{"id":2949,"date":"2012-12-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-12-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/condition-oral-health-your-guide-to-healthy-white-teeth\/"},"modified":"2012-12-16T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2012-12-16T00:00:00","slug":"condition-oral-health-your-guide-to-healthy-white-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/condition-oral-health-your-guide-to-healthy-white-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Healthy, White Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
Getty Images You brush, you floss, you get your six-month checkup, and yet up pops a cavity, or major yellowing, or throbbing pain. While some of our teeth woes are genetic, we don't always get their care right, which can lead to serious problems—from an increased risk of preterm delivery if you're pregnant to heart disease. Worry not: It's easier than ever to treat your mouth right. These are the very best ways to keep your 32 chompers in top shape.<\/p>\n Problem No. 1: Cavities<\/b><\/p>\n The lowdown<\/i>: The dreaded cavity is actually a little hole in your tooth caused by the destruction of the hard outer enamel. Grown-ups are less likely than children to develop new cavities because they tend to consume fewer sugary foods and drinks that create bacterial plaque, a sticky film that produces enamel-eroding acids. More often we get decay around the edges of old, weakened fillings. You can't be genetically prone to cavities per se, but you can be genetically prone to the bacterial plaque that causes them.<\/p>\n What it feels like<\/i>: In the early stages of a small cavity, you might not feel anything. A more advanced one can make your tooth ache (especially after drinking something hot or cold); you might even feel a small hole.<\/p>\n How to Get a Younger-Looking Smile<\/p>\n whitening-trays-75×75.jpg<\/span> More on How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy<\/p>\n The Rx<\/i>: If the cavity is so microscopic your doctor catches it only on a routine X-ray—which you should get every two years—she may give you a prescription for fluoride or do several in-office applications. "The fluoride remineralizes the tooth," meaning it builds enamel back up, explains Mark Wolff, DDS, a professor at the NYU School of Dentistry. If the cavity is larger, you'll need a filling. The most popular are composite, or plastic, ones designed to match the color of your teeth, and are usually covered by dental insurance. Since they're smaller than traditional metal or amalgam ones, your dentist has to remove less of your tooth. If you have a really large cavity, though, you may need a porcelain crown.<\/p>\n Problem No. 2: Gum disease<\/b><\/p>\n The lowdown<\/i>: Plaque buildup can irritate your gums, causing swelling, redness, and bleeding. In the early stages, this is called gingivitis. If left untreated, bacteria can spread below your gum line, destroying tissue and bones and creating deep pockets between your teeth and gums. This means advanced gum disease, a.k.a. periodontitis; left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even possibly rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n What it feels like<\/i>: Your gums may be sore and tender, and you'll see bleeding while brushing or flossing. If you've got periodontitis, your teeth may also look longer due to receding gums, and you'll have more irritation there.<\/p>\n The Rx<\/i>: Your dentist should be able to detect gingivitis at your regular six-month checkup. You can reverse damage and catch problems early on by going in more frequently for cleanings—perhaps even four times a year—to remove all traces of plaque. And don't forget to floss! A Journal of Periodontology<\/i> study found that performing this simple habit twice a day reduced bleeding in gums by 38 percent.<\/p>\n\n