Dental Health Information: Your Oral Health
With regular personal and professional care you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
This section offers a wide range of topics about caring for your oral health.
- Brushing Tips
- Flossing Tips
- Gum (Periodontal Disease)
- Smoking and Oral Health
- Oral Cancer Self-Examination
- Women’s Oral Health Issues
- Sensitive Teeth
- Sports and Mouthguards
- Tooth Bleaching (Whitening)
- Denture Care
- Dry Mouth
- Bad Breath
- The Dental Hygiene Check Up
Brushing Tips
Brushing will remove dental plaque and other food particles from your teeth. Plaque plays a primary role in the development of tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to remove plaque is with daily brushing and flossing.
How To Brush:
The following brushing technique is commonly recommended by dental hygienists. You should visit your dental hygienist to ensure that you are using a technique that meets your needs.
- Use a soft nylon bristled brush.
- Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the teeth. Slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
- Jiggle the bristles very gently so that any plaque under the gum will be removed. Your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time. Change its position to properly clean each tooth.
- Be sure to brush the outside, the tongue side and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces by tilting the brush lengthwise and making several up and down strokes with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
- Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Food particles and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath. A few light strokes in a forward direction are all that is needed.
Be sure to brush at least twice every day; once in the morning and before bed. A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
Brushing the teeth too vigorously or using a hard bristled toothbrush may cause the gums to pull away and expose root surfaces. It may also wear down the tooth surface. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all you need.
Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread or look ragged. A worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
Flossing Tips
Flossing helps to remove plaque from in between your teeth. These are areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
How to Floss:
- Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands, until your two hands are about 1 to 2 inches apart.
- Holding the floss tightly, using your thumbs and forefingers, gently guide the floss between your teeth. Never "snap" the floss as this can cut the gums.
- Just above the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth. Then gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.
- Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss in an up and down motion. Repeat this procedure on the other tooth.
- Establish a regular pattern for flossing, so that you don’t miss any of your teeth. For example, you may wish start at the top right hand side and move around to the left. Then begin on the bottom teeth.
- After cleaning one or two teeth, rewrap the floss around your fingers so that you have clean floss to use.
Your gums may bleed and be sore for the first few days after beginning to floss. Your gums will soon become healthier and the bleeding will stop.
Don’t be discouraged with your first attempt. Flossing takes practice and after a while, it will take only a few minutes of your time. If you continue to have difficulty, ask your dental hygienist about using a commercial floss holder.
Children will require help from their parents with flossing. Most children cannot floss their own teeth properly until about the age of 10.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
According to some estimates, as many as 75 per cent of adults over the age of 30 may have some form of gum disease.
Gum disease begins with the formation of soft and hard deposits on the surface of the teeth. Over time, a build-up of bacteria called plaque collects at the gum line, eventually hardening on the teeth into calcium deposits called calculus (tartar). Plaque and calculus do not have to be evident to the naked eye for gum disease to be present. You need regular examinations by your dental health professional to assess the health of your gums and supporting bone.
Without proper oral care, the bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), penetrate the gum line and eventually spread into the underlying bone (periodontitis).
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, causing them to be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft and swollen. Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis. The good news is this is preventable and reversible with thorough brushing and flossing techniques. However, if oral hygiene habits are poor, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis.
Periodontal disease involves the destruction of bone and other supporting structures. Unfortunately this damage is permanent, but can be halted with proper oral care and regular dental visits. If unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to complete destruction of the tooth's supporting tissues, abscesses and, ultimately, loss of the tooth.
Adult gum disease is usually not painful. It can progress slowly. You may not even be aware of it until the advanced stages, when the tooth is in danger of being lost. It is important to have regular checkups based on your personal needs and as recommended by your dental health professional. Your dental hygienist can detect the early stages of gum disease, when it is the easiest to treat.
Smoking and Oral Health
Oral problems may occur with the use of tobacco. These may include:
- sticky tar deposits or brown staining on the teeth
- 'smoker's palate' - red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
- delayed healing of the gums
- increased severity of gum disease
- bad breath or halitosis
- black hairy tongue
- sores or lesions in the mouth
- gum recession
Hazards of Tobacco Use
One of the worst effects of tobacco use is oral (mouth) cancer. Approximately 75% of all oral cancers in North America are associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The risk of oral cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked each day and the number of years a person has been smoking.
All tobacco products, including smokeless or spit tobacco, cigars, and pipes are associated with oral cancer.
Benefits of Tobacco Cessation
Oral cancer can be prevented by choosing to be a non-tobacco user. Ten years after stopping use, your risk is similar to that of a person who has never smoked.
