This three-part article series discusses eight interesting and little-known facts about oral health and healthcare. Advice is also provided on how to achieve better dental health.
Welcome back to our three-part article series on interesting dentistry and dental healthcare facts. In our previous two installments, the dentist in Pueblo CO discussed the following…
Amazing Fact # 1: According to statistics released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as much as 80% of the American population presents with some form or stage of periodontal (gum) disease; a bacterial infection of the gums that, untreated, can cause tooth loss.
Amazing Fact # 2: The practice of putting a cap on your toothbrush to keep it sterile achieves quite the opposite! The cap creates a closed environment that prevents your brush from drying out. Bacteria are encouraged to flourish in this warm, humid space.
Amazing Fact # 3: You should never store your toothbrush within six feet of your toilet. Every time you flush, a cloud of fine toilet spray and bacteria are sent up into the air, which settles on every surface in the bathroom. The best practice would be to keep your toothbrush in a closed, but aerated cabinet.
Amazing Fact # 4: Sweet tooths beware! Three glasses of soda per day leads to a 62% higher incidence of tooth decay. If you value your teeth, you’ll swap that Mountain Dew for a mineral water.
Amazing Fact # 5: The first documented use of bristled toothbrushes comes from China.
In this article, the third and final installment of the series, we shall take a look at three final amazing facts!
Amazing Fact # 6: Your Dentist Knows All!
If you’re not too good about looking after your teeth, it can be a little embarrassing answering the Pueblo dental questions: “Do you floss every day?” “Are you a smoker?” “When last did you see a dentist?” Well, if you’re tempted to answer: “Yes!” “No!” “Um, last year some time…” and it’s not the truth, think again!
Many patients try to trick the dentist by giving their teeth a thorough pre-examination brush and floss. But your teeth and gums don’t lie! Their appearances and the presence of plaque and tartar deposits will tell the dentist everything he or she needs to know about your eating habits and oral hygiene routine. Better answer honestly, because your dentist knows all!
Amazing Fact # 7: Plaque IS Bacteria
We all know that plaque is dangerous and that allowing it to accumulate on your teeth can lead to cavities and tooth decay. But did you know that plaque essentially IS bacteria? That’s right… that white sticky substance you scrape off your teeth with your fingernail is composed of billions upon billions of living and dead bacteria, as well as their waste products. Gross! That’s why daily brushing and flossing are so important.
Amazing Fact # 8: Your Toothbrush Could be Making You Sick
When last did you replace your toothbrush? According to the dentist in Pueblo CO, dangerous microbes can exit your body via your mouth and inhabit the bristles of your toothbrush. So, if you’ve recently suffered from a cold, a bout of flu or any other kind of viral infection, you should throw your old toothbrush away and get a new one. Otherwise you run the risk of re-infecting yourself!