentist cannot see during a normal exam.
        • Dental x-rays can find cavities, bone loss, infections, and other problems.

      Are dental x-rays safe?

      Dental x-rays use very low radiation. Its radiation is like the natural background radiation from the sun and Earth.

      Can I have dental radiographs while pregnant?

      Dental x-rays are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

      Citations

        1. What is a root canal?. American Association of Endodontists. (2025, June 18). https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/
        2. Dental crowns: Why would you need one?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025a, August 18). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
        3.  Tooth extraction: When you should have One & what to expect. Cleveland Clinic. (2025b, December 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction
        4.  Post op. Advanced Dental Arts. (2016, February 7). https://www.yoursmilesource.com/post-op/
        5.  Dry socket. MouthHealthy. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dry-socket
        6.  What type of dental filling do you need?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025b, August 18). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings
        7.  Amalgam. American Dental Association. (n.d.-b). https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/amalgam
        8.  Periodontitis. American Dental Association. (n.d.-b). https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis
        9.  Gum disease information. American Academy of Periodontology. (2020, February 8). https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/
        10.  Nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis guideline. Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis Guideline | American Dental Association. (n.d.). https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science/evidence-based-dental-research/nonsurgical-treatment-of-periodontitis-guideline/
        11.  Dental X-rays: What you should know. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, August 22). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/11199-dental-x-rays
        12.  Ada releases updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in Dentistry. American Dental Association. (n.d.). https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/ada-releases-updated-recommendations-to-enhance-radiography-safety-in-dentistry