A Guide to Healthy Teeth

Give yourself something to smile about: Keep your teeth and gums healthy with good information and smart tips.

Preventive Health

6 Medical Exams You Should Never Miss
Make these doctors’ visits regularly to protect your health and minimize costs in the long run.

Ideas to Chew On

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? 
Are you one of the many people who wince upon inhaling cold winter air, who brace for that unpleasant ZING! after taking a bite of ice cream, or for whom simply chomping down on a firm bagel gives a moment of YIKES!?

Did You Know: A Glass of Milk Can End Garlic Breath? 
Garlic may be good for you. But garlic breath? Yikes, that isn't good for anyone.  

5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist

To get the most out of your next checkup, discuss these issues with your dentist.

• Am I grinding my teeth? Your dentist should examine your teeth to see if they’re worn. You could be grinding them at night and not know it.
• What should I do to keep my teeth and gums healthy? A dental hygienist should demonstrate proper brushing and flossing and point out areas you tend to miss.

  Related: The Best Toothpastes

• Did you find anything that I should tell my doctor about? Your dentist may be the first to see signs of a systemic disease, like osteoporosis. Dental X-rays may show, for instance, that the triangular spaces at the bottoms of your teeth are getting bigger. “You have to make a clinical judgment on whether it’s osteoporosis or just wear and tear,” says dentist Cindi Sherwood. “Dentists can detect changes because people may see them more regularly than their physicians.”

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