Dental Health Archive

Articles

At-home dental care: True or false?

Try these true-or-false questions to learn more about how to best care for your teeth and mouth.

Easy ways to keep inflammation in check

Certain healthy habits can fight chronic inflammation, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, maintaining good oral health, and reducing stress. If adopting all those habits seems daunting, taking little steps in their direction can help. For example, a person might eat fatty fish twice a week, since it contains omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce inflammation; or go for a quick daily walk, since exercise may increase the production of hormones that help keep inflammation in check. The combined effects of many little habits can eventually add up to keep people healthier.

7 things your dentist wants you to know

Oral health and overall health are strongly linked. Harmful bacteria and inflammation can trigger or worsen conditions throughout the body, including cardiovascular problems and diabetes. People should brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between teeth. Oral care product claims can be misleading. The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance can help people choose oral care products by verifying product claims.

You don't say? Myths about teeth

Many myths and misunderstandings about teeth and tooth health persist, such as what stains can be lightened, how cavities are formed, and whether fluoride is actually safe.

Some heart patients need antibiotics before dental work

People with certain heart conditions, including a replaced or repaired heart valve, should take antibiotics before invasive dental procedures. This helps prevent endocarditis, a serious heart infection often caused by bacteria from the mouth.

How can I stop grinding my teeth when I'm asleep?

Teeth-grinding during sleep is common. People with the habit may wake up with sore teeth, headache, or earache. Over time, it can lead to broken teeth or jaw pain and clicking. A dentist can create a fitted mouth guard or prescribe muscle relaxants.

Braces aren't just for teens

Many people get braces later in life. This helps ward off problems caused by crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, such as malnutrition, increased risks for cavities and gum disease, and some chronic illnesses. Getting braces can also create space for implants to replace missing teeth. There are two main types of braces. One consists of a row of tiny brackets glued onto the teeth, and a wire that runs through the brackets. The other type of braces consists of a series of aligners—thin, clear plastic molds that are worn on top of the teeth 22 hours per day.

Tooth loss associated with cognitive impairment, dementia

A review published Oct. 22, 2021, in JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine found that people with more tooth loss had, on average, a 48% greater risk for developing cognitive impairment, compared with people who had less tooth loss.

Back to the doctor

People who’ve skipped medical check-ups for a while should visit their primary care doctor, dental hygienist, and eye doctor. A primary care doctor will consider a person’s blood pressure, medications, weight, alcohol intake, gait, balance, memory, hearing, mood, and levels of physical activity and socialization. To prepare for the visit, one should write down questions for the doctor and bring a list of all medications. At the appointment, one should take notes and ask any questions needed to understand the doctor’s instructions.

Tooth loss truth: It's no longer about the tooth fairy

Older Americans are keeping their teeth longer, but the prevalence of tooth loss is higher among people with chronic disease or overall worse health. However, loss of a tooth can also result from tooth decay, periodontal infection, or accidental trauma. Aside from accidents, most people should be able to prevent tooth loss by following good oral care habits.

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