Because tobacco is addictive, it can be difficult to quit. There may be temporary withdrawal symptoms, which may be decreased by using one of the following aids:
- the nicotine patch
- nicotine gum
- nicotine inhaler
- nicotine nasal spray
Some people may also benefit from participating in counselling or self-help groups. Some dental offices now offer tobacco cessation programs. Other program sources may be medical and nursing associations, heart and lung associations, or community centers.
Additional Links:
Detection of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can be detected in the early stages. Some signs and symptoms include:
- swelling, lump, growth, or hardness in the mouth or neck
- red or white patches in the mouth
- repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
- difficulty in chewing or swallowing
Your dentist or physician should check out any of these symptoms that persist after 2 weeks. Visiting your dental professional regularly is also important. The dental hygienist and/or dentist will examine your mouth for abnormal tissue changes. Usually, these changes are not cancer, but it is best to check them out. Checking your own mouth on a monthly basis is also recommended.
Oral Cancer Self-Examination
You may be at risk for developing oral cancer if you:
- use tobacco products
- drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- are exposed to sunlight on a regular basis
- have habits such as lip biting and cheek chewing
- have ill-fitting dentures
It is important to learn how to examine yourself for signs of oral cancer and to have regular dental check-ups. Early detection is important.
Some Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer are:
- any sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- swellings, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth
- white, red, or dark patches in the mouth
- repeated bleeding in the mouth
- numbness, loss of feeling, or pain in any area of the face, mouth or neck
To perform the oral cancer self-examination, just follow these 7 easy steps.
Look at and feel your:
- Head and Neck - look at your face and neck in a mirror. Normally, the left and right sides of the face have the same shape. Look for any lumps, bumps, or swellings that are only on one side of your face.
- Face - examine the skin on your face. Do you notice any color or size changes, sores, moles, or growths?
- Neck - press along the sides and front of the neck. Do you feel any tenderness or lumps?
- Lips - pull your lower lip down and look inside for any sores or color changes. Next, use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze and roll the lip. Feel for lumps, bumps, or changes in texture. Repeat this on your upper lip.
- Cheek - use your fingers to pull out your cheek so you can see inside. Look for red, white, or dark patches. Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and your thumb on the outside. Gently squeeze and roll your cheek between your fingers to check for any lumps or areas of tenderness. Repeat this on the other cheek.
- Roof of the Mouth - tilt your head back and open your mouth wide to see it there are any lumps or if the color is different than usual. Run your finger on the roof to feel for lumps.
- Floor of the Mouth and Tongue - Stick out your tongue and look at the top surface for color and texture. Gently pull your tongue forward to look at one side first and then the other. Look for any swellings or color changes. Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of your mouth. Look at the floor of your mouth and the underside of your tongue for colour changes that are very different from what is normal. Gently press your finger along the underside of your tongue to feel for any lumps or swellings.
If you find anything out of the ordinary and that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed, discuss it with your dental health professional or physician.
Women’s Oral Health Issues
The hormones present at the various stages of a woman’s life can affect their oral health. Your dental hygienist can help you learn more about keeping your gums and teeth healthy throughout your entire life.
Puberty – The increase in hormones present during puberty can increase the gum’s blood circulation. As a result, the gum tissues may become more sensitive to plaque, food particles and calculus. Early signs of gingivitis (gum disease) such as bleeding when brushing may be evident. Proper oral care habits are important as well regular visits with your dental health professional.
Menstruation - Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums may be experienced during menstruation. There is an increase in the level of a hormone, progesterone, in your system just before your period begins. As a result, your gums may become more sensitive to food particles, plaque or calculus. Some women may experience sores or bleeding in the mouth three or four days before their period begins. This type of gingivitis usually clears up once her period has started. Women prone to this inflammation should be sure to develop excellent oral care habits and visit their dental hygienist regularly.
Pregnancy – It is especially important to look after your teeth and gums during pregnancy. The many changes in hormone levels (increased levels of estrogen and progesterone) may result in the gums becoming very sensitive to the plaque on the teeth.
Pregnancy hormones tend to exaggerate the body's normal response to dental plaque. Most commonly, women experience increased gingivitis in the second or third month of the pregnancy, through until the eighth month. This condition, called pregnancy gingivitis, is marked by an increased amount of swelling, bleeding and redness in the gum tissue in response to a very small amount of plaque or calculus.
When you become pregnant, it is important to see your dental hygienist for routine preventive care.
Your oral health may affect your baby’s health. Click here to learn more.
Breastfeeding and Dental Health: For a pamphlet that gives factual and practical information about breastfeeding and dental health click here.
