Laser Ultrasound Helps Determine Dental Health

Laser Ultrasound Helps Determine Dental Health

This is the first time anyone has employed such a tool to find the elasticity of our teeth, besides assessing dental health and predict tooth decay and cavities.

Enamel goes through a cycle of mineral loss and restoration, through a lifetime, in which healthy teeth maintain a high mineral content.

If the balance between mineral loss and gain is lost, however, teeth can develop areas of softened enamel -- known as carious lesions -- which are precursors to cavities and permanently damaged teeth.

'The ultimate goal is to come up with a quick, efficient, cost-effective, and non-destructive way to evaluate the mineralisation of human dental enamel,' says study co-author David Hsiao-Chuan Wang, graduate student at the University of Sydney (U-S).

Wang and his adviser Simon Fleming, physics professor at the U-S Institute of Photonics and Optical Science, worked on the study with U-S dental researchers and ultrasonic researchers from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.

Stronger than bone, enamel is the hardest and the most mineralised substance of the human body -- one of the reasons why human teeth can survive for centuries after a person has died. It envelops teeth in a protective layer that shields the underlying dentin from decay, said an U-S release.

Enamel demineralisation is caused by bad oral hygiene. Not brushing, for instance, can lead to the build-up of dental plaques, and bacteria in these plaques will absorb sugars and other carbohydrates a person chews and produce acids that will dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel.

By: Shane Ennerson

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Dental Health - Do's and Don'ts

Dental Health - Do's and Don'ts

Just like with most things, never take advantage of your dental health and beautiful smile. It's important to maintain good and consistent dental hygiene. To do this, you must make a couple short and simple sacrifices, as well as be willing to commit time to your dental health each and every day.

The first and possibly most important step is to brush your teeth twice a day. If possible, try to work towards brushing them after each and every meal. Be sure to find toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride helps maintain your tooth structure, and protects your teeth from current and potential decay.

Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which gently protects your gums without being too hard on them. Contrary to how most people brush, it is important to brush up-and-down, not back-and forth. Always brush for about two minutes, never too harshly. Also, don't forget to brush your tongue! Brushing your tongue scrapes off leftover food particles, and improves the smell of your mouth.

Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or once your brush bristles become dull- whichever comes first.

While it's an important tool, a toothbrush can't possibly reach every nook and cranny in your mouth. Plenty of gunk can build up between your teeth, as well as envelope under your gums, thus causing plaque to build up. It can also lead to gingivitis or halitosis of the mouth- not to mention painful cavities. You don't have to floss as often as you brush, once a day is more than adequate.

When you do, be gentle, and ease the floss between each and every tooth. Wrap the floss around both your index fingers, and pull it back and forth so as to scrape the base of your teeth. Floss holders are available, as are disposable "plackers" which work best for tight teeth. If you find that your gums bleed, don't be concerned. So long as you keep flossing consistently, your gums with toughen up, and stop bleeding when flossed.

There are several times when you should contact your dentist. If your gums bleed, and don't seem to be recovering, go ahead and let your doctor know. Extreme hot and cold sensation could indicate a problem as well. Also, changes in your tooth structure or quick crowding of your teeth are both things that a doctor should know.

It's important to see your dentist one to two times each year. A regular appointment entails a basic cleaning, and checkup. So long as you keep your appointments regular, there will rarely if ever be a problem with your dental health. Never fear a dentist- remember, they're here to keep you healthy

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Technological Developments In Dental Care

Technological Developments In Dental Care

Dental technology has done more wonders nowadays for dentists and patients alike. Dental experts continue to keep themselves up-to-date with technological developments in oral health care. When you visit a dental clinic for a regular check-up or examination, you'll discover that there are options that you can choose to make your dental visit a breeze, thanks to the latest developments in dental technology.

At present, dental technology continue to grown and develop, according to Dentist Irvine. However, there are still dental practitioners who are hesitant in investing in new technologies in dentistry for different reasons. An expert from Dental Irvine said that there are disadvantages if a dental clinic is reluctant to invest in new dental technology. A dental clinic may be left behind against its competitors. Quality care and efficiency can spell the difference between a successful dental clinic and a shabby one. And if your clinic fails to keep up with today's technology, then it is nearly impossible to catch up.

