Should Soft Drinks Have Warnings?

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 31 January 2013 12:28



One dental expert wants to make certain people are aware of the devastating effects from sugary drinks.

A new study indicating sugary drinks raise the risk of tooth decay by 46 percent has caused Dr. Jason Armfield from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Research Center for Population Oral Health to say that soft drinks should come with a warning label.

The new study included nearly 17,000 children in Australia. The results showed that children who consumed more than 3 sugary drinks each day were at an increase of 46 percent to develop tooth decay. The results also discovered that about 56 percent of children ages 5 through 16 consumed at least one sugary drink every day.

The information backs up what many previous studies of sugary drinks have discovered. The problem is children continue to drink sugary beverages at an increasing rate. Aside from dental issues, the sugary drinks may also result in childhood obesity and diabetes.

No official steps have been taken in any country to put a label on soft drinks warning of tooth decay. Many steps would need be taken before such action could ever be considered.

Some places have taken action to curb soft drink consumption, such as New York City’s ban on sugary drinks larger than 16 oz. But most people know the possible negative effects from sugary drinks at this point, and it’s each person’s decision to consume them or not.

New Snack May be Harmful to Children’s Dental Health

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 04 February 2013 16:04



Fruit puree snacks may be a favorite for some children. But they could have a terrible impact on a child’s oral health.

Gerber Graduates Grabbers, Plum Organics, GoGo Squeez and Smashies are some of the snacks that dental experts are advising parents against giving to their children. The amount of sugar in the treats neutralizes any possible positive effects the snacks may have.

The products may be considered convenient baby food or a quick snack on the run. Some of them claim to be 100 percent organic without any added sugar.

But, in many cases, they come with plenty of sugar. Gerber’s organic apple puree, for example, possesses 11 grams of sugar. There’s no nutritional value to consuming that much sugar when considering the size of the portion.

One of the main problems with these snacks is that the sugar may linger on the teeth for an extended period of time—and possibly more if consumption is spaced throughout the day.

Some of the snacks even possess 20 grams of sugar, which may be more than some adults want to consume in an entire day.

If the snacks are consumed in moderation or while drinking large quantities of water, the person will only be impacted slightly, if at all.

Gum Disease May Have Greater Impact on AIDS Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 05 February 2013 15:49



Moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS-like condition encountered more viral variants that cause infection and more severe inflammation, according to a new study.

Texas Biomed scientists in San Antonio discovered these features may have a worse impact when considering the long-term effects.

The basic premise of the study is that even the mildest of inflammation in the mouth needs to be treated because it may eventually result in disastrous consequences. Roughly half of the world’s population has some level of gum disease.

After an animal was infected with simian AIDS, the animals’ symptoms are compounded further with the presence of gingivitis.

The study appears in the February issue of the Journal of Virology.

This research was precipitated by the fact that epidemiological evidence suggested infection and inflammation of the genital mucosa raises the chances of becoming infected with HIV via sexual contact.

To compile the data, the group of scientists caused a group of monkeys to develop gum inflammation and compared data with a group of monkeys that did not have gum inflammation. Both groups were exposed to SIV, a monkey virus similar to AIDS, and there was no difference with regard to rate of infection. The animals with gum disease, however, had more viral variants that resulted in infection and displayed higher systemic inflammation after being infected.

Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 21 March 2013 15:40

More dentists will soon be performing Botox treatment.

The Massachusetts Board of Dentistry has okayed plans that would allow general dentists to administer Botox treatment. This new policy states that general dentists may provide Botox, in addition to antiwrinkle injections in Massachusetts.

The board confirmed the fact that it’s necessary for dentists to have practical training in this field, including training that involves live patients. These rules fall under the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act, which relate to diagnosis, treatment and management of any health issue that relates to the teeth, alveolar bone, jaw and gums.

This advisory also impacts oral and maxillofacial areas with regard to Botox and other anti-aging treatment. There are roughly 50 dental schools that now provide training and continued education programs on dermal fillers and Botox.

The American Academy of Facial Esthetics organized training courses for dentists that are suitable by the standards set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Dentistry. The next course is set for May 2 through 4 in Boston.

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 25 March 2013 11:35

A test used to determine mercury exposure in dental amalgam fillings may not be so accurate.

The test may actually overestimate mercury levels of the toxic metal, according to a University of Michigan research team.

It’s accepted fact that dental amalgam fillings release levels of mercury into the mouth. The controversy, however, stems from the amount that’s released and if the exposure to the mercury poses major or even any health risks.

