Also called: Also called: Oral health
It's important to take care of your mouth and teeth starting in childhood. If you don't, you could have problems with your teeth and gums - like cavities or even tooth loss.
Here's how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:
- Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss your teeth every day
- Snack smart – limit sugary snacks
- Get enough calcium
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco
- See your dentist regularly
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
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Mouth and Teeth: How To Keep Them Healthy(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/prevention/100.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/healthy/prevention/100.printerview.html
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Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/teeth.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/teeth-sp.asp
- Eight Steps to Dental Health(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32218/t.32497/pr.3.html
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Oral Health(National Women's Health Information Center) - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/oral_health.htm
Also available in Spanish http://womenshealth.gov/espanol/preguntas/sp-oral.pdf
- Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dental/DE00001/METHOD=print
- Oral Health: Tips for Proper Dental Care(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dental/DE00003/METHOD=print
- Nicotine Gum May Whiten Teeth Too(09/12/2008, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_69203.html
- 70% in U.S. Receive Fluoridated Water(07/10/2008, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WaterFluoridation/
- Community Water Fluoridation Now Reaches Nearly 70 percent of U.S. Population(07/10/2008, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2008/r080710.htm
- Debridement(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.29637/pr.3.html
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Endocarditis Prophylaxis Information(American Heart Association) - http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11086
Also available in Spanish http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/117866539484850_1606_PDF%20for%20Web.pdf
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_MinimallyInvasiveDentistry.pdf&id=&margin=1
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Care of Teeth(National Center for Farmworker Health) - http://www.ncfh.org/pateduc/en-teeth.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.ncfh.org/pateduc/sp-teeth.htm
- Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene)(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp
- Gum-Chewers Have New Reason to Smile(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1153
- Mouth Rinses(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_MouthRinses.pdf&id=&margin=1
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Mouthguards(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/mouthguards_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/patient/mouthgard_important.pdf
- Oral Health: Preventing Cavities, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/aag/doh.htm
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Sealants(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/sealants_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/patient/sealants.pdf
- Should I Floss?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1244
- Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32579/t.32606/pr.3.html
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Water Fluoridation: Frequently Asked Questions(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/dental/fl-faqs.htm
- Why Is Brushing with Toothpaste Important?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1134
- X-Rays(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31855/t.32271/pr.3.html
- Dentist Should Advise Vegetarians on Good Oral Health(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1273
- Mouth-Healthy Eating(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31845/t.32503/pr.3.html
- Oral Health: Nutrition - Adults(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=315&Topic=N
- What Does 'Sugarless' Really Mean?(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32218/t.32498/pr.3.html
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Halitosis (Bad Breath)(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/169.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/articles/169.printerview.html
- Oral-Systemic Health (Your Oral Health and Your Overall Health)(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oralsystemic_gumdisease.asp
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Plaque: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - Links to PDF - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/0C900F9D-C582-4609-A62C-CF4AB53E84A0/0/Plaque_brochure.pdf
Also available in Spanish http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/LAPLACA.htm
- Special Care in Oral Health(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/OralHealthInformation/SpecialNeeds/SpecialCare.htm
- Allergies and Dentistry(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_Allergies_and_Dentistry.pdf&id=
- Antibiotics and Your Heart(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/antibiotics.asp
- Bottled Water, Home Water Treatment Systems, and Fluoride Exposure(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bottled_water.asp
- Dangerous Travel: Dental Tourism(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_DentalTourism.pdf&id=&margin=1
- Dental Care Every Day: A Caregiver's Guide(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DevelopmentalDisabilities/DentalCareEveryDay.htm
- Dental Unit Waterlines (Biofilms)(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/waterlines.asp
- General Dentists(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=AGD3.pdf&id=
- Imported Toothpaste(Food and Drug Administration) - http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html
- Infection Control(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/infection_control_faq.asp
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Infection Control: The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/dental/ic-toothbrushes.htm
- Oral Health and Bone Disease(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Oral_Health/default.asp
- Oral Health and Your Body(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31848/t.31848/pr.3.html
