Dental care
Learning Center
When to brush your teeth
When should you brush your teeth? Learn how to protect your oral health.
Want whiter teeth?
If your pearly whites are dulled by surface stains, whitening toothpaste can appear to whiten teeth slightly. Whitening toothpaste can't change the natural color of your teeth, however. For more noticeable results, ask your dentist about tooth-whitening bleaching products.
Toothpicks: For hors d'oeuvres, not teeth
Have something stuck in your teeth? Use a toothbrush, dental floss, or 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. Save toothpicks for olives. If you use a toothpick to clean your teeth, you could injure your gums and let in bacteria.
Toe walking in children
Walking on toes or the balls of the feet is fairly common in children who are learning to walk. Most children outgrow it.
Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available?
Know what causes sensitive teeth and effective treatments.
Rett syndrome
This rare genetic disorder affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive inability to use muscles for eye and body movements and language.
Oral health: A window to your overall health
Find out about the connection between your oral health and overall health.
Mumps
Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of this viral illness and how vaccines can prevent it.
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.
Dental floss vs. water flosser: Which is better?
Cleaning between your teeth every day is an important part of good oral health.
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