Oral Contraceptives – Birth control pills, or “the pill” contain hormones, just like the body produces when you are pregnant. For this reason, women taking oral contraceptives may experience the same oral symptoms as pregnant women. This may include swelling, bleeding and redness in the gum tissue in response to a very small amount of plaque or calculus.
Be sure to let your dental health professional know if you are taking oral contraceptives. Together you can develop a daily oral care plan and choose professional treatments that will help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Menopause – As the level of hormones present in the blood change during menopause, women may experience changes to their oral health. Symptoms may include soreness or a burning sensation, changes in taste perception, and dry or bleeding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss these with your physician and dental health professional. Often medications, in combination with proper oral care habits and professional dental care, can reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is a painful reaction to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. This pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.
Apart from a cavity or a missing filling, the most common cause of tooth sensitivity is an area of the root of your tooth that has become exposed.
Exposed root surfaces can be caused by:
- Brushing too hard
- Recession of the gums
- Gum disease
Other causes of sensitive teeth:
Grinding your teeth - Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
What to do at home:
- Maintain proper oral care habits
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush
- Use desensitizing toothpaste
- Use a fluoridated mouth rinse
- Avoid acidic foods, such as lemons
Professional Care:
Ask your dental hygienist about professional products that may be used to help reduce sensitivity.
Some of the most common professional treatments used are:
- white fillings to cover exposed root surfaces
- fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surfaces
- dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surfaces
Sports And Mouthguards
The mouth is the most injured area of the body during contact sports. The injuries can be painful, costly, and permanent. Therefore, any athlete, from Olympian to kids playing hockey on the street, should wear a mouthguard as well as a helmet or headgear.
What is a mouthguard?
A mouth guard is an appliance worn in the mouth that helps prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. It should be worn in addition to protective headgear that also protects against injuries to the head and neck.
Choosing a mouthguard:
There are three types of mouthguards that you may choose from.
- Stock or ready-made mouthguards: These are the least expensive type and can be bought at most sports stores. They are also the least satisfactory. Although they come in many different shapes and sizes, little can be done to adjust the stock mouthguard to fit your mouth. Many athletes complain that they are too bulky, loose, uncomfortable, and often interfere with breathing and speaking.
- Mouth-formed/self-adapted mouthguards: These are still relatively inexpensive and are available at most sports stores. They are molded to fit each individual mouth by boiling the mouthpiece in water and then biting into the warm plastic. They can be refitted if not properly made on the first try. This type of mouthguard can also feel bulky and can cause difficulty with breathing and speaking.
- Custom-made mouthguards: This is the most highly recommended type of mouthguard. It is made at the dental office where it is individually designed and constructed by a dental professional. It is more expensive than the other types but it has an exceptionally good fit. It is comfortable and causes less of a problem with speech or breathing.
What to look for in a mouthguard:
A mouthguard should:- provide maximum protection from a traumatic force
- remain in place during sports activity
- not significantly interfere with breathing or speech
- be comfortable to wear
- be easy to clean
Caring for your mouthguard:
- rinse under cold water after each use
- occasionally clean your mouthguard in a solution of soap and cool water
- store it clean and dry in a container that will prevent it from being damaged or soiled
- like any other sports gear, mouthguards can tear or wear out; therefore, replace them as necessary
Tooth Bleaching (Whitening)
Tooth bleaching is offered for cosmetic purposes. Many individuals who have discolored enamel are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth and go to great lengths to achieve the perfect smile. Tooth bleaching can be part of the solution.
Bleaching can be done by a dental professional in the dental office or at home. Any person considering using home bleaching products should seek advice from a dental hygienist or dentist. This visit is crucial as home bleaching treatments may not be effective or preferable in every case. For the best and safest results, the individual should be monitored by a dental health professional throughout the bleaching process.
There are two types of tooth stains:
Intrinsic stain (internal stain) - This means the stain occurs from within the tooth. This type of stain cannot be removed by brushing and flossing and sometimes bleaching may not be effective. This type of stain may have been caused by taking medications such as tetracycline or fluoride while the teeth were forming.
Extrinsic stain (external stain) - This is staining of the tooth surface. Some sources of extrinsic stains are cigarettes, cigars, coffee, tea, or foods that contain a lot of spices. This type of staining can sometimes be removed by good tooth brushing habits or by professional prophylaxis (cleaning).
Different stains require different remedies; therefore it is important to have a consultation with an dental professional before using a bleaching product.
A small number of people experience temporary discomfort during the bleaching treatment series, such as gum or tooth sensitivity. These symptoms usually disappear within one to three days after completion of the treatment. Tooth whitening may not be consistent depending on the state of the teeth being treated. It is important that a professional consultation occur so that you can be advised of any possible risks.
