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Teeth

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Take care of your teeth Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits. 1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. 2. Brush properly The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and  gingivitis  (early gum disease). 3. Don’t neglect your tongue Plaque ...

Bad Breath

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What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath? Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you: 1. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with   fluoride   toothpaste   to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a   toothbrush   at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush the tongue, too. Replace your   toothbrush   every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning. See your dentist regularly -- at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor. Stop smoking  and chewi...

Tooth Extraction

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Why are teeth removed? While many teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, there are other reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary in adulthood. Excessive tooth decay, tooth infection, and crowding can all require a tooth extraction. Those who get braces may need one or two teeth removed to provide room for their other teeth as they shift into place. Additionally, those who are undergoing chemotherapy or are about to have an organ transplant may need compromised teeth removed in order to keep their mouth healthy. Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with either local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure. Culled from Healthline.