Previous public health studies have stated that the mercury in urine can be utilized to approximate one’s exposure to mercury from the amalgam fillings. These studies have also used mercury found in one’s hair to estimate the exposure to organic mercury based on a person’s eating habits.

But a University of Michigan study of 12 Michigan dentists differs from previous studies because it determined that the mercury levels actually came from two sources: consumption of fish containing organic mercury and there was inorganic mercury from the dentists’ own amalgam fillings.

This information is unique because for the first time there is the idea that mercury in urine stems from inhaled mercury vapor. In other words, for people that eat fish but aren’t exposed to mercury vapor at work, mercury concentrations in urine may overestimate exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam.

The study wanted to show that mercury isotopes can be more precise in determining human exposure to mercury when compared to conventional ways of measuring mercury levels, such as through urine and hair samples.

The discrepancy in this study and previous ones comes from the notion that urine contains a combination of inorganic mercury from dental amalgam and methylmercury from fish. This mix then undergoes a type of chemical breakdown in the body known as demethylation. This type of mercury comprises much of the inorganic mercury in the urine.

More than 2,000 tons of mercury is emitted through the air each year from human-generated sources. There can be debilitating effects on people, such central nervous system issues, heart issues and immune system issues.

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 27 March 2013 15:07

There’s more evidence of the health problems that stem from poor oral health.

A new study by researchers at the Swedish college Uppsala University found that tooth loss and gum disease raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The research team determined that missing teeth increased the enzyme levels of a specific enzyme. It was also discovered that this enzyme raised the risk of inflammation and hardening in the arteries.

The risk increased for every missing tooth. There were even new risk factors added, including high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and the circumference of the waist. The people with fewer teeth were also at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes. Each missing tooth made the person 11 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

Despite the many recent studies that have linked heart health and overall health, there isn’t much data from patients diagnosed with heart problems and how gum disease impacted them before their heart problems.

The best way to avoid any possible health effects from poor oral health is to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 07 May 2013 15:28

Your toothbrush is fine to use after having a sore throat.

There was recent speculation that it may be best to discard one’s toothbrush after having the flu or strep throat. But a study explained at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Washington debunked that belief.

A group of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston set out to study this issue.

To conduct the study, the research team attempted to grow group A Streptococcus, the bacteria associated with strep throat, on adult toothbrushes that were exposed to the bacteria in a laboratory. The bacteria were present on the toothbrushes for at least two full days.

Two new toothbrushes not exposed to the bacteria also happened to grow bacteria even though they were taken out of the packages in a sterile manner.

The study was then conducted on children’s toothbrushes. To compile the data, the toothbrush users comprised 14 patients ages 2 through 20 with strep throat, 13 patients in that age group with sore throats and 27 healthy patients. The toothbrushes were then placed in a sterile cover to make testing possible.

The bacteria were only discovered on one of the toothbrushes and it happened to come from one of the healthy children. The other toothbrushes didn’t grow streptococcus, rather they developed other bacteria that are present in the mouth.

To further confirm the fact that toothbrushes are fine to use after having a sore throat, however, a more widespread study is necessary.

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 09 May 2013 14:49

You may want to pay attention to what you eat this summer.

Dental experts want people to be informed that many popular summer foods can be harmful to your teeth. Many people may have some kind of tooth wear and may not even be aware of it, and the problem is exacerbated during the summer months.

In addition to things that most people know are harmful to your teeth (sugary drinks, soda and sweets), pickles may be a problem. Pickles can contain sugar and strong colorants that may alter a tooth’s color.

Tomatoes may pose problems as well. Tomatoes could be beneficial to teeth in some ways but the acid present in tomatoes may eat away at the enamel. As result, it’s best to eat tomatoes during a meal as opposed to eating them throughout the day.

People also opt for fruit juice sometimes in the summer. But the problems with fruit juice stem from the amount of sugar in them. Natural fruit juices are much healthier because of the lack of added sugar. Sugarless mixers are also much healthier for cocktails instead of mixers that contain sugar.

Pregnant Women Don’t Get Enough Dental Care

Pregnant Women Don’t Get Enough Dental Care

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 14 May 2013 08:42

Dental treatment—or a lack of it—has become a problem for pregnant women.

There are numerous reasons why pregnant women don’t get the dental care they need, including dentists who are hesitant to treat these patients, women who don’t seek oral care during pregnancy or women who think dental treatment will adversely affect the pregnancy. This is a problem because pregnancy itself may lead to dental issues, such as gum disease.