- Physical Limitations Can Affect Oral Hygiene(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.35394/t.35387/pr.3.html
- Pizza Palate(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25036/pr.3.html
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Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/
Also available in Spanish http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/spanish/pubs/complications_teeth/index.htm
- Story of Fluoridation(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Fluoride/TheStoryofFluoridation.htm
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Three Good Reasons to See a Dentist Before Cancer Treatment(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/ThreeGoodReasons.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/TresBuenas.htm
- Tips for Choosing a Dentist(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tips.asp
- What Is Dental Anxiety and Phobia?(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31854/t.32267/pr.3.html
- Your Dental Visit: What to Expect(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31855/t.32270/pr.3.html
- ADA Dental Minute(American Dental Association) - Requires media player - http://www.ada.org/public/media/videos/minute/index.asp
- Atlas of the Body: The Teeth(American Medical Association) - http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZTD0TCGJC&sub_cat=525
- Access to Dental Care(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/access.asp
- Dental Benefits/Insurance(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/insurance_faq.asp
- Dental Insurance: How Can I Finance My Dental Care?(American Association of Orthodontists) - http://www.braces.org/knowmore/cost/dentalinsurance.cfm
- Finding Low-Cost Dental Care(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/PopularPublications/FindingLowCostDentalCare/
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Dental Care(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Dental+Care%22
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Oral Health(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Oral+Health%22
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Oral Hygiene(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Oral+Hygiene%22
- Good Dental Hygiene May Help Prevent Heart Infection(American Heart Association) - http://americanheart.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=432
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Third molars and the efficacy of mechanical debridement in reducing... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18634941&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Bacteremia associated with toothbrushing and dental extraction. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18541739&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Effects of two different methods of non-surgical periodontal therapy on... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18533780&tool=MedlinePlus
- Dental Health -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=(oral+health[majr]+OR+oral+hygiene[majr]+OR+dental+health+education[majr]+OR+preventive+dentistry[majr]+OR+dental+health+services[majr]+NOT+tooth+diseases[majr])+AND+english[la]+AND+adult[mh]+AND+(review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+systematic[sb])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Dental Terms(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/public/dentalterms/
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Glossary of Dental Terms(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/resources/glossary.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/glossary.asp
- Bureau of Primary Health Care Service Delivery Sites(Bureau of Primary Health Care) - http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
- Find a Dentist(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/findadentist/disclaimer.asp
- Find a Dentist: ADA Member Directory(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp
- Local Dental Schools(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/FindingDentalCare/ReducedCost/USDentalSchools.htm
- Oral Health Data Systems: My Water's Fluoride(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/
- Academy of General Dentistry - http://www.agd.org/
- American Dental Association - http://www.ada.org/
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
- Journal of the American Dental Association: For the Dental Patient(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient.asp
- FASTATS: Oral and Dental Health(National Center for Health Statistics) - http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm
- National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS)(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/nohss/
- Men: Looking for a Better Job? Start by Visiting the Dentist(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1265
- Why Is Oral Health Important for Men?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1266
- How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31848/t.35020/pr.3.html
- Why Is Oral Health Important for Women?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1369
- Diet and Oral Health: A Vicious Circle for Some Seniors(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.35394/t.35761/pr.3.html
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Oral Changes with Age(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oral_changes_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/faq/age_faq.asp
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Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/teeth.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/teeth-sp.asp
- Child Dental Health - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childdentalhealth.html
- Cosmetic Dentistry - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cosmeticdentistry.html
- Dentures - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentures.html
- Gum Disease - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gumdisease.html
- Orthodontia - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/orthodontia.html
- Tooth Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/toothdisorders.html
- Mouth and Teeth - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mouthandteeth.html
- Wellness and Lifestyle - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/wellnessandlifestyle.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Dental Health is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
Dental Health - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/dentalhealth.html