Taking care of our mouth, teeth and gums is more crucial to our overall health than many people think. Since our mouths are the gateways to both our respiratory and digestive systems, germs and infections here can spread to other parts of our body,1 causing issues like pneumonia, heart infections, or complications during pregnancy. Additionally, health conditions that weaken our immune system, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can also impact oral health.
Moreover, neglecting our dental health can lead to bad breath, toothaches and potentially gum disease and tooth loss, making everyday activities like eating, speaking and even smiling uncomfortable. In fact, over 40% of adults reported feeling mouth pain.2 Frequent dental problems can be a hassle and disrupt our daily routines. By the age of 34, over 80% of people have had at least one cavity, highlighting how common these issues are.2
Being diligent with our oral health can help reduce the buildup of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque). If not removed, these can contribute to tooth decay, which is the most common chronic condition3 with 1 in 10 adolescents and 1 in 5 adults (ages 20 to 64) having at least one untreated cavity.4
The buildup of tartar along the gum line can also lead to gum disease, causing swelling, bleeding, tenderness, and pain as it progresses. Unfortunately, over 42% of adults 30 years and older have some form of chronic gum disease and this increases to 60% of people 65 years and older.5 Severe gum disease can be highly destructive, including the loss of tissue and bone supporting the teeth and eventually tooth loss if not treated. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and habits like smoking and chewing tobacco can increase the risk of developing gum disease,6 but poor oral hygiene is one of the main preventable risk factors.
Each year, untreated dental diseases cost the U.S. over $45 billion in lost productivity,7while poor oral health in children was also linked to more school absences and worse academic performance.8 Fortunately, the risk for common dental diseases and conditions, like tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss, can be reduced with good oral hygiene.
Daily oral habits for everyone
Check in and brush up on daily dental habits to ensure good oral health for the whole family. The following dental health recommendations9 are daily actions that can help both children and adults maintain a bright, healthy smile:
- Brush your teeth (and tongue) twice a day, for at least two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush that allows you to reach all areas easily. Be sure to clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque. In addition to traditional dental floss, other tools including dental picks, tiny brushes and water flossers are safe and effective. Speak with your dentist and try different options to find what works best for you.
- Rinse for 30 seconds with a mouthwash, which may help kill bacteria and clean parts of the mouth brushing might miss. Mouthwash is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age.
- Stay hydrated to help support overall well-being and avoid issues with dry mouth, while limiting sugary snacks and drinks.
Supplement daily habits with regular preventive care
To keep your smile healthy, it’s important to maintain daily oral hygiene and visit your dentist every six months for preventive care, which most dental plans cover at no additional cost to you. Children should start visiting the dentist after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.10
Regular dental checkups and cleanings may help catch dental problems early, preventing them from becoming painful and difficult to treat. Early-stage gum disease, for example, can often be reversed with a professional dental cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing.
Dental visits are also a great time to ask any questions or discuss concerns, including new or unusual symptoms. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth or bad breath,11 they can be signs of an underlying issue or future complications to your oral health.
If you or a family member feels nervous about going to the dentist, you’re not alone –nearly 40% of people in the U.S. have some form of fear regarding dental care.12 Let the receptionist, hygienist and dentist know your concerns. They can answer questions and offer suggestions for coping strategies13, including distraction methods or mindfulness techniques to lessen tension. For children, using books or videos about dental visits ahead of time can help build confidence.
Routine dental care and good daily oral habits are crucial to supporting your oral health and your overall health at all life stages. It’s never too late to make changes to ensure a bright and healthy smile.
1 Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
2 American Journal of Public Health, 2012, https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300362
3 Federal Practitioner, 2016, https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/1016FP_HENG.PDF
4 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/php/2024-oral-health-surveillance-report/selected-findings.html
5 MedlinePlus, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/gum-disease-by-the-numbers
6 American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gum-disease
7 Journal of Dental Research 97.5 (2018), https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517750572
8 Journal of Pediatrics 209 (2019), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.01.045
9 American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care/daily-routine
10 American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby
11 Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia;https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
12 Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists
13 American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety
Dr. Paul J. McConnell
Dr. Paul J. McConnell is Dental Director for UnitedHealthcare.