The information appeared in a recent New York Times article.

Other dentists were taught not to treat pregnant women because of the possible negative ramifications. They could be worried about litigation if any harm is caused to the fetus. A 2009 survey of 351 obstetrician gynecologists indicated that 77 percent of patients saw some decline in their dental health.

In recent years, some state and dental organizations have put together some guidelines in regards to treating pregnant women. These guidelines include looking for bleeding gums or some kind of oral infection.

And it’s not as if only a few pregnant women are afflicted with these problems. Depending on the source, 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women develop gingivitis or gum disease. If untreated, it may lead to other health problems.

The coverage available for pregnant women also varies from state to state. In Oklahoma, only 28 percent of Medicaid-eligible pregnant women receive dental care. In New York in 2010, 41 percent of women on Medicaid saw a dentist, which was an increase of 11 percent from 4 years prior.

Nasal Spray Could Benefit Dental Patients

Nasal Spray Could Benefit Dental Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 25 June 2013 15:16

Those anesthetic injections for dental procedures may become a thing of the past.

A new anesthetic nasal spray is currently undergoing clinical trials. If proven to be successful, it may be used instead of lidocaine injections.

The information from the study appeared on the Internet and will be published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Research. The next phase of the trial included 45 adults and the final phase was concluded as the study was awaiting publication.

The second and third phases were considered successful and the spray may soon be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s conceivable that the drug becomes available in the next year.

The drug was created and developed by St. Renatus and is called Kovocaine Mist. The amount of anesthesia is equivalent to that of a lidocaine injection. It could be extremely helpful for patients who refuse to visit the dentist based on a fear of needles.

The spray possesses tetracaine and oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a decongestant that lowers inflammation and bleeding. The formula comes from medicine used by ear, nose and throat doctors.

Louisiana Doesn’t Have Enough Dentists

Louisiana Doesn’t Have Enough Dentists

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 26 June 2013 15:07

Louisiana has a dental shortage that can rival any other state in the United States.

The new report released by Pew Charitable Trusts showed that more than 24 percent of the state’s population is underserved by dentists. The dentist shortage in Louisiana is tied with Alabama, behind only Mississippi.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that around 42 percent of these dentists are older than 55.

The information came to light as the state Department of Health and Hospitals is reducing reimbursement rates to dentists that stem from Medicaid. Dentists say this will lower access to services.

But the DHH doesn’t believe this will have a major impact on dentists.

The information from this study—and many previous ones—indicates that people without early exposure to dental care will encounter more serious dental problems that could have been prevented easily, if only they had prior routine dental care.

The $2.8 million reduction for Medicaid payments comes in addition to the 14 percent for some of the more frequently billed procedures, according to the Louisiana Dental Association.

Based on information from the DDH, however, 43 percent of children on Medicaid received dental treatment in the 2011-12 fiscal year. That’s a 13-percent rise from where the numbers were in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

The way things transpire in the future is anyone’s guess. More dentists may back out of the Medicaid program or more changes may be made to lure them back in.

Stomach Cancer Detection in the Dental Office

Stomach Cancer Detection in the Dental Office

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 21 August 2013 14:45

The UCLA School of Dentistry recently received 5 million dollars in funding from the National Institutes for Health to study biological markers in saliva to detect stomach cancer.

There are hopes that this study could advance salivary diagnostics, potentially leading to evidence that saliva can be used to detect other types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer, as well as diabetes.

The ultimate goal is this: Patients give a saliva sample at the dental office, have it analyzed within minutes, and then are able to find out if they are at risk for stomach cancer.

The research is slated to last five years, and Dr. David Wong is leading the study. As the dentistry school’s associate dean of research, he is considered a pioneer in the field of salivary diagnostics.

Dr. Wong’s team will conduct a prospective study to develop a salivary biomarker panel that would validate stomach cancer detection. The team hopes to capture RNA in saliva samples secreted by stomach cancer cells. This would confirm whether a patient is at risk for stomach cancer.

Certain Bacteria Aids in Periodontal Treatment

Certain Bacteria Aids in Periodontal Treatment

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 22 August 2013 10:01

Researchers may have discovered a new way to effectively treat periodontitis patients.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of chronic periodontitis patients indicated that Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis can improve efficacy by 53 percent.

The information appears in the online publication Journal of Clinical Periodontology. The study included 30 patients.

The goal of the study was to analyze the impact of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis on scaling and root planing, some of the basic treatment for chronic periodontitis patients.

