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Brushing and flossing for oral health - Mayo Clinic
Brushing and flossing for oral health. Print. Sections. Products and services. Oral health begins with ...
Dental floss vs. water flosser: Which is better? - Mayo Clinic
Jan 29, 2025 · If you use dental floss and you don't have gum bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change. Using a water flosser can be helpful for people who have braces, other orthodontics or dental work that makes it hard to use dental floss. A water flosser also may be useful for people who have trouble flossing by hand with dental floss.
Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Feb 24, 2023 · Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. Bad breath that won't go away. Pus between your teeth and gums. Loose teeth or loss of teeth. Painful chewing. New spaces that develop between your teeth that look like black triangles. Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than usual, called receding gums.
Gingivitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 16, 2023 · That means brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily — in the morning and before going to bed — and flossing at least once a day. Better yet, brush after every meal or snack or as your dentist recommends. Flossing before you brush cleans away loosened food particles and bacteria. Go to the dentist regularly.
Bad breath - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
Dec 21, 2023 · Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath. Brush your tongue. Your tongue collects bacteria, so carefully brushing it may reduce odors. A tongue scraper may help people who have a coated tongue from a major overgrowth of bacteria, such as from smoking or dry mouth.
Brushing your teeth: How often and when? - Mayo Clinic
Jul 27, 2023 · Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace it sooner if the bristles become worn down, bent or broken. Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. See a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Oral health: A window to your overall health - Mayo Clinic
Mar 14, 2024 · Most often the body's defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva.
Cavities and tooth decay - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 30, 2023 · Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are the best ways to protect your teeth from cavities. Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book
Dry mouth - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Dec 19, 2023 · Dry mouth, also called xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh), is when the salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.
Chlorhexidine (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
Jan 31, 2024 · Chlorhexidine may cause staining and an increase in tartar (calculus) on your teeth. Brushing with a tartar-control toothpaste and flossing your teeth daily may help reduce this tartar build-up and staining. In addition, you should visit your dentist at least every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned and your gums examined.