It is important that the manufacturer’s directions are followed precisely. If any side effects are more than mild or persist, contact your dental professional.
Overall, tooth bleaching under professional supervision can be an effective method of whitening the teeth.
Denture Care
It is important that denture wearers have a good routine of personal and professional care. Professional services are necessary to check the health of the soft tissue and examine the denture for proper fit, comfort and function. Personal care focuses on keeping the denture clean and soft tissue healthy.
Why should I clean my denture daily?
Daily cleaning of your denture is necessary to prevent a build-up of food, plaque, calculus (tartar), and stain which can cause:
- problems with the appearance of your teeth
- mouth odor
- irritation to the tissues under the denture
- infections in the mouth
How do I keep my dentures clean?
- Rinse the denture under water after meals to remove loose food debris.
- Brush dentures at least twice a day this removes plaque, food debris and helps prevent stains.
- Brush with water, soap, or a denture paste. Scouring powders or other abrasive cleaners should not be used because they scratch the denture. Scratches make the denture rough and food, plaque and stain stick more easily.
- You can use a denture brush or a regular soft toothbrush to clean the denture, but use a separate brush for cleaning any natural teeth.
- Make sure you clean all areas of the denture well, especially the side of the denture that rests against the soft tissue.
- When the denture is not being worn it is best for it to be stored clean and dry. In the past it was often recommended that dentures be stored wet. The reason for this earlier recommendation was that dentures were once made of materials that could distort when allowed to dry out and this could affect the fit of the denture. Today’s dentures are made of materials that are not susceptible to distortion when dry. Storing dentures dry prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that may cause infections.
- Dentures that are heavily stained or that have calculus deposits may need to be soaked in a commercial denture solution available at most pharmacies. It is important that dentures are thoroughly brushed and rinsed before they are returned to the mouth.
- If dentures cannot be cleaned sufficiently using the above methods then it may be possible for your dental professional to clean them for you using an ultrasonic device.
- The most effective way to keep your dentures clean is by brushing them at least twice a day and storing them clean and dry.
Some helpful hints:
- When brushing the denture do not hold it too firmly or use excessive pressure as this can break the denture.
- Clean the denture over a sink half filled with water or over a towel to act as a cushion in case the denture should drop.
- Do not soak or rinse the denture in hot water, this can distort the shape and fit of the denture.
- Never scrape the denture with sharp instruments in an attempt to remove hard deposits. Instead, take it to a dental professional for them to clean.
- Never use a hard bristled brush to clean the denture. This can scratch the denture.
- Make sure to leave your denture out of your mouth while you are sleeping or for a period of time during the day. Wearing dentures at all times without allowing your gums a chance "to breathe”, can result in infections of the soft tissues under the denture.
- When your dentures are not in your mouth, store them clean and dry. If you insist on storing them wet be sure the container is clean and the water is changed daily.
Your gums are important too:
Not only do your dentures need maintenance, but care also needs to be given to the tissues under your denture.
- The gums should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush or a washcloth. This removes the plaque and debris on the gums. It also massages and stimulates circulation.
- Massage your gums by placing the thumb and index finger over the ridge and use a "press-and-release" stroke.
Remaining natural teeth:
- It is very important to keep any remaining natural teeth free of plaque.
- To clean your natural teeth, check out: brushing and flossing tips.
How do I know my dentures no longer fit?
With age, the jaw bones slowly change. Therefore, dentures that once fit may no longer fit correctly. You may need to have your dentures adjusted or replaced. If you encounter any problems, see your dental professional.
Even if you do not think you have any problems with your dentures or soft tissues it is important that you see your dental professional for at least annual examinations to help maintain your oral health.
Problems to be on the look out for include:
- problems chewing
- chronic cheek biting
- difficulty with speech
- red and inflamed tissues
- discomfort while wearing the denture
- cracked corners of your mouth
Dry Mouth
The dental term "xerostomia" means dryness of the mouth due to a decreased function of the saliva glands.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth or decreased saliva flow may be attributed to:
- biological aging
- systemic diseases such as:
- rheumatoid conditions (example: Sjogren's Syndrome)
- dysfunctional immune system (example: AIDS)
- hormonal disorders (example: Diabetes)
- neurological disorders (example: Parkinson's disease)
- decreased chewing ability- (this may cause an individual to choose a liquid or soft diet which tends to cause a decreased saliva flow)
- surgical removal of salivary glands
- radiation therapy - radiation can result in permanent damage to the salivary glands.
