"Are You as Cool as You Are Healthy?"

There are many factors affecting the oral health of young Americans.  It is essential to maintain dental health and protect the mouth from injuries.  The health of your mouth is directly related to your overall health.   Your diet can wreak havoc on your body and teeth.  For example, snacking throughout the day can increase tooth decay.  Sipping soda increases the rate of harmful acid attacks on teeth.  Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are particularly destructive to teeth.  Your digestive system contains strong acids.  When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack and erode tooth enamel.  Your mouth, throat and salivary glands may become swollen and tender.  Bad breath can result.   Oral piercing is not as safe as you might think.  Due to the huge amount of bacteria in the mouth, it is an ideal place for infection.  A mouth piercing can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing.  Piercings can also cause chipped or cracked teeth, gum injuries and nerve damage.   Think before using tobacco products!  Regular use of tobacco at any age leads to addiction.  There are numerous health related reasons to avoid tobacco.  The most obvious negative consequences are bad breath, dirty, stained teeth, receding gums, decayed and/or sensitive teeth and cancer.  Over 30,000 cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed yearly.  Only half of those diagnosed will live more than 5 years.   Sports injuries are a common cause of oral injuries.  It is reported that mouthguards are one of the most effective pieces of protective equipment and dramatically reduce the number of dental injuries.  Different types of mouthguards are available depending on the age and dental development of the patient.  Custom fitted mouthguards are recommended because they stay rigid and don't split, crack or become soft.  More than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented with mouthguards every year. Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS 103 South Colorado Street Salem. Va. 24153 540-387-3844