News and Features Related to Oral Care
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Gatorade Tough on Teeth?
March 9, 2006 -- Gatorade erodes teeth faster than Coke, a new study shows. That doesn't mean that Gatorade and other sports drinks are necessarily harder on your teeth than are Coke and other soft drinks. But it may be a surprise that they aren't any better, either, says researcher Leslie A. Ehlen,
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9 Risk Factors for Tooth Loss
Nov. 11, 2005 -- Avoiding tooth loss may be partly within your control, new research suggests. In the Journal of Periodontology, dental experts list nine risk factors for tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Here's the list: Being older than 35 Being male Never getting professional dental care Nev
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Common Antibiotic May Affect Tooth Enamel
Oct. 3, 2005 -- New research links amoxicillin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat babies' ear infections, to tooth enamel problems. That doesn't prove that the drug caused those problems. More studies are needed, and the researchers aren't calling for any changes in amoxicillin's use. "If the cho
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Make Over Your Mouth.
If you're in the market for a makeover, there are many beauty specialists who can help you. You might turn to a hair stylist, cosmetic surgeon, or dermatologist. You probably wouldn't think of going to the dentist, yet dentists can do things for your appearance that no one else can. It goes far beyo
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Too Young for Gum Disease? Don't Count on It
Sept. 20, 2005 -- Young adults may want to make a special effort to care for their teeth and gums, even if their smiles look great, according to new research on gum disease. Gum disease can start much earlier than you might expect, without obvious symptoms, and it could boost the odds of health prob
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Oral Health Has Improved in U.S.
Aug. 25, 2005 -- America's oral health report card is better than a decade ago, according to the CDC and National Institutes of Health. Improvements include: Fewer cavities in kids' and teens' permanent teeth Less tooth loss in older adults More use of dental sealants to protect kids' and teens' tee
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Healthy Weight, Better Gums?
Aug. 24, 2005 -- Losing extra pounds, revving up physical activity, and eating nutritious foods may give you a new reason to smile. Healthy teeth and gums are more common in active people who eat nutritiously and aren't overweight, a new study shows. The study appears in the Journal of Periodontolog
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Straight Talk About Braces for Adults
Thinking about getting braces? Experts say it's never too late. These days, adults make up nearly half of orthodontic patients hoping to finally get the perfect smile they've always dreamed about. Braces have evolved considerably in the last 15 years. Breathe easy, the days of being a true "metal mo
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The Debate Over Mercury in Dental Fillings
The debate over whether mercury in dental fillings can leach out and cause a wide range of health problems -- from multiple sclerosis and cancer to Alzheimer's disease --refuses to die down. The mercury in dental fillings is an amalgam, or blend, of copper, silver, and mercury that has been used for
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'Good' Bacteria Fight Bad Breath, Smelly Feet
July 27, 2005 -- Scientists have found bacteria that fight bad breath and smelly feet. The bacteria weren't concocted in a lab or discovered deep in a tropical rainforest. They were spotted in a very common location: the human mouth. In fact, some of those bacteria may be snuffing out bad breath in
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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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