News and Features Related to Oral Care
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15 Myths and Facts About Cavities
Check the myths and facts below to find out how cavities are caused, prevented, and treated. Myth, but it's almost a fact. The truth is, acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is the cause of cavities, says Kimberly A. Harms, DDS, an American Dental Association consumer advisor and former presiden
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10 Toothbrushing Mistakes
Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush, says Richard H. Price, DMD, the consumer advisor for the American Dental Ass
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Flossing Teeth: No More Excuses!
Do you floss? Or, like many people, do you always seem to find a reason not to? A 2008 survey found that only 49% of Americans floss daily, and 10% never floss. That’s most unfortunate, dentists say, because flossing is even more important than brushing when it comes to preventing periodontal (gum)
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Kids' Strep Throat: Likely No Need to Lose Tonsils
Sept. 12, 2012 -- New guidelines highlight two key recommendations about strep throat: Recurring cases should not necessarily lead to having tonsils removed. And overdiagnosis of strep needs to be reined in, because it's a major contributor to antibiotic overuse and resistance in the U.S. In the new
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7 Secrets to a Healthier Smile
When it comes to lighting up some of Hollywood's brightest smiles as well as tending to the pearly whites of the average Joe, New York City dentist Steven Roth, DMD, does it all. With more than 25 years of cosmetic and restorative dentistry experience, he created a technique that allows patients to
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Choose the Best Teeth Whitener
There's a saying: "A smile can brighten the darkest day." Maybe that's why so many of us look for ways to change our teeth from dull and yellow to bright and shiny. Yellow, stained teeth tend to come with the territory for coffee, tea, and red wine drinkers. Smokers, of course, put their teeth at gr
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What You Can Do About Bad Breath
Worried about bad breath? You're not alone. Forty million Americans suffer from bad breath, or halitosis, according to the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Bad breath can get in the way of your social life. It can make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Fortunately, there are simple and eff
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Tooth Enamel: What Helps, What Hurts
The outer surface of teeth, called enamel, is designed to last a lifetime. "Enamel is the hardest substance in the body," says dentist Leslie Seldin, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Some wear and tear of tooth enamel is inevitable. But Seldin says there's plenty you can do t
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Get the Most Out of Your Dental Visit
Dental visits aren't just for cavities and teeth cleaning anymore. During a check-up, your dental hygienist and dentist assess the overall health of your mouth and gums. "A dentist check-up is an essential part of preventive care," says Leslie Seldin, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Asso
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Cost, Not Fear, Keeps More People From Dentist
July 18, 2012 -- Cost is a bigger factor than fear when it's time to visit the dentist, a new government report shows. The national survey on oral health shows 4 out of 10 adults in the U.S. say cost is the main reason they don't visit the dentist with an oral health problem like a toothache or loos
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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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