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Dental Health in the United States
Oral health is essential to overall health
Improvement in preventive care and treatment = significant improvement in oral health
Components of Dental Public Health:
Government
Education
Workforce
Importance of Dental Public Health
Primary function of dental public health specialist:
Oral health assessment
Oral health assurance
Oral health policy development and implementation
Preventing Dental Disease
Most common dental diseases:
Dental caries
Periodontal disease
Components of preventive care:
Patient education
Nutrition and dietary counseling
Plaque control
Fluoride therapy
Sealants
Types of floss
Floss Picks: Removes plague and food particles between teeth and below the gum line
Satin Tape: Covers more area than standard floss for cleaning wider gaps between teeth
Super Floss: Features varying widths for cleaning between braces, bridges, and around implants
Ribbon Floss: Slides easily in tight spaces for a superior clean at and below the gum line

How to Prevention Dental Issues
Listen carefully
Each patient will have different needs
Assess the patient’s motivations and needs
Combine motivating factors with needs
Select the home care aids
Select a toothbrush, brushing method, interproximal cleaning aids such as dental floss, and a toothpaste
Keep the instruction simple
Comment positively on the patient’s efforts
Reinforce home care during return visits
Early Preventive Dental Care
Pregnancy and dental care
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines advise all pregnant women to receive counseling and oral healthcare during pregnancy and that infants undergo oral health assessment by their first birthday
Many women are not aware of these guidelines, and do not seek dental care during their pregnancy because they believe that they do not have any dental problems
Dental Care: 0 to 5 Years
Even before the baby has teeth, the parent should wipe the gums gently with a clean, wet cloth after each feeding
Visit the dentist by first birthday
As soon as the first tooth appears, the parent can begin brushing the baby’s teeth in the morning and before bedtime
Toothpaste is not necessary but can be used
A pea-sized dab of toothpaste until age 6
Oral Health and Aging
Enamel becomes darker in color
Enamel surface develops numerous cracks
Vitality of dentin is greatly decreased
Cementum has compositional changes
Pulpal blood supply decreases
Size of the pulp chamber is reduced
Abrasion and attrition occur in the crowns of the teeth
Age-Related Pathology-Related Conditions
Both coronal and root caries
Alveolar bone becomes more porous
Increase of gingival recession
Systemic disease and medications causing dry mouth
Salivary gland changes causing reduced saliva flow
Older adults frequently have anemia caused by iron deficiencies resulting in red and burning tongue
Fluoride
Has been our primary weapon with which to combat dental caries since the 1950s
Slows demineralization and enhances remineralization of tooth surfaces
Is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water
Systemic fluoride: ingested by mouth through water, food, beverages, or supplements
Topical fluoride: applied in direct contact with teeth
How Fluoride Works
Preeruptive development
Before a tooth erupts, systemic fluoride in a fluid-filled sac surrounds it strengthening its enamel
Posteruptive development
After eruption, fluoride continues to enter the enamel and alters the structure of the enamel crystals
These fluoride-enriched crystals are less acid soluble than the original structure of the enamel
Safe and Toxic Levels of Fluoride
The fluorides used in the dental office have been proved safe and effective when used as recommended
Chronic overexposure to fluoride, even at low concentrations, can result in dental fluorosis in children younger than 6 years with developing teeth
Acute overdosage of fluoride can result in poisoning or even death
Acute overdosage is very rare
Fluoride Precautions and Needs Assessment
To prevent patients from receiving too much fluoride, evaluate the patient’s current fluoride intake
Fluoride needs assessment
Saves time by identifying risk factors
Opens communication between the dental professional and the patient
Helps “individualize” patient fluoride therapies
Allows the dentist to more accurately select the appropriate fluoride therapy
Sources of Fluoride
Fluoridated water
Bottled water
Foods and Beverages
Prescribed Dietary Supplements
Topical Fluoride
Plaque Control Program
Plaque can be kept under control with the use of brushing, flossing, interdental cleaning aids, and antimicrobial solutions
A goal of the program is to remove plaque at least once daily
The techniques that are selected must be based on the needs and abilities of the individual patient
Toothbrushes and Toothbrushing
The two basic types of toothbrushes are:
Manual
Automatic
Used properly, both types are effective in the removal of dental plaque
Infant Toothbrushes
Very small and soft; should be used as soon as the baby’s first tooth appears in the mouth
Finger brush can also be used
Manual Toothbrushes
Come in many styles of head size, tuft shape, and angle and shape of handle
In general, dental professionals recommend soft-bristled brushes because these bristles are gentler to the soft tissues and to any exposed cementum and dentin
Nylon bristles are preferred
Toothbrushes should be replaced as soon as the bristles show signs of wear or begin to splay outward
Electric Toothbrushes
Have larger handles that contain a rechargeable battery
The larger handle also makes them useful for patients with physical disabilities
Automatic toothbrushes use one of several motions, including back and forth, up and down, or circular
Some models feature pulsating and ultrasonic action
Toothbrushing Methods
Bass method most recommended
The dental professional will recommend the method best suited to the patient’s needs
Teach the patient to clean the mouth and tongue thoroughly using a systematic approach and to understand the importance of controlling plaque and inflammation
Too vigorous brushing can cause wear of tooth structure, gingival recession, exposure of root
