This four-part article series explains 12 interesting and enlightening facts you may not have known about oral health and hygiene.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on 12 extraordinary dental facts and statistics. In our previous article, cosmetic dentist in Phoenix revealed that 80% of Americans present with some form or stage of gum disease, which is also one of the biggest causes behind rampant tooth loss and edentulism (not having any natural teeth left). They also explained that the vast majority (90%) of systemic diseases have oral ramifications and that the link between poor dental and general health can actually put one at risk of heart attack.

We’re halfway now, so let’s continue with some more dental facts.

Fascinating Fact # 7

This one shouldn't come as any surprise. Doctors and dentists alike lament the health implications of sugar-packed sodas and yet there are still countless Americans who drink three or more glasses of this beverage every day. “Soda or pop is packed with sugar and acid, making frequent exposure to this substance a risk factor for tooth decay and gum disease,” explains a cosmetic dentist in Phoenix. “In fact, those who drink more than three glasses a day account for 62% of the tooth decay, tooth loss and filling cases we address!”

The message here is quite simple. Soda, cola and other sugary beverages should be viewed as treats and not as daily thirst-quenchers. Water should be what you reach for when you need refreshment, according to renowned dentists.

Fascinating Fact # 8

When last did you change your toothbrush? According to the cosmetic dentist in Phoenix, we simply don’t change our toothbrushes enough! You should get a new brush every three to four months or when the bristles start looking frayed. “When bristles become blunt and frayed they stop cleaning as thoroughly as they used to, so even if you brush three times a day you’re not getting a good clean out of your toothbrush,” explains an experienced Phoenix dentist. “Additionally, you should throw away your toothbrush after you've had any kind of viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Otherwise you risk re-infecting yourself.”

Fascinating Fact # 9

It’s happened to countless sports players… being on the wrong end of a flying ball could get one or more of your pearly whites knocked out. The good news is if you’re quick, you can save the tooth and have it placed back in your mouth! “If you or your child or anyone for that matter has had a tooth knocked out, rescue it and put it in a glass of milk,” says a dental implants specialist. “If you don’t have any milk handy, you can actually store the tooth in your mouth. You might want to keep it in your cheek, like a hamster, because it’s probably not very pleasant to have a knocked out tooth rolling around your mouth.”

What then?

Rush straight to your dentist, appointment or not. It’s a dental emergency and time is of the essence. A knocked out tooth starts dying after 15 minutes in the air. Stored in milk or saliva, it can last longer, but you absolutely need professional attention as soon as humanly possible.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more fascinating and educational facts about dental health and statistics, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.