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Oral Health

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Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss every day. See your dentist every six months to a year.

You've heard it all before. But did you know good oral health could save more than your teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, three out of four adults are affected by gum disease at some point in their lives. And women are especially at risk because of life-long hormone changes. For example, menopausal and post-menopausal women are more likely to have dry mouth. This is because they produce less saliva. Also, many medications can cause dry mouth and other dental side-effects. Gum disease as well as tooth decay take a serious toll. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of adults over age 65 have lost all their teeth.

However, research suggests an even greater toll. The cause is not clear, but studies have shown that gum disease is related to heart disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have thickening of the coronary arteries – the blood vessels that lead to the heart.

Most oral and tooth disease is preventable. Keep your mouth healthy with regular brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet. See your dentist if you notice loose teeth, bleeding during brushing, red and swollen gums, or any other unusual changes.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Fact Sheet — Oral Health — This publication contains information on oral health, how it affects your overall health, and oral health conditions that women should be aware of. This publication also discusses what oral health needs women have during pregnancy and after the baby is born.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/oral-health.cfm

2.   Oral Health and Bone Disease — This publication contains information on skeletal bone density and tooth loss, periodontitis and bone health, and taking steps towards having health bones and teeth.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Oral_Health/default.asp

3.   What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer — The National Cancer Institute prepared this booklet to help patients and their families and friends better understand oral cancer. Included is information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer. Definitions of selected medical terms and resource information are also provided.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/oral

4. Women and Gum Disease: Protecting Oral Health Throughout Your Life (Copyright © The American Academy of Periodontology) — This internet site contains information for women on protecting their oral health throughout puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause and post-menopause.

   http://www.perio.org/consumer/women.htm

Organizations

1.   Division of Oral Health, NCCDPHP, CDC, OPHS, HHS
2.   National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
3. American Dental Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.