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Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer on the side of the tongue, a common site along with the floor of the mouth Source: Wikipedia Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, can occur anywhere in the mouth, on the surface of the tongue, the lips, inside the cheek, in the gums, in the roof and floor of the mouth, in the tonsils, and in the salivary glands. It is a type of head and neck cancer and is often treated similarly to other head and neck cancers. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Mouth cancer mostly happens after the age of 40, and the risk is more than twice as high in men as it is in women. Symptoms The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: A sore that doesn't heal A sore that bleeds A growth, lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth Loose teeth Poorly fitting dentures Tongue pain Jaw pain or stiffness Difficult or painful chewing Difficult or painful swallowing A sore

Toothache

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A toothache or tooth pain is most often caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated. Risk factors for a toothache include dental infection, gum disease, plaque, dental decay, injury, cracked teeth, poorly placed fillings or crowns, failing or leaking fillings or crowns, loss of a tooth (including tooth extractions), etc. There are instances, however, where pain originating from outside the mouth radiates to the mouth, thus giving the impression that the pain is of tooth origin. Occasionally, heart problems can give a sensation of tooth pain. Pregnancy can also be a risk for tooth problems that lead to pain. What Causes a Toothache? Toothaches occur from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp, or pulpitis, can be caused by anything that has contact with the tooth. Common causes of tooth pain are the following: ·          Dental cavities/tooth decay ·    

Selecting A Toothbrush

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A toothbrush is an important tool to keep your mouth clean. It's important that you pick a toothbrush that's safe and easy to use. Pick one that's the right size for your mouth and that you can comfortably handle and make sure the bristles are not hard. Think about adding special features, like a tongue cleaner or particular type of handle, if this will make you more likely to use it. You should also make sure your toothbrush is safe. Make sure it has a safety label on it prior to purchase. Here are some guidelines for choosing a toothbrush. Make sure your toothbrush works for the shape of your mouth. Based on past toothbrushes, you should have some idea of the general shape of your mouth. Some mouths are more narrow or wide than others, and you need a toothbrush that works for your mouth and teeth. You want a brush that can comfortably reach the back of your molars. The shape of your mouth, and whether it's wider or narrower, will affect how easily a

Flossing

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Flossing daily removes plaque and other debris that brushing alone does not reach. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime and reduce your risk of developing gum problems. It can even help you get rid of bad breath. The benefits of flossing are almost endless, really, and anyone who isn't flossing is missing out. Types of floss There are two types of floss from which to choose: ·       Nylon (or multifilament) floss ·       PTFE (monofilament) floss Nylon floss is available waxed and unwaxed, and in a variety of flavors . Because this type of floss is composed of many strands of nylon, it may sometimes tear or shred, especially between teeth with tight contact points. While more expensive, single filament (PTFE) floss slides easily between teeth, even those with tight spaces between teeth, and is virtually shred-resistant. When used properly, both types of floss are excellent at removing plaque and debris. St

Teeth

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Teeth are the hardest structures of the human body. The type, number, and arrangement of a set of teeth represent the dentition. Humans have two sets of teeth: Primary teeth are also known as deciduous teeth, milk teeth, baby teeth or temporary teeth . Primary teeth start to form during the embryo phase and erupt during infancy (from 6 months to 3 years). Permanent teeth (or adult teeth ) are the second set of teeth and normally consist of 32 teeth. The first permanent teeth appear around the age of 6 and are usually the first molars which erupt right behind the last "milk" molars of the primary dentition. Most of us take our teeth for granted — until something goes wrong. Not only do our  teeth help us chew and digest food, they also play an important role in speech, and impact our health overall. By brushing up on your dental health knowledge, you’ll be taking the first step toward giving your teeth the attention they deserve. Parts of the Tooth A

Brushing Your Teeth

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Brushing your teeth is not just for a whiter smile and fresher breath, it's critical for your overall health. Brushing teeth properly helps prevent cavities , and periodontal , or gum disease , which causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss . If teeth are not brushed correctly and frequently, it could lead to the calcification of saliva minerals, forming tartar . Tartar hardens if not removed every 24 hours. Poor dental health has been associated with heart disease and shortened life expectancy . You know why to brush, but if you would like to learn how to brush your teeth efficiently, these suggestions will help. Use a good toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. This must effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth, without irritating the gums or eroding tooth enamel like hard-bristled brushes can do when used with sideways action. The toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your hand, and have a head small enough to easily reach