(HealthDay News) — Keeping your retainer clean can prevent cavities and infection, says the California Association of Orthodontists. Brushing your teeth and caring for your retainer also can ensure that your smile stays healthy. To keep your retainer clean, the association suggests: Wash your hands before and after wearing yourContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — The leading cause of gum disease is plaque, says the American Academy of Periodontology. However, other factors can affect the health of your gums. The academy mentions these risk factors for gum disease: Old age. Tobacco use. Genetic predisposition. Stress. Medications, such as antidepressants or oral contraceptives.Continue Reading

(HealthDay News) — Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for brushing your teeth, says Mayo Clinic. For people with arthritis or other conditions that make brushing difficult, an electric toothbrush may be the better option. The bristle movement of an electric toothbrush may remove more plaque and helpContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Here’s a compelling reason to keep those dreaded appointments with your dentist: New research suggests that red, tender or bleeding gums could trigger high blood pressure. In a review of 81 studies that included more than 250,000 people, U.K. scientists found that thoseContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — Tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can remove unsightly stains. From dental office procedures to at-home whiteners, there are many safe and effective whitening options, says the American Dental Association. Before whitening, the ADA encourages people to: Check with your dentist. Whitening is not recommended forContinue Reading

TUESDAY, Aug. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Scheduled for surgery? Don’t forget to take your dentures out. According to a new report, one 72-year-old man who had abdominal surgery in England swallowed his dentures during the procedure. They got stuck in his throat — and were only discovered eight daysContinue Reading

(HealthDay News) — Cavities are permanently damaged areas of your teeth. They have a range of causes, from bacteria to sugary drinks and poor dental care. Symptoms of cavities also vary. Initially, people with a cavity may have no symptoms. But as the cavity gets larger, warning signs such asContinue Reading

WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dentists tend to be overeager when it comes to prescribing antibiotics, new research suggests. The study authors found that antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection during dental procedures weren’t necessary 81% of the time. That’s important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions come fromContinue Reading