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Feb. 8, 2023
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.
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Jan. 30, 2023
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.
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May 4, 2022
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.
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Mar. 31, 2022
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
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Dec. 6, 2021
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.
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Nov. 12, 2021
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.
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Mar. 23, 2021
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.
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Sep. 5, 2020
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.
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Aug. 4, 2020
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.
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Jun. 17, 2020
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.
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Mar. 2, 2020
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.
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Jan. 8, 2019
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
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Sep. 5, 2018
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 »
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Aug. 3, 2018
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 »
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Aug. 7, 2017
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 »
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Jul. 12, 2017
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 »