Overview & Facts
Dental health can be important to your health overall. From preventing tooth decay and avoiding mouth injuries to banishing bad breath and more, you'll find it here.
What Is Oral Health?
How many teeth do you have as a child and then as an adult? What do those teeth look like? Find out in this introduction to your dental health.
Did you know you can actually overbrush your teeth? And is sugar really that bad? Don't believe everything you hear. Get tips on the tooth truth here.
Causes
Low-carb dieters are more likely to suffer from a seldom discussed side effect -- halitosis, aka bad breath. Why? And how can you defeat the odor? Find out.
Are You at Risk?
Women may be more susceptible to dental health issues because of their unique hormonal changes. There are five times in a woman’s life when she may be more susceptible: Learn when they are and how women can prevent oral health problems today.
The state of your teeth and gums reveals a lot about your health -- but probably not the things you may think. Take this quiz to discover health secrets hidden in your teeth.
Smoking can lead to many dental health problems, from bad breath to gum disease, oral cancer and more. Find out why, whether smokeless tobacco is safer, and get tips on kicking the habit.
Diabetes affects the whole body, including your mouth. What problems are people with diabetes at higher risk for? How should you care for your teeth? Get the facts.
Advancing age puts you at risk for several dental health problems. Find out what those are, how older adults can care for their teeth, and tips on dental financial aid.
Prevention
Tooth decay creates holes in the teeth called cavities. You can help prevent tooth decay with these seven tips.
Bad breath is all too common, but you don’t have to suffer with the smell. These eight easy tips can help you sweeten your breath for good.
Can a knocked-out tooth be repaired? Find out and get tips on preventing sports-related tooth and mouth injuries.
Brushing your teeth may not be enough to battle gum disease. Find out why boosting your dental care arsenal with flossing can help you fight gum disease.
Piercing the tongue, lip, or cheek can lead to infection, tooth and nerve damage, allergic reactions, and more. Learn about the risks and watch for.
Did your crown pop out on vacation? Lost a filling? Need to tame a midnight toothache? Get tips on how you can cope -- while you wait to see the dentist.
How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!
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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
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