Toothbrushing for Unusual Conditions
Acute oral inflammation or a traumatic lesion
After periodontal surgery
After dental extractions
After dental restorations
Dental Floss or Tape
Removes bacterial plaque and thus reduces interproximal bleeding
Dental floss is circular in shape; dental tape is flat
No difference in the effectiveness of waxed and unwaxed floss in removing plaque
Patients should be encouraged to floss before brushing
Interdental Aids
End-tuft brushes
Soft nylon filaments formed into a narrow cone shape
Bridge threaders
Used to pass dental floss under the pontic
Automatic flossers
Have one-use, replaceable, thin rubber filament tips
Perio-Aid
A handle with holes in the end designed to hold a toothpick
Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains ingredients designed to remove food residue and includes abrasives to remove stains
Highly polished tooth surfaces will stain less readily and remain clean longer
In addition, most brands of toothpaste now contain fluoride
Some toothpastes now contain a compound that reduces calculus formation when they are used regularly after dental prophylaxis
Mouth Rinses
Many patients like the feeling of freshness provided by a mouth rinse
A wide variety of mouth rinses are available today, and some contain fluoride
Recovering alcoholics should select a mouth rinse that does not contain alcohol
Rinsing the mouth with water is recommended after meals and snacks when toothbrushing and interdental cleaning are not possible
Oral Irrigation Devices
Oral irrigators deliver a pulsating stream of water or chemical agent through a nozzle to the teeth and gingiva
Can be applied at home by the patient or in the dental office
Helps keep levels of subgingival bacteria to a minimum
In selected patients, oral irrigation can be used to supplement other oral hygiene techniques
Disclosing Agent
coloring agent used to make plague visible when applied to teeth
Fluoride Varnishing
concentrated form of topical fluoride applied to teeth that are at high risk for developing caries (cavities)
Preventative Dentistry
practice for caring your teeth to keep them healthy; this can include the use of fluorides, application of dental sealants, proper nutrient, and plague control
Systemic Fluoride
fluoride that is ingested, such as in the drinking water
Topical Fluoride
Fluoride applied directly to the tooth surface to aid in remineralization and prevent decay.
Amino Acids
compounds in proteins used by the body to build and repair tissue
antioxidants
substance that protects our body to prevent or slow damage to cells
Anorexia Nervosa
eating disorder caused by an altered self image leading to extreme weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight.
bulimia
an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging (forcing yourself to throw up), starvation, and/or excessive exercise.
cariogenic
substance causing tooth decay
cholesterol
waxy fat like substance found in all of the cells in the body
fats
also known as lipids; are compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and are a major class of energy rich foods
MyPlate
nutrition guide published by the USDA using a visual representation of the five food groups to promote a balanced diet.
nutrients
organic and inorganic food that provides nourishment essential for growth and maintenance of life
organic
describes food products that have been grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
triglycerides
type of fat found in your blood that gives energy to your body
xylitol
is a natural sugar substitute thought to prevent tooth decay
Nutrition and how it effects your oral/bodily health
You are what you eat”
It is true because food is used to build and repair the body
Food choices must therefore be based on sound information and knowledge
Malnutrition during crucial periods may result in physical or mental disabilities
Well-nourished persons are usually better able to heal and ward off infections than are poorly nourished individuals
Healthy People 2020 Report
Issued by the U.S. Department of Human and Health Services (USDHHS)
Healthy People Reports issued every 10 years to describe national goals, and objectives for improved health throughout the population.
Healthy People 2020 has a renewed focus on identifying, measuring, tracking, and reducing health disparities through a “determinants of health” approach
Essential Nutrients
Macronutrients:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Water
Micronutrients:
Vitamins
Minerals
Carbohydrates
Simple sugars
Absorbed first
Complex carbohydrates
Must be processed before they can be absorbed into the intestinal tract
Dietary fiber
Indigestible and passes through the intestinal tract unchanged
Sources of Carbohydrates
Cereal grains
Wheat, corn, oat, rice, barley, and buckwheat
Sweets
Table sugar, honey, and maple and corn syrups
Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, dried beans, and peas
Proteins
Composed of amino acids
Only nutrient that can build and repair body tissues
There are 20 amino acids; eight are essential in the adult for normal growth and maintenance of tissues
These eight essential amino acids must come from food
A complete protein is one that contains a well-balanced mixture of all eight essential amino acids
Sources of Protein
Complete proteins
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products
Partially complete proteins
Grains and vegetables
Incomplete proteins
Corn and gelatin
Fats (Lipids)
Important source of energy
Provide essential fatty acids
Transport vitamins
Provide heat insulation
Components of cell membranes and myelin, the covering of nerve fibers
Form protective cushions around the organs
Cholesterol
A fat commonly found in saturated fats (from animal sources)
Fat in the body is divided into two categories
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is good fat
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is bad fat
Cholesterol should be limited to less than 250 mg per day
differences between unsaturated fats and saturated fats
Saturated and unsaturated fats differ primarily in their chemical structure, which affects their physical state and health impacts.
