What Can I Do to Ease Teething Pain?
DENTAL HEALTH
ALL ABOUT DENTAL HEALTH
What Can I Do to Ease Teething Pain?
What Can I Do to Ease Teething Pain?
Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?
Dental Health
Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?
Have you heard about periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease - also called gum disease - is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. In the early stages, periodontal disease often goes unnoticed because there is often
little, if any, pain. Periodontal diseases are progressive-left untreated, the condition generally worsens.
What causes gum disease?
It’s caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, the bacteria produce toxins
that can irritate and inflame the gums. Left untreated, gum tissues can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. The pockets provide a home for more bacteria, and if untreated, the process can continue until the bone and other tooth-supporting tissues are destroyed.
How can I tell if I have gum disease?
You may not even be aware that you have gum disease because often there is no pain. There are warning signs that can tip you off, however. If you experience any of the following between your dental check-ups, call your dentist:
* Gums that bleed during toothbrushing
* Red, swollen or tender gums
* Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
* Persistent bad breath
* Pus between the teeth and gums
* Loose or separating teeth
* A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
* A change in the fit of partial dentures
However, it’s possible to have gum disease without having these warning signs.
How does my dentist check for gum disease?
During a dental check-up, the dentist examines the gums for periodontal problems. He or she inspects the color and firmness of the gums. During the exam, the dentist uses a very small instrument called a periodontal probe to gently measure the depth between your teeth and gums. This will determine whether you have periodontal pockets. The normal space between teeth and healthy gums should be three millimeters or less. Generally, the more advanced the gum disease, the greater the depth of the pockets.
Dental x-rays may be taken to evaluate the health of bones that support the teeth. X-rays are also used to detect other problems or conditions that are not visible during the clinical examination. Your bite-the way the teeth fit together-may be evaluated, too.
Dental Health...
wisdom-tooth-extraction.
Dental Health and Toothaches
Dental Health and Toothaches
- If a toothache lasts for more than a few days, even with the use of pain relievers.
- Experiencing severe pain, particularly if accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
- Feeling pain while biting or chewing.
- Noticing red, swollen gums or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Observing visible signs of infection, such as pus or drainage.
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by:
* Tooth decay
* Abscessed tooth
* Tooth fracture
* A damaged filling
* Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
* Infected gums
Symptoms of a toothache may include:
* Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
* Swelling around the tooth
* Fever or headache
* Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
* You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
* Your toothache is severe
* You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream. Dental Health...
Wisdom tooth extraction
Dental Health
Wisdom tooth extraction
Vision, Mission, Role, and Core Functions Dental Health
Vision, Mission, Role, and Core Functions Dental Health
Here’s a well-organized and detailed version of the Vision, Mission, Role, and Core Functions of Dental Health, which you can adapt for a clinic, school program, or community health setting.
π¦· VISION, MISSION, ROLE, AND CORE FUNCTIONS OF DENTAL HEALTH
π VISION
A community where every individual enjoys optimal oral health and overall well-being through accessible, quality, and preventive dental care.
This vision reflects the goal of promoting a society that values healthy smiles, disease prevention, and lifelong oral wellness as essential parts of total health.
π― MISSION
To promote, protect, and restore oral health through comprehensive education, preventive services, and professional dental care — ensuring that everyone has the knowledge, access, and resources needed for a healthy mouth and a healthy life.
The mission emphasizes the commitment to:
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Preventing dental diseases through education and awareness
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Providing affordable and accessible dental services
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Encouraging good oral hygiene habits at every stage of life
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Supporting collaboration among health professionals, schools, and communities
π©⚕️ ROLE OF DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Dental health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and quality of life. Its main roles include:
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Promotive Role
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Encourages proper oral hygiene and healthy habits.
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Conducts dental health education programs in schools, communities, and workplaces.
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Promotes public awareness about the importance of oral care in overall health.
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Preventive Role
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Provides fluoride treatments, sealants, and regular cleanings to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
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Conducts dental screenings and early detection of oral problems.
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Implements preventive programs (e.g., school dental health checkups, toothbrushing campaigns).
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Curative Role
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Offers treatment for existing oral conditions, including fillings, extractions, and periodontal therapy.
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Restores oral function and aesthetics through prosthetics, crowns, and orthodontic care.
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Rehabilitative Role
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Collaborative Role
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Works with other healthcare providers in promoting holistic health.
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Integrates oral health into general health programs and disease prevention strategies.
