Tag

Oral Hygiene

All articles tagged with #oral hygiene

Brushing With Your Non-Dominant Hand: A Tiny Brain Workout or Just a Novel Habit
health14 days ago

Brushing With Your Non-Dominant Hand: A Tiny Brain Workout or Just a Novel Habit

Brushing with the opposite hand is discussed as a simple way to nudge neuroplasticity and boost attention by forcing the brain to adapt to a new routine, but research shows no clear, broad cognitive benefits. The piece also notes that while such habits can increase cognitive engagement, proven brain-health strategies still center on regular physical activity, social interaction, and cardiovascular health, with standard oral-hygiene guidelines from the ADA and Mayo Clinic remaining the primary focus. Professionals advise consulting a dentist or doctor before making significant changes, and for now, consistent brushing and flossing stay the evidence-backed priority.

Toothbrushing in Hospitals Slashes Pneumonia Risk by 60%
health1 month ago

Toothbrushing in Hospitals Slashes Pneumonia Risk by 60%

A three-hospital Australian study found that giving admitted patients toothbrushes and toothpaste, plus education and prompts to brush, increased daily tooth-brushing from 16% to 62% and reduced non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia by 60%, suggesting simple oral-care routines can significantly cut pneumonia risk in hospitals and should be monitored and included in infection-prevention guidelines; patients can help by brushing themselves or asking staff for assistance.

Halitosis decoded: keep the mouth clean to tackle bad breath, says a Japanese dental expert
health1 month ago

Halitosis decoded: keep the mouth clean to tackle bad breath, says a Japanese dental expert

A Kagoshima University professor emeritus explains most bad breath originates in the mouth, with olfactory fatigue keeping people from noticing it; halitosis can be genuine, pseudo, or halitophobia, and testing helps determine it; the remedy is simple: clean the mouth—especially the tongue and spaces between teeth—to remove bacteria and debris; good oral hygiene supports overall health.

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine
health6 months ago

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine

Dentists say flossing before brushing is generally the best order because it removes debris between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to cover more surfaces for stronger enamel and healthier gums. If you floss after brushing, do it thoroughly—consistency matters more than order. Nightly flossing helps maintain oral health and may reduce risks to overall health, with traditional floss being effective and alternatives like floss picks or water flossers also useful. Regular dental visits remain essential for long-term oral and overall health.

Gum Disease and Oral Health Risks Linked to Heart and Brain Conditions
health7 months ago

Gum Disease and Oral Health Risks Linked to Heart and Brain Conditions

A review by the American Heart Association highlights the strong link between gum disease and increased risk of heart disease, emphasizing that maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce inflammation and potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular problems. The evidence suggests that bacteria from damaged gums may enter the bloodstream, contributing to arterial clogging, and that treating periodontal disease can improve markers associated with heart disease. The researchers call for further studies to explore whether periodontal treatment can directly reduce cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance of oral health for overall well-being.

Oral Microbes and Daily Habits: Hidden Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Risk
health9 months ago

Oral Microbes and Daily Habits: Hidden Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Research suggests that specific microbes in the mouth are linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of good oral hygiene not just for teeth but potentially for cancer prevention. Certain bacteria and fungi in the mouth may access the pancreas via saliva, and their presence could serve as early indicators for cancer risk, aiding in earlier detection and intervention.

Dentists Warn Against Hidden Habits That Damage Your Teeth
health11 months ago

Dentists Warn Against Hidden Habits That Damage Your Teeth

The article highlights common yet often overlooked habits that can harm dental health, such as drinking sparkling water, chewing ice, snacking frequently, and improper brushing timing. Dentists advise staying hydrated with water, limiting acidic drinks, waiting before brushing after meals, and avoiding habits like nail-biting and mouth breathing to protect teeth from damage like enamel erosion and sensitivity.

Dentists Identify Top Cause of Dull Teeth
health11 months ago

Dentists Identify Top Cause of Dull Teeth

As you age, teeth naturally yellow due to enamel thinning and dentin exposure, but habits like excessive mouthwash use, consuming acidic foods and drinks, frequent coffee sipping, smoking, poor dental care, and aggressive brushing can accelerate discoloration and enamel loss. Making mindful changes, such as reducing acidic intake, quitting smoking, brushing gently, and following dental advice, can help maintain brighter, healthier teeth.