Dental care
Learning Center
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.
Dental floss vs. water flosser: Which is better?
Cleaning between your teeth every day is an important part of good oral health.
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.
Hemangioma
This red mark on a baby's skin looks like a rubbery bump or flat red mark and is made up of extra blood vessels in the skin. It generally goes away by age 10. Learn more about its causes and treatment.
How to focus on the present for long-term progress
Sometimes, the big picture can make your head spin. Here's how to let go of worries about the future for a minute and set yourself up for real progress.
Improve brain health with the MIND diet
The MIND diet is a smart way of eating for both your brain and your overall health. Here's how to do it.
Kawasaki disease
Learn more about this condition that primarily affects young children and causes inflammation in the walls of the arteries throughout the body.
Molluscum contagiosum
Learn how to prevent and treat this common skin infection that affects people of all ages.
Oral health: A window to your overall health
Find out about the connection between your oral health and overall health.
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