At the end of the study, about 53 percent of patients with deep dental pockets supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis needed surgery as compared to the placebo group. When the intervention period was over, about two-thirds of the patients in the placebo group were considered at high risk for disease progression. The patients provided with the antibiotic were only at 27 percent.

There was more pocket depth reduction and attachment gain for the group supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis.

The results from this study indicate that Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis could save people money and prevent them from experiencing pain.

More Evidence of Poor Oral Health Leading to HPV

More Evidence of Poor Oral Health Leading to HPV

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 23 August 2013 12:57

If a person needed more incentive to maintain good oral health, now he or she has it.

The American Association for Cancer Research concluded that poor oral health leads to the human papilloma virus infection. HPV produces about 40 to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers.

The study appears in Cancer Prevention Research, the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The information indicated that the people who reported oral health issues were at a 56-percent higher risk of HPV infection. People with gum disease were at higher risk by 51 percent and those with basic dental issues were at 28 percent. There was also a correlation involving HPV infections and the number of teeth lost.

The two kinds of oral HPV infection include (1) low-risk types that do not result in cancer but cause benign tumors or warts in the oral cavity and (2) high-risk HPV that produces oropharyngeal cancers.

The information comes from the 2009 through 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 5,000 people from around the United States took part in the study.

There were four measures of oral health in the study, including (1) self rating of oral health, (2) presence of gum disease, (3) utilization of mouthwash during the last week to treat dental problems and (4) the total number of teeth lost. Other demographic questions and lifestyles habits were taken into account.

The research demonstrated that the following people were at a higher risk for HPV infection: males, cigarette smokers, marijuana users and people who engage in oral sex.

More research is necessary to fully understand why poor oral health leads to HPV.

Colorectal cancer may be triggered by mouth bacteria

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Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Dentistry
Article Date: 15 Aug 2013 - 5:00 PDT

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Colorectal cancer may be triggered by mouth bacteria

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Two new studies published this week suggest that a type of gut bacteria found in the mouth may trigger colorectal cancer by influencing the immune response and switching on cancer genes.

The researchers believe their findings may lead to more timely and improved ways of diagnosing, preventing, and treating colorectal cancer.

Our gut contains trillions of bacteria, vastly outnumbering our own cells. These microbe communities maintain our health by training our immune system and helping us digest food. But they can also trigger disease.

There is evidence that an imbalance between the "good" and the "bad" gut bacteria may promote colon cancer.

The two new studies, published in the August 14th online issue of the journalCell Host & Microbe, focus on a genus of bacteria called Fusobacteria, and the species F. nucleatum in particular.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among Americans. Researchers have found Fusobacteria from the mouth are also abundant in tissues from colorectal cancer patients.

Our mouths contain millions of bacteria

But until this latest research, it was not clear whether these gut microbes actually trigger tumors, and if so, how they do it.

In the first study, the researchers foundFusobacteria in benign tumors that can become cancerous over time. This might suggest that they contribute to the early stages of tumor formation.

Then, in mice bred to have a human-like form of colorectal cancer, the team found the bacteria sped up tumor formation by summoning a type of immune cell called myeloid cells, which penetrate tumors and trigger inflammations that can lead to cancer.

Senior author Wendy Garrett, of the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the US, told the press:

"Fusobacteria may provide not only a new way to group or describe colon cancers but also, more importantly, a new perspective on how to target pathways to halt tumor growth and spread."

In the second study, another team found that Fusobacteria use a molecule that lives on the surface of the bacterial cell to stick to and then invade human colorectal cancer cells.

The molecule, called Fusobacterium adhesin A (FadA), switches on genes that spur cancer growth, triggers inflammation in the human cancer cells, and spurs tumor formation.

The team also found that tissue from healthy individuals had much lower levels of FadA than tissue from patients with benign and cancerous colorectal tumors.

Plus, they identified a compound that can stop the effects of FadA on cancer cells.

Senior author Yiping Han, of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in the US, said:

"We showed that FadA is a marker that can be used for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer and identified potential therapeutic targets to treat or prevent this common and debilitating disease."

In another study of mice published earlier this year, researchers identified the mechanisms that help the good gut bacteria and the immune system to coexist. A group of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) seem to instruct the immune T cells to trust - that is, ignore - friendly gut bacteria, thereby allowing the immune system to maintain a friendly truce with these foreign entities.

Written by Catharine Paddock PhD 
Copyright: Medical News Today 
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today 

Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis improves periodontal treatment

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 19 Aug 2013 - 3:00 PDT

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Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis improves periodontal treatment

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A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of chronic periodontitis patients showed that treatment with Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis as an adjunct to standard treatment significantly improved efficacy by 53 per cent.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, which is the standard treatment, in chronic periodontitis patients.

