Oral hygiene facts Poor oral hygiene can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Professional teeth cleanings will reduce the bacteria that cause inflammation and eventually lead to heart disease A major cause of tooth loss in children is cavities; while periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The leading oral health problem for infants is baby bottle tooth decay, which can be caused when babies are given a bottle filled with sugary liquids, like milk or juice, when put to bed. Oral hygiene statistics According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention: Between 2005-2008, 16 percent of children ages 6-19 and 23 percent of adults 20-64 had untreated cavities. Dental fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride) is higher in adolescents than in adults and highest among those aged 12–15. Most adults show signs of periodontal or gingival diseases. Severe periodontal disease affects approximately 14 perce