Poor Oral Health
Linked to several health conditions
Dental Health FAQs
A: You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to maintain good oral health.
A: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, as it’s gentle on gums and effective at reaching all areas of your mouth.
A: You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning your teeth.
A: Store your toothbrush upright in an open container and let it air dry between uses. Keep it away from the toilet and sink to minimize exposure to bacteria, and avoid storing it in closed containers, which can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
A: Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual ones for plaque removal and gum health. The vibrating or rotating bristles help clean more thoroughly with less effort, which is particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty brushing manually or tend to miss certain areas. However, with proper technique, a manual toothbrush can still be highly effective.
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Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes.
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Floss Daily: Remove plaque and food between teeth.
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Limit Sugary Foods: Reduce sweets, sodas, and sugary snacks.
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Drink Water: Stay hydrated and choose fluoridated water.
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Eat a Balanced Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
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Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help.
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Regular Dental Visits: See your dentist twice a year for cleanings.
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Consider Sealants: Protect back teeth with dental sealants.
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Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Promotes saliva and reduces bacteria.
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Avoid Frequent Snacking: Limit snacks to reduce acid exposure.
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A: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It typically starts with gingivitis, which is the early stage characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, leading to loss of tooth support and even tooth loss.
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
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Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
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Regular Dental Visits:
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Schedule check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year.
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Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash:
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This can help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
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Avoid Smoking:
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Smoking, vaping and other tobacco products are a significant risk factor for gum disease.
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Eat a Balanced Diet:
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Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary foods.
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Stay Hydrated:
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Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and bacteria.
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Manage Stress:
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High stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight infections, including gum disease.
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Recognize Early Signs:
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Be aware of symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession, and seek dental care if they occur.
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By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and maintain good oral health.-
A: By following these steps, you can help manage tooth sensitivity and improve your overall oral comfort.
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Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A softer brush can help prevent irritation to sensitive gums and teeth.
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Choose Desensitizing Toothpaste: Look for toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These contain compounds that help block sensation in the tooth.
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Practice Gentle Brushing: Avoid brushing too hard, which can wear down enamel and worsen sensitivity.
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Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Cut back on citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar, which can erode enamel and increase sensitivity.
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Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Be cautious with very hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can trigger sensitivity.
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Use a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from further wear.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth healthier.
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Consult Your Dentist: If sensitivity persists, see your dentist. They can identify any underlying issues (like cavities or gum recession) and suggest treatments, such as fluoride applications or dental sealants.
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A: Teeth whitening can be safe and effective when done properly, especially under the guidance of a dental professional. Always consider your individual dental health and follow product instructions carefully.
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Professional Treatments:
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Whitening performed by a dentist is generally safe and effective. Dentists use stronger whitening agents than those available over-the-counter and can monitor your oral health.
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Over-the-Counter Products:
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Many whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste are safe for home use, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid overuse, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
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Whitening Sensitivity:
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Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. This is usually mild and subsides after treatment.
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Pre-existing Dental Issues:
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If you have cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, it's essential to address these before whitening, as the agents can exacerbate these issues.
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Enamel Erosion:
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Overuse of whitening products can lead to enamel erosion. Always use products as directed and avoid excessive treatments.
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Consult Your Dentist:
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Before starting any whitening treatment, it's a good idea to consult your dentist to determine the best option for your dental health and to ensure it’s safe for you.
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Osteoporosis: Leads to bone and tooth loss.
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Cancer: Research on 65,000 post-menopausal women shows those with gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer, with increased risks for breast, lung, esophageal, gall bladder, and skin cancers.
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Dementia: Healthy gums reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s by 70%.
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HIV/AIDS: Linked with oral issues like lesions.
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Pregnancy Complications: Issues like low birth weight and preterm birth are associated with gum disease, while pregnant women with healthy gums are up to three times less likely to have a premature, low-birth-weight baby.
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Dry Mouth: Eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain medications reduce saliva, worsening oral health.
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Eye Health: Having higher levels of bacteria in your mouth, losing more of your natural teeth, and experiencing gum disease can all increase your risk of glaucoma.
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Endocarditis: Oral bacteria can infect the heart's inner lining.
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Cardiovascular disease: Bacteria enters the bloodstream, thickening blood, increasing heart attack risk, and inflaming vessels, potentially leading to stroke.
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Pneumonia: Mouth bacteria can enter the lungs and fluid buildup.
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Diabetes: Research also links gum disease to a higher risk of developing diabetes.
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Without saliva, we would not be able to taste anything.
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The inside of your mouth contains as much bacteria as there are people on Earth.
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Teeth start to form before you are born but usually don't come through until you are between 6–12 months old.
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The tongue is the only muscle in the human body that works without any support from the skeleton.
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There are approximately 10,000 taste buds in our mouth, of which most are located on the tongue.
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No two people have the same set of teeth. A person’s teeth are as unique as their fingerprint.
An average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over the course of their lifetime.
The enamel on the surfaces of your teeth is the hardest substance in your whole body.
Teeth, like your bones, are alive. They have their own blood supply and nerves. A tooth can die.
Humans have two sets of teeth in their lifetime, whereas sharks have 40.
Surveys indicate that 50% of people say that someone’s smile is the first thing they notice.
Relative to its size, the tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body.
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A tooth that gets knocked out will begin to die within 15 minutes.
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Children smile about 400 times per day, women 62, and men only about eight.
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Modern toothpaste has been available for only the past 100 years, but dentistry has been around since about 7000 BC.
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Children typically have 20 teeth while adults typically have 32.
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We produce about 37,854 liters of saliva during our lives – enough to fill two swimming pools.
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Neglecting to floss leaves 40% of your teeth untouched and unclean.
FUN FACTS
Dental Health
A healthy mouth is a valuable asset
Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food, they help us to talk and speak clearly and they also give our face its shape. A smile gives us greater confidence, as well as influences our social lives, careers and relationships. Healthy teeth also contribute to reduced risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Improved Health
Research has found that the number of teeth we have is strongly linked to how long we will live. Those with 20 teeth or more at the age of 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with fewer than 20 teeth.
For each healthy tooth you have at 70, you raise your 5-year survival rate by 4%.
Improved Life
People who regularly visit the dentist can see a 31% reduction in dental costs over five years. For every dollar spent on preventive dental care, families can save $8–$50 on restorative and emergency treatments.
Lower Costs
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best foods to eat because of their high nutritional value and added teeth cleaning benefits. Chewing on crunchy foods gets stimulates the salivary glands which neutralizes the acidity in your mouth.