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Health
Information Network promotes health care
Did you ever consider the things you put in your mouth are sometimes more important than the words that come out of it? Good dental hygiene includes regular trips to the dentist and daily use of oral hygiene tools like a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash. Dental hygiene is not only the main ingredient in a clean mouth, fresh breath and a dazzling smile; it's also the first line of defense in preventing many diseases. Taking action to have a healthy mouth and teeth takes a little effort. Although as children we were told to brush three times a day, as adults we often opt for more convenient substitutes like breath mints. But regular brushing and the use of dental floss should not be an optional measure in our daily schedule. The goals of breath mints and regular brushing and flossing are different. One promises fresh breath; the other offers healthy teeth and gums. Most tooth loss results from periodontal disease or gingivitis. This painful condition destabilizes teeth by loosening their foundation in the gums. The villain is plaque, a sticky, thin film of bacteria that continuously accumulates on the surface of the teeth. Without regular brushing, plaque deposits build up and invade the gum line. Gum tissue becomes weak, swollen, tender and discolored, providing a perfect host domain for bacterial growth and infection. Diseased gums can no longer support the teeth that become weak themselves and either fall out or must be surgically removed. The most common evidence of periodontal disease is gums that bleed when brushed. To prevent this condition, use a medium bristle toothbrush and brush your gums every time you brush your teeth. Remember also to floss at least once a day. The friction of dental floss against tooth surfaces loosens and removes plaque so that it can be brushed or rinsed away. Pay attention to cold sores that form around or inside the mouth. Cold sores are evidence of a type of virus that can flare up because of the presence of other infections in the body or stress. Some people get frequent cold sores and they're usually harmless. But when persistent sores inside the mouth or on the tongue don't heal quickly, it's time to see your doctor. Sores that don't heal may signal a serious disease like cancer. Investing in tooth whitening products is your call. They are harmless and seem to work. But remember, artificially whitened teeth can look healthy and still be diseased. Only your dentist can provide a thorough exam to determine the condition of your teeth and make recommendations for their care. When
it comes to your mouth and dental hygiene, your actions really do
speak louder than words. Take the right actions and your beautiful
smile will last as long as you do.
# # # # # About Journey to Wellness Journeytowellness.com
is the Internet component of the Journey To Wellness Radio programs
that provides healthcare and health literacy information through syndicated
radio programming on public radio stations and on the CNN Radio network.
Please visit our Journey to Wellness Air Times and Topics page to find out our schedule, the radio stations that carry our program, and the topics we will be covering!
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