Technological advances on dental practices are focused on providing patients with better care and better treatments. The use of modern equipment yields positive results. Patients get a healthier mouth, teeth and gums, as a result. According to Dentists Irvine, there are tons of information available regarding the latest trends and technology in dentistry to improve the dental health of patients. Some of these technological advancements include:

High-Tech (Digital) X-Rays

This type of dental x-rays is replacing traditional radiographs. It is faster and more efficient. It captures the mouth's image and then stores it on the computer. With this procedure, dentists can now compare previous and future images to maintain and keep updated with a patient's dental health record. Digital x-rays are able to find cavities and zero in on those bones below the teeth. It can also help an endodontist with root canal treatments.

Dental Lasers

With lasers, dentists are able to use this for tooth cavity detection and removal. Dental lasers can also produce readout of bacteria level.

CAD/CAM Technology

A computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) helps patients needing crowns and bridges procedures to have fewer dental visits. With this technology, the tooth is drilled in preparation for the crown. After the image is taken with a computer, it is relayed to a machine to make the crown in the office instead of going to a dental laboratory.

Dentistry Irvine said that improvements on dental procedures through the advancement of dental technology have come a long way. We now have thinner veneers that are stronger and can actually preserve the teeth over a longer period of time. There are also better bonding and filling materials for chipped tooth which are actually shinier and longer lasting. Dentists are also able to provide better dental implants that can last for more than ten years.

Advances in equipment technologies have improved the efficiency and quality of dental practice. There are many advantages such as an increase on the productivity of dental experts. According to DDS Irvine, when dentists migrate to high-technology systems, it teamwork is enhanced among member of a dental crew. It also provides more knowledge regarding the use of latest equipment, and enables dental clinic to keep up with the competition. With dental technology, it will make our dentists work easier and provide us with a much better quality of dental treatments.

By: Zyra Robinson

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Dental Health: What Is Plaque

Dental Health: What Is Plaque
by Michael Russell

If no action is taken to maintain proper dental health care, acid will form and attack the tooth enamel, allowing tooth decay to penetrate into the softer tissue inside the tooth. If the decay is not treated in its early stages, it will progress to the tooth pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves, arteries, veins and lymph vessels. Eventually, an abscess will begin to form at the root - and unless endodontic (root canal) treatment is carried out, the tooth will be lost.

Plaque must be removed daily, if not, the irritants in plaque can cause swollen, red, bleeding gums. These conditions occur when plaque hardens and forms tartar (calculus) that collects around the tooth under the gum line, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth. Pockets form between the tooth and under the gum line. Plaque and its harmful by-products move down along the tooth towards the roots. When the bone is eaten away, the tooth, with little support, will become loose and fall out. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. However, if it is detected in time, it can be treated. Practising proper dental health care, you will be able to notice any warning signs of tooth decay.

Food is a huge contributing factor in causing plaque formation on teeth. Sticky, sugary foods are the traditional cause of tooth decay. However, over the past decade, scientific thinking about the connection between diet and tooth decay has changed quite appreciably. Dentists no longer talk about foods being good or bad for teeth. How often you eat and how long food remains in the mouth are considerations that are just as important as what you actually eat.

A bacterial deposit (plaque) constantly forms on the tooth surfaces. The bacteria in plaque thrive on refined carbohydrates (especially sugar) that are converted into acid. This acid damages the tooth enamel and erodes it until a cavity (caries) forms. Dental scientists have found that these bacteria can use either natural or processed sugars. Sugar in an apple is as likely to cause tooth decay as sugar in a chocolate bar.

Furthermore, the simple starches in foods such as bread, cake or cereals are broken down by salivary enzymes into the same kinds of sugars that generate the formation of acids. The main problem with sticky confectionery, such as toffee or dried fruit and with long-lasting boiled sweets, is that they remain in the mouth (and release sugar) for a long time, thereby increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. It is best, therefore, to eat sweets in moderation and to brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you must have sugary foods, restrict their consumption to immediately after meals, when increased saliva production makes them less harmful.