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⚙️ CORE FUNCTIONS OF DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
| Core Function | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Oral Health Promotion | Educating individuals and communities about proper oral hygiene, healthy eating, and regular dental checkups. |
| 2. Disease Prevention | Implementing community-based preventive measures like fluoride application, pit and fissure sealants, and oral health screenings. |
| 3. Dental Treatment Services | Providing clinical care such as tooth restorations, extractions, periodontal therapy, and emergency care. |
| 4. Research and Data Collection | Conducting oral health surveys to assess needs, plan programs, and evaluate outcomes. |
| 5. Policy Development and Program Planning | Creating policies and programs that ensure equitable access to dental care for all populations. |
| 6. Capacity Building and Training | Enhancing the skills of dental professionals and health workers through continuous education and training. |
| 7. Partnership and Community Engagement | Collaborating with schools, local governments, and organizations to promote oral health awareness and services. |
π‘ GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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Prevention is better than cure.
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Oral health is essential to general health.
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Equal access to dental care is a basic health right.
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Education and community involvement are key to long-term success.
❤️ SUMMARY
Dental health programs aim to educate, prevent, treat, and restore — ensuring that every person maintains a healthy smile and a healthy life.
Through a strong vision, mission, and community-based approach, dental services contribute significantly to overall well-being and public health.
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Vision:
A nation where all people enjoy good oral health that contributes to leading healthy, satisfying lives.
Mission:
To prevent and control oral diseases and conditions by building the knowledge, tools, and networks that
promote healthy behaviors and effective public health practices and programs.
Role:
To provide national leadership to prevent and control oral diseases and conditions, and promote oral health.
Core Functions:
a Monitor/Surveillance: Monitor the burden of disease, risk factors, preventive services, and
other associated factors.
b Research: Support public health research that directly applies to policies and programs.
c Communications: Communicate timely and relevant information to impact policy, practices, and programs.
d Preventive strategies: Support the implementation and maintenance of effective strategies and interventions to reduce the burden of oral diseases and conditions.
e State infrastructure: Build capacity and infrastructure for sustainable, effective, and efficient oral health programs.
f Evaluation: Evaluate programs to ensure successful implementation.
g Investigate and diagnose: Investigate health hazards and outbreaks in the community.
h Partnerships: Identify and facilitate partnerships to support CDC strategic priorities and community efforts.
i Policy development: Develop and advocate sound public health policies.
Vision, Mission, Role, and Core Functions Dental Health Video :
The Most Common Dental Problems
The Most Common Dental Problems
How does pregnancy affect your dental health?
How does pregnancy affect your dental health?
Changes in your body during pregnancy can affect your teeth and gums. For example:
- You have increased levels of certain hormones, like progesterone and estrogen, in your body during pregnancy. These can increase your risk for certain oral health problems.
- Your eating habits may change. You may eat more of certain foods during pregnancy than you did before you were pregnant. The kinds of food you eat can affect your dental health.
- You may brush and floss your teeth less than you did before you got pregnant. This may be because your gums are tender or you’re more tired than usual. For some women, brushing and flossing may cause nausea (feeling sick to your stomach).
These changes can increase your risk for certain dental problems during pregnancy, including:
- Cavities (also called tooth decay or caries). These are small, damaged areas in the surface of your teeth. Being pregnant makes you more likely to have cavities. You can pass the bacteria that causes cavities to your baby during pregnancy and after birth. This can cause problems for your baby’s teeth later in life.
- Gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the gums. If untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease. Pregnancy hormones can increase your risk for gingivitis. Sixty to 75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis. Signs and symptoms include:
- Redness and swelling
- Tenderness in the gums
- Bleeding of the gums, even when you brush your teeth gently
- Shiny gums
Loose teeth. High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose.
Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. This causes serious infection in the gums and problems with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may get loose, and they may have to be extracted (pulled). Periodontitis can lead to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). This is a serious condition that needs immediate treatment. Smoking is a cause of severe gum disease.
Pregnancy tumors (also called pyogenic granuloma). These tumors are not cancer. They’re lumps that form on the gums, usually between teeth. Pregnancy tumors look red and raw, and they bleed easily. They can be caused by having too much plaque which is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on teeth). These tumors usually go away on their own after giving birth. In rare cases they may need to be removed by your health care provider.
Tooth erosion. If you have vomiting from morning sickness, your teeth may be exposed to too much stomach acid. This acid can harm the enamel (the hard surface) of your teeth. Morning sickness also called nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or NVP is nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy, usually in the first few months. Cool.








