Many pregnant women are not too concerned about their swollen or bleeding gums, but this condition can lead to serious repercussions. The National Women's Health Information Center states that one cause of death of a stillborn baby has been linked...
Humans have recognized the important role that toothbrushing plays in good oral health for thousands of years. Earlier civilizations rubbed their teeth with twigs to remove food as far back as 5,000 years, according to the American Dental...
Probiotic products have the potential to re-establish the bacterial balance of your body and thus might benefit sufferers of halitosis. An imbalance in the bacteria that colonizes your mouth can lead to a release of sulfur compounds that cause...
Cavities are caused by a build-up of sticky bacteria on the teeth, which leads to the formation of plaque. The best way to get rid of that harmful bacteria is to brush your teeth properly and to get in the habit of doing it regularly. If you...
The tongue is a large muscle with specific functions in the mouth. These functions range from assisting in chewing, swallowing and tasting to helping with speaking, according to Medline Plus. The normal appearance of the tongue is pink with small...
Baby teeth, like adult teeth, are usually off-white, but can be discolored for many reasons. Extrinsic, or environmental, reasons for infant tooth discoloration include staining from food or other materials or improper brushing. Intrinsic reasons...
According to the American Dental Association, gum diseases occur because bacteria and germs settle in the small gaps between your teeth and where you gums meet your teeth. Untreated gum disease can cause these gaps to become larger, which may...
While you might tend to take the cleanliness of the water that comes out of your faucet for granted, more than 1 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water, according to Water.org. Unsafe water can carry harmful bacteria and...
Starting good hygiene habits early in especially important in young children. Without proper hygiene, certain foods can stain teeth and lead to embarrassing discoloration. Make sure you are aware of what foods could be potentially staining to your...
There are two ways that food causes bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis. When you eat food, tiny food particles left behind creates bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue and in between your teeth. If not properly treated by...
Teething is a milestone in your baby's development, but if those teeth come in discolored, you may wonder why. Baby teeth, even while still inside the gums can be influenced by genetics, illness, medications and minerals. All of these causes can...
The human mouth is a germy place, and some of the bacteria in your mouth inevitably get transferred to your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. If you do not properly care for your toothbrush, it can pick up even more germs from the environment....
If you've noticed that your gums appear inflamed or bleed easily, you may have a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency, also called scurvy, occurs when children and adults don't get the recommended 15 to 120 mg of vitamin C daily. Seek care...
Baby's first tooth is one of those milestones that is noted in nearly every mother's baby book. While there's nothing quite so cute as a baby's toothless grin, parents eagerly look forward to those first teeth sprouting up, and later, the first...
It's never too early to start taking good care of your baby's teeth. Even before the time you spot the first white cap poking through baby's swollen gums, it's important to properly clean a baby's gums and avoid offering juice or a bottle at...
Childhood is the time to set lifelong patterns, and dental hygiene is one of the most important habits to teach your child. Poor or incomplete oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and eventually tooth loss. Even though your child's baby teeth are...
Mints, gums and mouthwashes are only temporary solutions to chronic bad breath. They just mask the problem for a short period of time, even though these products purport to do otherwise. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic these mouth fresheners...
Pediatric dental caries affect many children of toddler age. Since young children cannot brush their teeth properly on their own, are often put to bed with a bottle, carry a sippy cup of juice during the day and eat too many sugary snacks, they...
Consuming sugary foods can wreak havoc on not only your waistline but also your teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, producing acidic by-products that erode tooth enamel and lead to dental caries. When sugar lingers in the mouth, it is...
What children eat, how much they exercise, and their weight can all play an influential role in their development of heart problems. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and reported by the Centers for...
The next time your little boy balks at taking a bath or your daughter only spends 10 seconds brushing her teeth, think about why it is important to establish good hygiene habits in children. Creating healthy hygiene routines is worth the time and...
It is important to keep your teeth clean to reduce decay causing bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends using a fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and prevent decay. Cleaning your teeth with...
Vegetables and fruits promote good dental health, so include them in your daily diet. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in these foods protect teeth and gums. When and how often you eat and drink certain foods and beverages affect your oral...
Dry mouth can occur suddenly, like when you are giving a speech in front of a packed room, or it can happen gradually as a result of a medical condition. Whatever the reasons, dry mouth can leave your mouth feeling sticky and your lips cracked,...
Keeping your child's mouth healthy should start at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting mouth care by wiping your infant's gums with a wet washcloth after each feeding. As your child's teeth come in, you may begin brush...
Fruits are a vital component of a toddler's diet. To reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, recommends children 2 to 3 years of age eat 1 cup of...
According to the Baby Center website, many childhood illnesses and diseases, such as asthma and allergies, are on the rise because of increased cleanliness and a decreased exposure to germs. While parents can rest assured that children will not...
Once a child masters good oral hygiene habits, it can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, according to the American Dental Association. While regular dental checkups are a vital part of preventative oral health, dentists say...