Another point often overlooked in dental health care for children is that children older than one year old should not be put to bed with feeding bottles containing fruit juice, sweetened tea, flavoured or sweetened milk, or even cows milk. The flow of saliva slows during sleep and the liquid can stagnate on the teeth. The sooner a mother starts cleaning a child's teeth - even if it is breastfed - the less chance of it developing tooth decay from food and drinks.

Foods that promote dental health care and especially lessen plaque formation are raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, plain yoghurt and cheese. In fact, cheese is not only considered one of the best sources of calcium (a nutrient essential for healthy bones and teeth), but research has also shown that certain types - for example, aged Cheddar - protects the teeth against the acids that cause tooth decay.

Michael Russell

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Dental Health Plans Vs. Dental Insurance

Dental Health Plans Vs. Dental Insurance
Dental care is more and more expensive as time goes by, this is a reality. Most people might feel tempted to leave dental care aside and put it off, what do they need it for? Teeth are durable, who needs dental insurance or dental plans? They already have to bear with house insurance, car insurance, business equipment insurance, dental insurance can wait. But this is not how it should work. Actually, dental health insurance is not really that expensive, and people will benefit terribly from it.

What is the different between a dental health plan and dental insurance? Wait, are they not the same thing? No, they are not. They are two very different things, though many do not know that. And by not knowing, they are missing out on the great benefits these two financial products have to offer if combined.

Dental Insurance

This insurance product had been designed to cover the costs of dental care. It will partially or fully cover your dental care bills. By having dental insurance, you will eliminate the risk factor of a dental emergency arising and not having the money to pay for the dental procedure. Not only are these procedures extremely expensive, but also having to live with a cracked tooth or molar, for example, can be very painful.

It has been often said that regular dental insurance has many drawbacks. Deductibles are often high and maximum per year might be low, but it can save your neck in case of an emergency. Even if you have to make co-payments on the procedures, it will be better than having to pay them in full.

Other cons include the fact that dental insurance will often only cover routine check-ups, cleanings, x-rays and such, which is not very useful, as they might already be inexpensive. Most dental insurance companies will not cover cosmetic procedures or orthodontic procedures.

Dental Health Plan

Dental health plans or discount health plans are often thought of as an alternative to regular dental insurance. An annual fee is charged in exchange for discounted prices on quality dental care. These plans are activated on the very same day you apply for them, thus avoiding long waiting periods and hassles. Anyone can apply, an individual or a family group, there are no age limits, so even if you are 80 years old, you will be able to start getting discounts on your dental procedures. Consumers might get as much as 35% off of retail price on these procedures.

Another great advantage these plans have to offer, is that they include treatment for pre-existent conditions. Most dental insurance companies do not allow that.

Of course, not everything is bright and shiny. In case of a real accident, let us say a bicycle accident or car accident, your dental insurance would probably cover most of your medical bills. The best thing the dental plan would do for you in a situation of the sort is give you a discount on the procedures. These two financial products offer many advantages if used separately, but if you have the chance to combine them, you will be saving hundreds, and probably thousands os dollars on dental bills every year.

By: Amanda Hash

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Brush Up on Your Dental Health

Brush Up on Your Dental Health
Dental health is an important part of your overall health. Daily brushing and flossing will greatly help with your health.

Your smile is your face to the world, and if you skip brushing and flossing, you could lose that. You need to know - or learn - how to protect your good dental health, and when you should report oral health issues to your dentist.

Good oral health begins with the cleanest teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, Take your time when you brush, and do a thorough job.

Use a toothpaste with fluoride in it, and only use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use a battery-operated or electric toothbrush if you have troubles brushing effectively, due to arthritis or some other reason.
Practice using good brushing techniques, to effectively clean your teeth.

Hold your toothbrush against your teeth at an angle, and brush with back and forth short motions. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and the inside of them as well. Brush your tongue too, to get rid of the bacteria that can flourish there.

Don't brush aggressively or harshly, because this can cause gum irritation.
Make sure to safeguard your dental health by replacing your toothbrush or head every three or four months. Don't be afraid to replace them sooner if the bristles are frayed.

You can't reach under your gumline or between your teeth with a brush, so you need to practice daily flossing, as well as brushing. You should also look into using an antiseptic or antimicrobial that can help you get rid of plaque between your teeth.

You can also use an oral irrigator for your dental health concerns. This device uses water aimed at your teeth to remove particles of food. Try not to use toothpicks or other sharp objects that might damage your teeth or gums.
To prevent the start of gum disease or other oral health issues, have your dentist's office perform regular examinations and cleanings, at least once a year.

Contact your dentist between appointments if you note any symptoms or signs of tooth decay, like sensitivity to cold or heat, changes in the way your teeth align with each other, loose teeth, gums that pull away from teeth or gums that bleed when you floss or brush.

There have been substantial improvements in the overall oral health for most of the people that live in the United States during the last century. Even so, the country spends about sixty billion dollars a year on dental services. This includes about five hundred million visits to the dentist.

The costs, both financial and that which includes mortality, indicate that we need to intervene and promote good dental health for all age groups. We need to prevent oral disease in all persons, of all ages, for the entire span of their lives.

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Dental Health: Easy Home Remedies For Healthy Teeth

 

Dental Health: Easy Home Remedies For Healthy Teeth

Dreaming of getting a million dollar smile? Wont be possible without a good and stunning set of teeth. But how to achieve that? Not a task. All you need is just a little more concern and time for your invaluable possession: your teeth.

Your teeth are made up of three distinct layers, namely enamel, dentine and pulp. Some food particles get accumulated every time you munch on your favorite food. And if you do not clean them regularly, the food that is stuck is converted into lactic acid by the bacterial action. This acid dissolves enamel and dentine and produces a cavity. So to avoid dental problems, it is advisable for you to brush your teeth, twice a day.
 
To properly remove plaque from your teeth, after brushing, gently massage your gums with your fingers. This activity increases the supply of blood in your gums. Also use a tongue cleaner; for a good and effective tongue cleaning.

Choosing the right kind of toothbrush is very crucial for the over all health of your teeth. A brush with M-shaped bristles is an ideal one. Always go in for soft bristles. Your teeth are constituted of two major elements. They are calcium and phosphorus. These elements help in hardening your teeth and also in the formation of teeth in children. Therefore your diet should be planned in such a manner that you get quite a good amount of both these elements.

Your diet plan also plays a very important role in preventing tooth decay. You should eat considerable amounts of raw foods as they are important for producing friction in your gums. The activity of friction helps in keeping the gums firm and also in removing the plaque.

These raw foods are termed as Detergent Foods. Apart from them millets and sesame seeds are good as they contain considerable amounts of calcium.

Sunflower seeds are also storehouse of various elements. They contain vitamin A, fluoride, phosphorus and calcium. Sunflower seeds also prevent bleeding of gums. Foods like parsley, turnip, beet and radishes, to name a few, contain a green pigment chlorophyll, that help you keep proper health of your teeth.

The old age tree product, Neem sticks are of great help as they are highly rich in chlorophyll. Beside this, Rose water, spirit and peppermint mixed with water makes a refreshing mouthwash.

By: Javier Fuller

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Interesting Dental Health Facts

It is a widely accepted concept that the more you know about a specific subject the better prepared you are when it comes to providing your knowledge to others in the form of a conversation or discussion, when this knowledge is health-related benefits are far greater.

Having a solid general knowledge about dental health will allow you to take good care of your teeth which will help to prevent several complications that are the direct result of the lack of knowledge in this area, the purpose of this article is to provide some quick, interesting and useful facts when it comes to dentistry.

Interesting facts:

-- Chewing gum may not be as bad after all, yes you read that right, if you don't keep on chewing a piece of gum for hours at a time it has been said that chewing gum after a meal can help eliminate food particles which are trapped within the teeth and can also increase the production of saliva which prevents the plaque build up.

