Your Health For Tag "plaque"

  • 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.

  • The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
    Jan. 30, 2023

    The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

    General oral health

    Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and studies show a relationship between heart disease and gum disease. Learn how how a healthy smile can lead to a healthy heart. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In its early stage, it’s called gingivitis and can cause inflamed, red gums that bleed.

  • There’s no sugarcoating it — sugar damages teeth
    May 4, 2022

    There’s no sugarcoating it — sugar damages teeth

    General oral health

    Bacteria feed on sugar, forming dental plaque that becomes acidic and makes holes in your teeth — in other words, it causes cavities. That plaque can also lead to gum disease and bad breath.

  • What is gingivitis?
    Mar. 31, 2022

    What is gingivitis?

    General oral health

    Gingivitis doesn’t always cause pain, and many people don’t realize they have the condition. As symptoms worsen over time, you may start to experience: Bleeding gums (metallic or altered taste), Puffiness/swelling of gums, Pain or soreness, Bad breath

  • What is gum disease?
    Dec. 6, 2021

    What is gum disease?

    General oral health

    Gum disease refers to infections of the gum and bone tissues that surround your teeth. This kind of infection is also known by the technical names of gingivitis and periodontal disease. While improper oral health habits are a main cause of gum disease, a complex mix of genetic, systemic, local, and environmental factors also play a role in its development and progression.

  • Chew on this — sugarless gum can be good for teeth
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Chew on this — sugarless gum can be good for teeth

    General oral health

    Gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup, lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel and increase your cavity risk. The more often you chew gum with sugar and the longer you chew each time, the more damage it can do.

  • Common causes of gingivitis
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Common causes of gingivitis

    General oral health

    Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and is reversible. Learn the common causes of this disease and how daily oral hygiene can help reduce your chance of getting gingivitis.

  • How to floss your teeth properly
    Sep. 5, 2020

    How to floss your teeth properly

    General oral health

    Most people know that they should floss once a day, but not everyone knows why. Brushing your teeth does an excellent job of removing plaque from tooth surfaces, but brushing alone isn’t enough to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. With a proper flossing regimen, you can remove left over food particles and plaque from the places a toothbrush cannot easily reach – think the spaces between your teeth and under the gum line.

  • Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth

    General oral health

    You know brushing your teeth is important, but how you go about doing so can make a significant difference in your long-term oral health. If you fail to brush your teeth thoroughly and with a good technique, your teeth may look and feel clean, but layers of plaque will build up in hard-to-reach places and cause tooth decay. Eventually some of it will harden into tartar, collect more plaque, causing gum damage and other unwanted oral health issues.

  • Mouthwash 101: What it does and how to use it
    Jun. 17, 2020

    Mouthwash 101: What it does and how to use it

    General oral health

    Mouthwash, also known as mouthrinse, offers a solution to bad breath and can also be an excellent way to supplement your oral health routine. It is designed to be held in the mouth for a period of time, swished around, and then spit out. Mouthwash typically contains antimicrobial and other ingredients designed to inhibit odor-causing sulfur compounds, as well as reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease.

  • The reasons behind your dentist's advice
    Mar. 2, 2020

    The reasons behind your dentist's advice

    General oral health

    By now you are likely familiar with dentists’ recommendation to brush twice a day for two minutes, floss daily and pay regular visits to their office. Here are the reasons behind these important nuggets of wisdom.

  • The Role a Dentist Plays in Your Child's Oral Health
    Jan. 8, 2019

    The Role a Dentist Plays in Your Child's Oral Health

    Children’s Oral Health

    Schedules may get hectic with school, extracurricular activities and homework, but making it to the dentist is always worth it. Dentists play a central role in children’s oral health that goes beyond checking teeth for cavities. The most obvious benefit dentists provide is preventive care through regular exams and cleanings. During these appointments, dentists or hygienists remove plaque and tartar to prevent the formation of cavities, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhoo

  • Better breakfasts for brighter smiles
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Better breakfasts for brighter smiles

    General oral health

    Before rushing off to school in the morning, many families sit around the table to fuel up with the most important meal of the day. Unfortunately, one of the more common breakfast options – cereal – might have some unintended consequences for teeth. Too much sugar at breakfast time isn't a great way to start... More »

  • What Happens During a Regular Dental Check-up
    Aug. 3, 2018

    What Happens During a Regular Dental Check-up

    General oral health

    Each year, 100 million Americans forego a dental visit, and that's a big problem when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile.1 Before your calendar fills up with work events, school activities, and more, schedule routine dental appointments for yourself and your family. No matter how good your oral hygiene habits may be, a dental... More »

  • Oral Health Reads for Your Book Worm
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Oral Health Reads for Your Book Worm

    Children’s Oral Health

    Back-to-school season is the perfect time to help kids brush up on good oral health habits with a new book or two. Books on oral health can be a good way to get children excited about being independent and learning how to take care of their teeth on their own (with a little assistance!). Kick... More »

  • Summertime Sweets Can Be Good for Teeth
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Summertime Sweets Can Be Good for Teeth

    General oral health

    Along with many overall health benefits, sweet-satisfying fruits have benefits for your smile, too! Give these fruits a try this summer: Strawberries are full of gum-building vitamin C. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a protein that maintains gums strength and integrity — and strong gums are an important part of oral... More »