Saturated fats: Have single carbon-carbon bonds, are saturated with hydrogen, are typically solid at room temperature (like butter), and can raise "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
Unsaturated fats: Have one or more double bonds, are liquid at room temperature (like olive oil), and are generally considered healthier as they can help lower bad cholesterol.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant vitamins E and C and beta-carotene can prevent cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging arteries
Many fruits, vegetables, and certain seasonings contain naturally occurring antioxidants
Water
Approximately two thirds of the body’s weight is water
Often called the forgotten nutrient, water helps in:
Building tissue
Regulating body temperature
Lubricating joints and mucous membranes
Vitamins
Organic substances that occur in plant and animal tissues
Essential in minute amounts for the human body to maintain growth and good health
Do not supply energy, but needed to release energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
To date, 13 vitamins have been discovered
Four are fat-soluble
Nine are water-soluble
Minerals
Inorganic substances that make up about 4% of the body’s weight
14 essential minerals
Minerals present in the largest quantities are sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, phosphorus, and magnesium
Trace elements include iron, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, iodine, and fluorine
MyPlate
MyPlate replaced MyPyramid as the USDA’s familiar guide to primary food groups
Visual cue to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits
Emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein, and dairy food groups
Canada’s Food Guide
Canada has also developed a pictorial food guide to assist Canadians to choose food wisely
The food guide rainbow encourages consumers to determine their own healthy lifestyle
Reading Food Labels
Every food label must contain the following information:
Individual serving size
Number of servings per container
Total calories
Calories derived from fat content
Percentage of daily value (RDA)
Product Label Information
Begin with the serving size
It is uniform across product lines so that you can easily compare similar foods
The amount of each nutrient in the food is expressed in two ways:
As a percentage of the RDA
By weight of the serving size
By using the percentage of daily values, you can easily determine whether a food contributes a large or small amount of a particular nutrient
Labeling Ingredients
Almost all foods are required to have the ingredients listed on the package
Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight to indicate the proportion of any ingredient
Artificial coloring must also be named in the list of ingredients
Label Claims
Examples of nutrient claims include:
“Low fat”
“High fiber”
“Reduced calories”
“Cholesterol free”
Organic Foods
Foods with the “organic” label must have been grown without the use of any chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
The use of hormones in seed preparation is prohibited
Organic milk must have no added vitamins or chemicals, and preparation is closely monitored
Foods That Cause Tooth Decay
Cariogenic
Foods that produce or promote dental decay
Refined carbohydrates, such as candy and other sweets, are cariogenic because their sugars are readily available
A major factor in the cariogenicity of a carbohydrate is how long the food stays in the mouth
Foods That Cause Tooth Decay
Sugary liquids, such as soft drinks, leave the mouth quickly and are not as cariogenic as sticky foods such as raisins and caramels
Foods such as crackers, although they are not sweet, are cariogenic because they stick to the teeth and remain in the mouth long enough to be broken down into sugars
Another important factor in cariogenicity is whether the food stimulates the flow of saliva
Role of the Dental Team in Patient Nutrition
Counseling patients about the prevention of tooth decay
Counseling patients regarding their diet before and after a surgical procedure
Counseling patients that have a removable prosthesis
Counseling patients who have orthodontic fixed and removable appliances regarding food choices
Dietary Analysis
Can be used to help a patient understand the role of nutrition in his or her dental and general health
Patient must keep a diet diary for either 24-hours or a full week
Patient must record every food eaten, including the amount, how the food was prepared, and when it was eaten
Dental team then reviews the completed diary with the patient, using a dietary-analysis form
Diet Modification
Diet modification provided by members of the dental team is usually focused on dental health and is not intended to replace the services of a registered dietitian
The patient’s lifestyle and background must be considered when one is making recommendations
Always suggest modifications in a positive manner
If your dietary recommendations are compatible with the patient’s normal diet, the patient is more likely to comply
Eating Disorders
Influences of the media, food industry, and society have led to a preoccupation with being thin
Such influences have contributed to a society of weight-conscious adolescents and adults and an increase in eating disorders
Eating disorders have serious medical, oral, and psychological implications and can be life threatening
Eating disorders commonly occur during adolescence and adulthood and include:
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, female athlete triad, and chronic-dieting syndrome
Most of those who suffer from eating disorders are 14 to 25 years old, white, and affluent
Occurrence of eating disorders is more common in females; the ratio of females to males is 10:1
food eating disorders
Bulimia
Often referred to as a binging and purging disorder
Anorexia nervosa
Characterized by self-starvation
Binge eating
Eating large amounts of food regardless of hunger
Female athlete triad
Restrictive dieting, overexercise, weight loss, lack of body fat
Chronic dieting
Over-focus on dieting without a psychological drive
Management of Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are considered psychiatric diseases with serious medical, dental, and nutritional complications
Dental professionals are often the first healthcare providers to diagnose an eating disorder
In addition to providing dental care and education, the dentist is obligated to assist the patient in obtaining psychotherapy and medical care
Successful management of these disorders requires a team approach including psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and dentists