-- According to recent surveys both men and women feel guilty when they forget to brush their teeth, apparently most people feel that brushing her teeth is some sort of obligation which was imposed at them ever since they were little in fact, over 79% of those interviewed said that they brush their teeth because it is something that they were told to do throughout their lives.

-- Well over 75% (three out of four people) don't change your toothbrush as often as they should, it is recommended that for hygiene reasons it to the project should be replaced every two to three months but apparently this isn't the case with most individuals.

-- Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men than in women, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or using smokeless tobacco is said to increase the risk of developing oral cancer by four times.

-- There are well over 140,000 dental hygienists registered in the US and over 98% of them are females.

-- A trip to the dentist may reveal more information than you expected to receive, in most cases this is a good thing because several diseases can be treated successfully at their early stages. A dental hygienist screens for health problems such as eating disorders, diabetes, substance abuse and even HIV infections.

By: IC

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Take Care Of Your Dental Health

Take Care Of Your Dental Health

Whether normal dental work like cleanings and fillings or surgery is required, you want the best person you can get for dental health. It is recommended to do as much research as possible on any dental problem to get the best dentist.

A tooth needs a dental filling for these reasons:

· Tooth decay

· Defective filling in the tooth

In both reasons, a tooth has some inflammation of the tooth nerve. Your tooth might still be perfectly comfortable but some inflammation is present. The dentist condenses the new filling material into the prepared cavity by removing the tooth decay and/or the existing filling in the tooth.

Best Tooth Whitening Methods

To get white teeth there are two different home methods. These are brushing your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The hydrogen peroxide needs to be brushed for at least 2 minutes and repeat this method two to three times per week. Another method with Baking soda needs to be brushed for about five minutes two to three times per month.

You can also buy whitening kits from the store but they all have horrible taste and also do some minor, temporary damage to your gums. Get your ttooth whitening by your dentist is often the easiest method which gets the longest lasting results of dental health.

Get strong & healthy teeth

If you don't take good care of them, you may not have them for as long as possible. When you take proper care of your teeth, they will last a person an entire lifetime!

· Gums are those tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place. Sugar on your teeth can cause cavities and result gum disease.

· Clean your teeth twice a day with effective toothpaste containing fluoride. It can be a powerful tool in fighting decay.

· You also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Balanced diet provides the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for healthy teeth and gums.

· Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, or more often. Make sure to toothbrush with soft bristles.

· Visit your dentist twice a year. The dentist will help you in keeping your teeth extra clean.

· If you have a problem of teeth deformities, you can use cosmetic surgery services like braces. In this method metal wires are fastened tightly to push protruding teeth back into proper alignment. The method also reduces gap between teeth.

· Good dental health helps you to chew food, help you to speak clearly and also help you look your best.

How to get good dentist?

Everyone wants to have best dentist possible for their tooth treatment. The largest dental centers in your area are not necessarily the best choice available to you, but they may have the high tech equipments. You can make a list of any dental places that look interesting to you and also take people views who have visited them in the past. You can also ask your friends, family, and anyone else you might know about the experienced dentist at each practice.

At Dentures and Dental Services, we pride ourselves on providing quality dentistry at affordable prices. Dairylanedental offers all quality dental services uk that include cosmetic dental surgery too. Our mission is to help you achieve the highest degree of patient satisfaction and practice success. Hope everyone gets the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of.

By: RockMike

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Dental Health Is Part Of Overall Well-being

Dental Health Is Part Of Overall Well-being

There are proven connections between a person’s overall health and their dental health and many companies now offer some type of dental plan to help their employees remain healthy and available for work. It has been shown that plaque that builds up on the teeth often flows into the person’s system adding plaque to the heart and affecting their coronary health as well as their dental health.

