Habits such as playing sports without a mouth guard could cause tooth loss or chipped teeth. You should get a custom-fitted mouth guard from the dentist to wear when playing.

Key takeaways:

• Cough drops are laden with sugars which encourage plaque buildup and growth of bacteria that leads to cavities.
• Piercings in the mouth or tongue will raise the risk of infection and sores. Biting down on the metal studs may cause cracked teeth and damage to gums.
• Teeth grinding caused by stress or poor sleeping habits damages the teeth. Using a mouth guard could help prevent damage to teeth.

Read the full story here

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-teeth-wreckers

It is important to take good care for your teeth and overall for the oral cavity. Common problems such as gum disease have been associated with heart disease.

Key takeaways:

• Electric brushes move water and toothpaste better and at greater speed ensuring effective removal of plaque. The brushes also help people to avoid over-brushing.
• The toothbrush should be positioned and held at a 45-degree angle into the teeth and the gums to remove any buildup that could lead to gum disease.
• Dentists recommend fluoride toothpastes to prevent cavities.

Read the full story here

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/6-mistakes-youre-making-every-time-you-brush-your-teeth

Human fossils can tell us a lot about human characteristics in the different ages. Researchers want to study the human skulls to find out when and why crooked teeth appeared.

Key takeaways:

• People from distant ages did not have dental problems. These people had straight and symmetrical teeth as evidence from fossils and skeletons indicates.
• There is no proper answer why people have crooked teeth despite millions of dollars used on retainers and braces in an attempt to get a perfect smile.
• Some significant change must have happened during the Industrial revolution marked by a shift to urban lifestyles. People now have narrower mouths.

Read the full story here

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/96934-could-old-skulls-help-us-understand-why-we-have-crooked-teeth

Brushing your teeth properly and regularly helps to minimize visits to the dentist. This information will help you practice effective brushing.
Key takeaways:

• Taking care of the teeth is often forgotten about. The teeth are important for oral health as well as for your general health and well-being.
• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice every day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth the last thing before jumping into bed and on one other occasion during the day.

Read the full story here

https://www.bda.org/brushing

The effects of tooth loss on overall well-being have been unknown. A review of gerontological data from Japan found the following.

Key takeaways:

• The maintenance of good oral health is important for older adults to prevent disability and a host of other health problems.
• �Older adults who had significant tooth loss were less functional when compared with people who lost fewer teeth.
• �Older adults should receive the necessary support required to maintain good oral health self-care practices and to access adequate dental care.

Read the full story here

http://neurosciencenews.com/aging-tooth-loss-mental-health-5042/

It is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice everyday in the morning and the evening. Mindful brushing becomes a good way to commence the day and retire for the night.

Key takeaways:

• Immediately after beginning to brush, relax the neck and the jaw and breathe through the nose slowly and deliberately.
• Loosen your grip on the toothbrush and feel the bristles move over the teeth and the gums. You should feel the taste of the toothpaste.
• Breathe deeply through the nose as you rinse the mouth. Feel and take note of the clean teeth.
• Feel gratitude for your teeth and for the tasks they allow you to accomplish such as chewing, speaking and smiling.

Read the full story here

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/well/mind/how-to-be-mindful-while-brushing-your-teeth.html?

Coffee discolors the teeth enamel causing staining. The extra work to keep the teeth clean is worth it due to the nutritional benefits of coffee.

Key takeaways:

• Review of research indicates that coffee may prevent bone loss in the jaw offering better support for the teeth.
• Green coffee has antibacterial activity that will help protect the gums.
• Coffee in moderation will confer a number of nutritional benefits such as alertness, protecting the liver and reducing cancer. People should limit their intake to five cups.

Read the full story here

https://comparethetreatment.com/we-have-the-skinny-on-coffee-not-only-can-it-prolong-life-it-can-also-strengthen-teeth/

Children from low-income familes are less likely to receive dental treatment and sealants. In the U.S., several states are offering sealants programs in schools to guarantee good oral health.

Key takeaways:

• Dental sealants are recommended for children when their first molars grow at between 5 and 7 years and yet again when the next set of molars grows at 11 through to 14 years.
• A study indicates that children without dental sealant treatment had cavities in 77 percent of their teeth compared to 27 percent of teeth in those with sealants.
• Resin-based sealants and glass ionomer sealants are the most common with the difference being the resin based lasts longer.

Read the full story here

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/upshot/defending-your-childrens-teeth-and-dentists-the-value-of-sealants.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=1

Once in a while, people avoid brushing their teeth in the evening. This is not healthy as a long-term practice, however, as it affects oral health negatively.

Key takeaways:

• Bad breath is one negative from failing to brush teeth.��Bacteria in the mouth survive on particles between teeth causing foul smell.
• Gum disease can be caused by failure to brush teeth regularly. Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is a sign of gum disease.
• Brushing your teeth at least once every day will help protect against full blown gum disease. Plaque buildup happens within a period of 24 hours.

Read the full story here

http://www.menshealth.com/health/what-happens-when-you-forget-to-brush-your-teeth?

Having a healthy mouth will help older adults to chew and enjoy their food. Additionally, a healthy mouth prevents cavities and other associated problems such as heart disease.

Key takeaways:

• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing will help to remove dental plaque that may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
• Check for changes in the mouth such as numbness, sores, lumps, even difficulty chewing -- and immediately see a dentist or doctor.
• Dry mouth is a concern especially for people with diabetes. It can lead to infection, cavities and difficulty when talking or swallowing.

Read the full story here

https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/regular-check-ups/oral-health-for-older-adults-quick-tips