• Serious infections from untreated plaque and cavities.
• Oral pain and discomfort.
• Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, premature and low birth-weight babies.
• Depression, low self-esteem, sleeping problems, and behavioural and developmental problems in children.
• Digestion problems due to the inability to chew food properly.

Oral Health and Smoking

"Tobacco reduces the blood flow to the gums therefore, the gums do not get the oxygen and nutrients needed to stay healthy and prevent bacterial infection." - Health Canada, 2005

Oral Health and Older Adults

Older adults may have a harder time keeping their teeth and gums healthy for the following reasons:

• Low incomes
• Lack of dental insurance
• Poor general health
• Increased dependence on others to get to dental appointments
• Increased dependence on others for personal care

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Health Canada reports, "Pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term or low birth-weight babies than women without gum disease." Premature and low birth-weight babies are at greater risk for asthma, ear infections, behavioural problems, and infant death.

Oral Health, Gum Disease, and Plaque

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can also affect the jawbone and teeth.

Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms, thickens, and hardens on the teeth. Plaque can turn into tartar and cause gum infections if teeth are not brushed and flossed every day.
The bacteria from untreated plaque and gum disease can travel to the bloodstream and cause infections and diseases in other organs of the body. People with diabetes are at greater risk for diabetic complications due to gum disease.

Suggestions For Good Oral Health

1. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
2. Floss your teeth every day.
3. See a dentist at least once a year.
4. See a dentist immediately if you notice any problems.
5. Do not smoke. See a dentist regularly if you smoke.
6. Eat nutritious foods, and keep your teeth and gums healthy when you are pregnant.
7. Until a child can write their own name, a parent should brush the child's teeth.

Resource:
Health Canada. The effects of oral health on overall health (March 2004). Retrieved January 2, 2006, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/life-vie/dent_e.html