A person who has had limited or no dental health throughout their life may also end up with diseases such as gingivitis as well as severe cavities and rotting teeth. While the teeth may affect their appearance gum diseases can lead to complications in other health care concerns. Plaque is made up of colonies of bacteria and poor oral hygiene allows the bacteria to grow and infect other parts of the body. It is also a major contributor to bad breath

While bad breath is often attributed to poor dental health, it is not the only cause. Food, such as onions, is digested and put into the blood stream. As the blood returns to the lungs to be re-oxygenated, it puts the odor of the food back into the lungs where it is released as bad breath. This also happens to others such as smokers and no amount of brushing, flossing or scraping of the tongue will eliminate this source of bad breath.

Oral Hygiene Is Important

Taking care of the teeth is so important to most people and the country spends over $3 billion a year on dental health products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and tongue scrapers as well as breath mints and gum. While many will spend hundred of dental health products, they shy away from trip to the dentists and have a feeling of pain before they enter the dentist’s office.

In part, dentists may be to blame for some of the reluctance of people to seek professional help with their dental health. Previously, many dentists were judgmental in their approach with patients, which made them feel even more uncomfortable than the actual work being done. Today’s non-judgmental approach to dentistry is having a positive effect on good dental health.

Recent studies have also concluded that that poor dental hygiene can be a contributing factor to ischemic stroke, one of the most common types of stroke in the United States. The plaque buildup can cause release of plaque which can settle into small blood vessels more common in the brain.

By: Kimberly Graham

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Dental Health - Prevention is the Best Medicine

Dental Health - Prevention is the Best Medicine
By Amy Nutt

It probably comes as no surprise to you that the best way to make sure your teeth are in good shape is to keep them that way right from the start. Even if you´ve had problems with cavities and such in the past, it´s never too late to start taking proper care of your teeth and you can start your kids early with preventative dental care, too.

Babies and Toddlers

Don't wait until those first baby teeth make their appearance. Use a damp rag over your finger to wipe your baby's gums on a regular basis. There are even rubber slip on fingertip cleaners designed specifically for this purpose and nothing apart from a little water is necessary.

Once the first little pearly whites pop through the gums, it's time to switch to a baby toothbrush. Again, use just water, since babies don't need toothpaste and it can actually be harmful if they swallow it on a regular basis. This basic dental care can continue up through the toddler years or until your child is able to spit the toothpaste out, usually around three years. Alternatively, you may look for a toddler toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride.

Children

By the time your little one is ready to start using toothpaste, you should have a good toothbrushing routine down. Two to three times a day is good, with the brushing session lasting at least 60 seconds, though three minutes is actually the ideal. Setting an egg timer or playing a special song can help kids judge the amount of time to brush.

Adults

Many adults find that they are too busy to pay much attention to their teeth, but it is definitely worth making the effort. Regular brushing with fluoride enhanced toothpaste will help keep cavity causing plaque away and reduce your chances of getting sick due to a tooth decay issue. You will also save quite a bit of money by taking proper care of your teeth, which involves regular brushing (2-3 times a day) and flossing (at least once a day).

Despite there being specific dental care instructions for each age group, there are certain things that will help anyone of any age stay on top of their dental health and ensure that problems are stopped before they even begin.

Getting regular dental care is essential in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can tell you if you need to step up your brushing and flossing and can also instruct you in the right way to remove plaque from your teeth. A proper cleaning is a good idea at least once or twice a year, as well.

In addition to regularly flossing and brushing, there are other steps you can take to help prevent tooth problems. Your diet is particularly important. It's a proven fact that certain foods and beverages are more likely to cause tooth decay and stains than others. Coffee, colas and tobacco are all terrible for staining your teeth, while anything with sugar tends to promote bacterial growth and thus tooth decay. Carbs that stick to your teeth (think crackers), are also notorious for causing problems because they convert to sugar with saliva and get wedged into cracks in your molars where a toothbrush may not reach. Mouthwash can help with this.

Your best bet for healthy teeth is to eat a balanced diet and avoid junk food and having too many sweets. When you do give in to the sweet tooth, make sure you brush afterwards. A little prevention goes a long way and with the proper care, your teeth should last a lifetime intact.

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