Oral Care: Causes & Risks

  • Gum Disease - Cause

    08/24/07, Healthwise

    Gum disease is caused by the growth of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Bacteria are present in plaque, a clear, sticky substance your mouth produces. If plaque is not removed promptly, it builds up on the teeth.

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  • Gum Disease - What Increases Your Risk

    08/24/07, Healthwise

    You are more likely to have gum disease if you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly or well enough to remove plaque.

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  • Tooth Decay - Cause

    07/30/07, Healthwise

    The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make ac

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  • Tooth Decay - What Increases Your Risk

    07/30/07, Healthwise

    The following factors make it more likely that you will have tooth decay and develop cavities.

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  • Malocclusion and Orthodontics - Cause

    01/22/09, Healthwise

    Malocclusion (poor bite) is usually caused by problems in the shape or size of the jaw or teeth. If children have a small jaw, their teeth may grow into a space that is too small. Under these crowded conditions, teeth will push each other

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  • Tonsillitis - What Increases Your Risk

    12/10/08, Healthwise

    Close contact with an infected person is the main risk factor for tonsillitis. Droplets of disease-causing agents (pathogens) pass through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You may then become infected after

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Your Diet Affects Your Oral Health

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay (caries) and periodontal disease, simply by improving your diet.

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Provided by: RealAgeNov 5, 2009

Piling your favorite sandwich fixings on the right kind of bread could mean healthier blood pressure. The right choice? One hundred percent whole-grain.

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