http://www.knowyourteeth.com Latest Hot Topics en-us Copyright 1996-2010 Academy of General Dentistry http://backend.userland.com/rss Sun, 5 Sep 2010 05:50:09 CST http://www.knowyourteeth.com 129 100 Why is Oral Health Important for Men?   Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to surveys and studies, their oral health is equally ignored. Good oral health recently has been linked with longevity. Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive ... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=m&iid=312 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Monitor Infant's Fluoride Intake   If you add fluoridated water to your infant's baby formula, you may be putting your child at risk of developing dental fluorosis, a harmless cosmetic condition manifested by brown, mottled or discolored enamel.   Although fluoride – found naturally in all water and foods – is necessary to prevent tooth decay, in infants and children regular fluoride... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=296 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Men: Looking for a Better Job? Start by Visiting the Dentist   An online poll of 289 general dentists and consumers confirms the traditional stereotype that men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.   Why? Nearly 45 percent... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=m&iid=312 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Dentist Should Advise Vegetarians on Good Oral Health   Health concerns about fat and cholesterol have prompted many people to become vegetarians, and the nutritional deficiencies that can sometimes result may reveal themselves during dental exams.   Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Ludwig Leibsohn, DDS says he usually asks patients if they adhere to vegetarian or other spec... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=n&iid=315 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Tips on Finding Preventive Care for Children's Oral Health   More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. Despite these numbers, many children still do not visit the dentist. In addition, almost 50 percent of tooth decay remains untreated in low-income children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   "The need fo... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=297 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Why Does My Dentist Prescribe Medication?   Your dentist prescribes medications for many reasons. While some drugs are formulated to fight oral diseases, others are used to prevent infections after surgical procedures such as tooth extractions and gum surgery. Certain drugs are used prior to dental treatment. These medications are used to help fight infections and also to control existing c... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=m&iid=310 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST What is Dental Amalgam (Silver Fillings)?   Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Mercury, which makes up about 50 percent of the compound, is used to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard, durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found to be the only element that will bind... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=f&iid=286 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Why is Oral Health Important for Women?   Women's oral health depends on their different stages of life. For many women, these changes are directly related to surges in sex-hormone levels, such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ, myofascial pain, eating disorders and Sjögren's syndrome (which causes dry mouth)... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=341 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Do I Really Need to Floss?   Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance o... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=f&iid=302 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)?   A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.   How is a composite placed?   Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, typically... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=f&iid=286 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impact... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=x&iid=342 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST If you experience frequent headaches and pain in your lower jaw, check your posture and consult your dentist about temporomandibular disorder (TMD), recommends the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.   Poor posture places the spine in a position that causes stress to the jaw joint. When people slouch or hunch over... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=t&iid=334 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remi... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=b&iid=291 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST How Can My Dentist Improve My Smile?   From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=300 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile.     Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns i... http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=v&iid=339 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST