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Even if you’re meticulous about caring for your teeth, you may find these facts about oral health surprising. Discover just how exposed our gums and teeth are, and what you can do to help protect them now!
Be Afraid of These Oral Health Facts
Some oral health facts, like more people, use a blue toothbrush than red, bring a little fun to the topic of dental healthcare. But these stats are no laughing matter.
The average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds, while the recommended amount of time is 120-180 seconds, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.
People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda per day encounter 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than those who don’t (Oral-B).
75% of the U.S. population suffers from some stage of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
If you’re part of these first two astonishing statistics, consider tweaking your teethy ways.
- Use a 2-minute hourglass timer from your favorite game to help you brush longer.
- Cut back on sugary soda and juices. Better yet, substitute water to keep your mouth cleaner and body more hydrated.
- As soon as you see any bleeding or signs of inflammation around your gums, contact your dentist. Stop gum disease before it perpetuates into something worse.
Maintain the Right Oral Health Routine
Protect Your Teeth and Gums from Unwanted Exposure
Maybe you generally have a good bill of health for your mouth. But you can always do more to keep it even healthier.
If you do indulge in sugary juice or soda occasionally, do so using a straw and brush immediately afterward. This will help prevent the sugar from hovering around your teeth.
Microbes from the flu, cold, or virus can embed in your toothbrush bristles and essentially re-infect you. Replace your toothbrush after any sickness, or at least soak it mouthwash or a hydrogen peroxide dilution to kill any remaining bacteria.
Make sure you kids can adequately spit out excess toothpaste before you let them use fluoride toothpaste. Too much fluoride can result in dental fluorosis, which can inhibit their developing permanent teeth during the first 8 years of their lives.
Newborns don’t yet have teeth-decaying bacteria. But grown-ups or others can transmit bacteria to them through kisses or when blowing on hot food to cool it off prior to feeding the baby. Be extra considerate around those babies!
Keep your toothbrush exposed. You may be capping your toothbrush after each use to keep germs away, but this can actually trap moisture in, and promote bacteria growth. Let that brush breathe instead!
33% of Americans have untreated tooth decay. Nip tooth decay with the help of your dentist before your oral health takes a downward spiral.
And this makes us sad, but 80% of Americans are not happy with their smile, as noted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Meanwhile, the whole team at MyOrthodontist, from office managers to dentists and orthodontists works gently and diligently to help make smiles across North Carolina brighter and healthier. After all, your smile is what many people notice first, and your mouth is the gateway to your overall health.
With these interesting, some even startling, facts about oral health, you can inspire you, whole family, to take better care of their precious teeth!
Sum up your oral health facts
- Oral health issues are common but often easily treatable if caught early.
- More brushing and water, combined with less sugar, can help decrease tooth decay.
- You can take other simple steps to make your mouth even healthier.
If You’re in NC, We’re Ready to Help
If you’re new to MyOrthodontist; we have something special in store for you! Download the following coupon to save on your first MyOrthodontist appointment. If not, we still have some unbeatable seasonal savings, check out what you could save on your next appointment.