Dental care
Learning Center
Applying sunscreen? Don't be stingy
Most people use sunscreen too sparingly. If you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last long. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.
Are you a step ahead of athlete's foot?
The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in a warm and wet environment. To stay a step ahead of it, follow these tips: 1. Wear well-ventilated shoes that allow your feet to breathe. 2. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
Bad breath? Drink more water
If your morning breath seems to last all day, you may not be drinking enough water. Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which helps keep bad breath at bay. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (again, sugarless) can help, too. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or doctor may recommend an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Banish back pain
Back pain is a common complaint. In most cases, you can take steps to prevent back pain. Try these: 1. Exercise regularly. 2. Practice good posture. 3. Use proper lifting techniques. 4. Sit in chairs that support your lower back. 5. Maintain a healthy weight.
Brush up on how to brush your teeth
Are you brushing your teeth properly? Here's how to brush: Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Brush your teeth twice a day.
Do you have a living will?
Life-threatening situations can happen to anyone, so it's important to have a living will or other advance directive. These documents spell out your preferences regarding medical treatments you would or would not want to keep you alive. You can also outline your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want and save your family from having to make tough decisions in a crisis.
Does flossing really make a difference?
Yes. You can't reach the bacteria in tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. Aim to floss daily. If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter if you brush or floss first.
Don't let your tots burn
When you head outside for family fun this summer, be sure to protect small children from burns. Keep sunblock handy and protect against other burn hazards: 1. Keep little ones away from grills, fire pits and campfires. 2. Don't let children play with or near fireworks or sparklers. 3. Check children's car seats for hot straps or buckles. These can heat up quickly in a car parked in direct sunlight.
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
Have you ever tripped down the stairs? Slipped on a rug? It may seem silly, but falls are nothing to take lightly. Here are tips to fall-proof your home: 1. Keep electrical cords out of walking paths. 2. Securely fasten carpet, rugs and carpet runners to the floor. 3. Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. 4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
Have brown or Black skin? Use sunscreen
If you have brown or Black skin, you still need sunscreen. It's a myth that people with skin that doesn't burn easily can skip the sunscreen. Regardless of skin color, the sun's energy penetrates deeply into the skin. This causes damage that may ultimately lead to skin cancer. If you spend time outdoors during daylight hours, you need to use sunscreen.
Refine Your Search
Type
- All
- HealthTip
Age
- All
- 45 to 64 middle
- 19 to 44 younger
- 65 to 80 older
- 80 and over
- 03 to 5 years preschool
- 02 months to 2 years infant/toddler
- 06 to 10 years elementary
Focus
- All
- Prevention