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Dental Hygiene Directory
Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and the teeth clean to prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Daily preventative care such as brushing and flossing will greatly enhance the overall health of teeth as well as regularly seeing your dentist or oral hygienist. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, breath, and teeth. Daily preventative care will assist in stopping problems that threaten the health of your mouth like gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Find out more about what you can do for your dental hygiene.
Medical Reference
Choosing the Right Dental Care Products
Choosing from dozens of dental products can be daunting. Find out which toothpastes, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes are best for your teeth.
Dental Care Before, During, and After Pregnancy
Get tips from WebMD on taking care of your teeth and gums before, during, and after pregnancy.
An Overview of Dental Insurance Plans
Dental health insurance plans vary widely. Learn what to look for when selecting a plan.
Smoking and Dental Health: Yellow Teeth, Bad Breath, and Other Smoking Effects
Smoking and other tobacco use can cause oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Get the facts from WebMD.
Features
Do-It-Yourself Dentistry
Dental problem? You don't have to be MacGyver to save a lost filling or replace a crown.
Make Over Your Mouth
From a mere cleaning to tooth whitening to smile design, a trip to the dentist can be a cosmetic experience these days.
Brushing Up on Dental Products
There is an array of dental products out there it can be hard to figure out which ones are right for you; here's help.
Ordinary vs. Powered Toothbrushes
They come in colorful shapes and sizes, and kids love them. Powered toothbrushes may be the way to get stubborn children to brush.
Video
Dental Hygiene During Pregnancy
Keith Eddleman, MD, talks about why dental hygiene is especially important during pregnancy.
Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease
If you're not brushing and flossing regularly, you are at risk for gum disease and potential health problems.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Proper oral hygiene is especially important for dental patients who have diabetes.
Ask the Dentist on WebMD
Slideshows & Images
17 Oral Health & Mouth Problems
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what’s going on in your mouth? Found out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems.
The Tongue (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Definition, Problems, and More
WebMD's Tongue Anatomy Page provides a detailed picture and definition of the tongue as well as an overview of its function and location in the body. Also learn about conditions, test, and procedures that may affect the tongue.
The Tonsils (Human Anatomy): Picture, Definition, Location, and Problems
WebMD's Tonsils Anatomy Page provides a detailed picture and definition of the tonsils. Also learn about their function, location in the body, and conditions that affect the tonsils.
The Teeth (Human Anatomy): Diagram, Names, Number, and Conditions
WebMD's Teeth Anatomy Page provides a detailed diagram and definition of the teeth, inlcuding types, names, and parts of the teeth.
Quizzes
Dental Care: Caring for Teeth & Gums - WebMD
Dental Care: Caring for Teeth & Gums - WebMD
Test Your IQ on Mouth Germs
Think you know all about the germs in your mouth? Take this quiz and find out.
Do You Know What Causes Your Bad Breath?
Do you know what’s causing your bad breath? Take our quiz about bad breath, its causes and prevention, good dental hygiene, and diseases that give you bad breath.
Health Tools
More From WebMD
Could Your Oral Health Be Harming Your Heart?
In the WebMD Oral Health Community, Dr. Eric Linden discusses the relationship between your oral health and overall health.
The Hazards of Chewing Gum…and Other Myths
In the WebMD Oral Health Community, Dr. Eric Linden discusses oral health myths about chewing gum, dental x-rays, bleeding gums, and more.