Your Health For Tag "oral hygiene"

  • How to Prevent Gum Disease and Maintain a Healthy Smile
    Feb. 8, 2023

    How to Prevent Gum Disease and Maintain a Healthy Smile

    General oral health

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, or gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, affect overall health and be aggravated by poor oral health habits, smoking, medication and an unhealthy diet.1 In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, take a moment to learn how periodontal (gum) disease can affect your health and how to prevent it.

  • What your family history says about your teeth
    Mar. 1, 2019

    What your family history says about your teeth

    General oral health

    Your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues. Understanding your family history can help you stay prepared to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Your parents probably told you candy causes cavities, but that’s not the only thing that causes them. Risk for cavities is 60 percent due to genetic factors such as preference for sweets, teeth enamel strength and saliva composition, according to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1 If members of your f