- drugs or medications - over 400 drugs cause dry mouth as a side effect. The more common drugs are:
- decongestants
- diuretics
- antihypertensives
- antidepressants
- antihistamines
Signs and Symptoms
- burning sensation of the tongue
- difficulty eating, especially dry foods
- difficulty with speech
- often thirsty
- difficulty wearing dentures
- dry, cracked lips, especially at the corners of the mouth
- impaired sense of taste
- mouth odor
So What If I Have a Dry Mouth?
Having a decreased flow of saliva has some serious consequences.
- Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with dry mouth (xerostomia). This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is the body's self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food, debris, and plaque from the tooth surfaces, which helps protect against oral diseases.
- Saliva also protects against cavities. It cleanses the tooth surfaces and neutralizes acids, and in this way, protects the tooth surface from tooth decay. People who have dry mouth (xerostomia) are very susceptible to cavities, especially on the roots of their teeth.
How to Control Dry Mouth:
- sip water frequently throughout the day and keep a glass of water handy at the bedside.
- chew sugarless gum
- avoid tobacco, alcohol and foods high in sugar
- adjust the air humidity in your home
- use a saliva substitute - this is a commercial product specially designed to mimic the beneficial qualities of saliva and leave the mouth feeling moist and comfortable. Saliva substitute products are available at most pharmacies. Ask your dental hygienist to help you choose the product that is right for you.
- establish a routine of excellent oral hygiene.
- use fluoride - toothpaste, rinse, or gel ask your dental hygienist to help you find the product(s) that is right for you.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) can result in oral discomfort and can have serious consequences. If you feel you have this symptom, please see your dental health professional.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath (halitosis) can cause embarrassment, create social and psychological barriers, and even affect personal relationships.
Causes:
- The majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth.
- Bad breath that originates in the mouth can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur compound which gives the breath an unpleasant odor.
- Bacterial plaque and food debris accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in the cracks and crevices, making it a frequent source for bad breath.
- The teeth attract bacterial plaque and if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, this can result in bad breath.
- People with periodontitis (gum disease) often experience bad breath due to the bacteria accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as the deep pockets around teeth.
Fortunately, treatment is very effective for people who have bad breath that originates in the mouth.
Other reasons for bad breath (other than the mouth) include:
- infections, especially in the sinuses or lungs
- diabetes mellitus (may result in an acetone odor of the breath)
- kidney failure (can produce a fishy odor)
- malfunction of the liver
- disorders of metabolism (foul, fishy odor that comes and goes and may be difficult to diagnose)
- fasting (when the body is not provided with fuel in the form of food, fat and protein will begin to be broken down; the result is bad odor from the waste products of this metabolism)
- medications, mouth breathing, poor lip closure or any other factor that may cause dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath
If your bad breath continues once potential oral health problems have been treated, see your doctor to discuss other possible causes of mouth odor such as those listed above.
Dental Treatment:
- Treatment begins with a complete oral examination and health history; you may have an "odor-meter" test done. This test can accurately measure the types of gases present and the extent of a halitosis problem.
- Periodontal disease and /or cavities will be treated and repaired.
- Oral infections will be eliminated; this may require the extraction of abscessed or partially erupted teeth.
- Good oral hygiene will be stressed, including cleaning the teeth and tongue at least twice a day.
- If mouth odor is still a concern, after all medical and dental issues have been addressed your dental hygienist may recommend oral hygiene products, such as mouth rinses and/ or toothpastes specifically designed to help treat bad breath.
Bad breath sufferers are encouraged to seek treatment because of the high success rate in managing the problem.
The Dental Hygiene Check Up
Visiting your dental hygienist on a regular basis is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain or improve your oral health. Here's what you can expect from your dental hygienist:
He or she will start by reviewing your medical history with you to make sure there are no medical conditions that could influence your treatment.
The next step is assessing the condition of your head and neck region, followed by your tongue, gums, teeth and other areas of your mouth. Your dental hygienist will discuss the findings and plan your dental hygiene treatment with you. Any areas of concern will be referred to your dentist or physician.
Your treatment will likely include scaling, to remove plaque and calculus, and root planing to smooth your root surfaces. This is done using hand instruments or a vibrating ultrasonic instrument.
Some of your teeth may then be polished to remove any remaining stains. If needed, you may receive a fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth, or other agents to desensitize them.
Based on the condition of your teeth and gums, your dental hygienist will customize an oral hygiene program for your care between visits and may advise on other matters relating to oral health, such as reducing sugar intake and smoking cessation.
Information in this section has been adapted from the University of Manitoba, Dental Hygiene Program website, “Wisdom Tooth”. Used with permission.