Preventive oral health care: a review for family physicians.

Good oral health is essential for both good nutrition and systemic health, in addition to the ability to taste, chew, swallow and speak. Oral diseases include dental caries, periodontal disease, oral mucosal alterations, precancerous lesions and cancer, and oral trauma. Dental caries can be prevented through good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning, a healthy, low-sugar diet and the use of fluoride and dental sealants. Periodontal disease can be delayed by brushing with fluoride and obtaining professional scaling. Antibacterial mouthwashes may also be helpful. Careful denture cleaning and regular observation for medication side effects can decrease periodontal disease. Tobacco is the most common cause of cancerous oral lesions. Trauma can be avoided by wearing proper protective gear during contact sports and while riding bicycles and motorcycles. Persons in lower income and educational groups have a higher risk of poor oral health. Regular attention to this area by family physicians will decrease the chance of oral disease in patients.