By the end of the 12 week long study 53 per cent fewer sites (surfaces on a teeth) in patients with deep dental pockets and supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis was in need for surgery, compared to the placebo group (p < 0.019). A site was considered as in need for surgery if the pocket depth was ≥6 mm or ≥5 mm and bleeding.

After the intervention period it was also concluded that 67 per cent of the patients in the placebo group fell into the high-risk category for disease progression, while the corresponding figure for patients supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis was only 27 per cent (p < 0.027). In the published article the authors point out that these figures are comparable to what is reported in different studies using a combination of two different antibiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

Among the patients with more serious problems there was significantly more pocket depth reduction and attachment gain (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis compared to corresponding patients in the placebo group. The study, which was published online 15 August 2013 in Journal of Clinical Periodontology, included 30 patients.

"This study is important because it shows that less patients will be in need for surgery and thus both suffering and money for these periodontitis patients could be saved with BioGaia ProDentis. The results will also help us further penetrate dental offices around the world and thereby contribute to the growth of our oral health business", says Peter Rothschild, President, BioGaia.

HPV infection linked to poor oral health, say cancer prevention researchers

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Article Date: 22 Aug 2013 - 0:00 PDT

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Infection with oral human papillomavirus (HPV) - a main cause of throat cancer - could be linked to poor oral health, including gum disease, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

Researchers from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston analyzed data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was carried out by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some 3,439 participants were included in the data, aged between 30 and 69 years. Participants were chosen based on their available oral health data and the presence or absence of 19 low-risk HPV types, as well as 18 high-risk HPV types in the oral cavity.

The oral health data included the following four measures:

• Self-rating of overall oral health
• Presence of gum disease
• Use of mouthwash to treat dental problems (within past 7 days of survey)
• The number of teeth lost.

Factors that may influence HPV infection were also analyzed, including age, gender, marital status, marijuana use, cigarette smoking and oral sex habits.

Oral health an 'independent risk factor'

The findings showed that the participants who reported bad oral health had a 56% higher risk of developing oral HPV infection compared with those who had good oral health.

Those with gum disease showed a 51% higher risk of oral HPV infection, while those with dental problems had a 28% higher risk. The researchers were also able to link oral HPV infections to the number of teeth lost.

Additionally, the findings showed that males who smoked cigarettes, used marijuana and participated in oral sex regularly had increased risks of oral HPV infection.

They note that self-rated overall oral health was an independent risk factor for the infection, as the link did not vary regardless of whether the participant smoked or had multiple oral sex partners.

Thanh Cong Bui, postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, says:

"Poor oral health is a new independent risk factor for oral HPV infection and, to our knowledge, this is the first study to examine this association.
The good news is, this risk factor is modifiable. By maintaining good oral hygiene and good oral health, one can prevent HPV infection and subsequent HPV-relatedcancers."

Call for more research on the causes

HPV is a virus that affects areas including the throat, mouth, feet, fingers, nails, anus and cervix - areas of the skin and the mucus membranes that line the body.

The study authors say that similar to genital HPV infection, oral HPV infection can be divided into two types. The first are low-risk HPV types that are not a cause of cancer, but cause benign tumors and warts in the oral cavity. The second are high-risk HPV types that can cause throat cancers.

According to the researchers, oral HPV infection causes 40-80% of oropharyngeal cancers (throat cancers). Medical News Today recently reported a study that suggests a certain strain of HPV is linked to a third of throat cancers.

The present study authors say that because HPV needs a wound in the mouth to enter and infect oral cavities, bad oral health could create an "entry portal" for HPV - mouth ulcers, mucosal disruption or chronic inflammation in particular.

They note, however, that there is not enough evidence at present to support this and further research is needed.

Thanh Cong Bui adds:

"Although more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between oral health and oral HPV infection, people may want to maintain good oral health for a variety of health benefits. Oral hygiene is fundamental for oral health, so good oral hygiene practices should become a personal habit."

Although the majority of us know how to look after our oral health, the Mayo Clinic lists a few reminders on dental care basics:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, and consider using an electric toothbrush - this can reduce plaque and gum disease
• Practice good technique - remember to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue
• Keep your toothbrush clean - always rinse it with water after brushing, store in an upright position and allow it to air dry before using it again
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months.

Written by Honor Whiteman

Copyright: Medical News Today 
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today