Your oral and overall health are directly related. Dental related illnesses account for more than 51 million lost school hours each year in the United States, according to the American Association for Dental Research.

Daily Dental Hygiene

• Preventive maintenance is the first step toward having lifelong dental health.

• A soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Look for brushes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval and replace them every three to four months. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush.

• To brush properly, using a manual toothbrush, place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth motion. Remember to clean the back teeth, the tongue and inside teeth surfaces where plaque deposits are heavy. To brush properly using an electric toothbrush, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Brush teeth twice a day.

• Fluoride is a natural mineral that safely strengthens tooth enamel, the hard outer “shell” of the tooth. The additive stops cavities from forming and is found in many foods, community water supplies, toothpastes and mouthwashes. However, fluoride toothpaste should not be used for children ages 2 and younger.

• Flossing is a very important part of good oral hygiene care and should be done at least once a day. This preventive measure removes plaque and food particles from under the gum-line and between teeth. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth when the sides of two teeth touch.

• Sealants protect the teeth by sealing out decay. Molar crevices are difficult to clean because they are too narrow for toothbrush bristles and too deep for the normal flow of saliva to reach. A sealant is a plastic material painted onto chewing surfaces and acts as a barrier that protects enamel from plaque and acids.

• Cleaning teeth and gums FAQs

Preventing Injury: Mouthguards

• A mouthguard is a flexible appliance used to protect teeth and jaws from trauma.

• Athletes are more than 60 percent more likely to suffer harm to their teeth without a mouthguard.

• Mouthguards are used most commonly in contact sports, such as boxing, football, hockey and lacrosse, but findings show
that even in noncontact sports like basketball, soccer, gymnastics or skateboarding, mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries.

• There are three types of mouthguards:
- Ready-made, or stock
- Mouth-formed “boil-and-bite”
- Custom, made by a dentist

• Regardless of what type of mouthguard you choose, be sure it:
- is resilient and tear-resistant.
- fits properly and is comfortable.
- is easy to clean.
- does not restrict speech or breathing.

• To maintain your mouthguard, be sure to:
- rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- occasionally clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents.
- make sure not to leave the mouthguard in the sun or hot water.
- check for wear and replace the mouthguard if needed.

• More info on Mouthguards

Dental Emergencies

• Lost tooth: If you lose a tooth playing sports or in another kind of accident, retrieve the tooth and hold it by the crown. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it – without scrubbing or removing any tissue. If possible, replace the tooth in the “socket,” the area where the tooth came out, and close the teeth together to hold it in place. If inserting the tooth is not possible, put it in a cup of cool milk or water. Get to your dentist within 30 minutes, if possible. If the incident occurs after-hours, call your dentist immediately.

• Broken tooth: If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Use cold compresses on the area to keep the swelling down. Get to your dentist’s office quickly. If the incident occurs after-hours, call your dentist immediately.

• Bitten tongue or lip: If you bite your tongue or lip, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding, and then place a cold compress to swollen areas. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

• Object in teeth: If an object gets caught in your teeth, carefully guide dental floss between the teeth. If the object remains embedded, go to the dentist. To avoid injury to your gums, jaw or tongue, do not use anything sharp or pointed to remove the object.

• Toothaches: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth. If these techniques do not relieve the pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

• Braces and Retainers: Go to the dentist if a dental appliance becomes loose, breaks off, or if a wire becomes stuck in your cheek, tongue or gum.

• Trauma to the Jaw: For jaw trauma, tie a scarf, handkerchief, necktie or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head to hold the jaw in place. Apply cold compresses to swollen areas and call your dentist or go immediately to a hospital emergency room.