This article discusses seven interesting facts about oral health and healthcare that many may not have been aware of.

Fact # 1: According to a dental implants dentist, a shocking 80% of all Americans struggle with gum disease. How is this possible? The condition often doesn’t present with any pain, which is generally (and unfortunately) what prompts a patient to seek medical treatment. As a result, dentists only tend to see patients when their oral health has deteriorated so badly that they’ve started losing teeth and require dental implants.

If your gums are inflamed, swollen or bleed when you brush, you could have periodontal (gum) disease, says the dental implants specialist. If your teeth are discolored, if there are visible accumulations of tartar on the crowns and if you suffer from chronic bad breath, do not waste any time. Book yourself an appointment with your dentist. Preventative treatment is always cheaper!

Fact # 2:Many people keep their toothbrush in an enclosed plastic container thinking that it will prevent the bristles from picking up bacteria from the surrounding surfaces. Well, says the dental implants dentist, the opposite is actually true! Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, which is exactly what you’ll find in those closed plastic containers. Your toothbrush needs to air-out between brushes, advises the dental implants specialist. If you really worry about germs on your toothbrush, change it every three or four months. Also, keep it at least six feet from a flushing toilet; or in a cupboard or medicine cabinet.

Fact # 3:A baby’s mouth is naturally devoid of many of the kinds of bacteria that cause tooth decay, says the dental implants dentist. So how does it get there? From their mothers and others, of course! Kissing your baby on the mouth or even blowing on their food to cool it can result in the transmission of harmful oral bacteria. This is ultimately unavoidable, so make sure you gently brush your baby’s gums and emerging teeth daily; and teach your children about good oral health and hygiene as they grow up. Preventing cavities, gum disease and the eventual need for dental implants is about awareness and education, which parents are solely responsible for.

Fact # 4:Too much of a good thing can be bad for you, especially when it comes to fluoride, warns the dental implants specialist. Children that are over-exposed to fluoride (treatments or toothpastes) could suffer from fluoride toxicity. Rather rely on those three to six month appointments with the dental hygienist for fluoride treatments. Fluoride toothpastes generally contain a safe amount of this element so you don’t have to worry about over-exposure there, advises the dental implants specialist.

Fact # 5:Three glasses of juice or soda a day accounts for 60% of all cavities, tooth decay and tooth loss, says the dental implants specialist. Rewire your body to regard sweet and acidic liquids as treats to be enjoyed on occasion. If you’re thirsty, drink water!

Fact # 6:If you’ve recently suffered from a viral infection of some kind, then change your toothbrush or you run the risk of re-infecting yourself, warns the dental implants specialist.

Fact # 7: Did you know that the very first toothbrush was manufactured in China towards the end of the 15th century? It seems as though people have long been aware of the quality of their breath and the appearance of their teeth, says the dental implants dentist.