Good oral care is about more than just your teeth

Comprehensive Oral Care Simply put, brushing is not enough. Although sonic toothbrushes perform better and faster than manual brushing, no toothbrush cleans between teeth and below the gum line as effectively as flossing. Failure to clean these areas thoroughly is a major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Bad breath may be more than just embarrassing. Most bad breath is caused by excessive bacteria on the tongue, teeth, and gums. Thorough tongue cleaning dramatically reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth; freshening your breath and protecting your teeth. Because good oral care is about more than just brushing, Cybersonic provides a complete oral care solution that includes sonic brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, and tooth whitening. Diabetes and Oral Care Diabetes affects glucose levels and the body's ability to fight infection. Combined, these two factors make diabetics especially prone to dental problems including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, oral fungal infections (oral candidiasis), and oral lesions (lichen planus). Even when the condition is kept under control, diabetics are advised to be extra thorough in their oral care regimen. Sufferers should follow a comprehensive oral care routine including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, routine flossing, and regular dentist visits. More information: Diabetes and Your Oral Health - American Dental Association Heart Disease and Oral Care New research has discovered a link between poor oral care and heart disease. Recent studies have determined that bacteria from the gum line can travel throughout the circulatory system and are found in arterial plaques that cause hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. While a causal link has not been proven, the American Academy of Periodontology is recommending that people pay special attention to complete oral care, including cleaning between teeth and below the gum line, especially for those with other heart disease risk factors. An association has also been found between gum disease and Infective Endocarditis, a potentially fatal infection of the heart valves. More information: Levels of Bacteria in Plaque Beneath the Gum Line May Increase Risk for Heart Attacks - American Academy of Periodontology Strokes and Oral Care University researchers have discovered a link between the risk of strokes and periodontal disease. Their research has demonstrated that persistent gum disease (periodontal disease) and poor oral health has a strong association with the risk of suffering from a stroke. More information: Antibodies to Periodontal Pathogens and Stroke Risk - American Heart Association Pregnancy and Oral Care Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy promote an inflammation termed pregnancy gingivitis. Research indicates that a decreased ability to fight off infections makes pregnant women more susceptible to tooth decay, gingivitis and other inflammations, and periodontal (gum) disease. Beyond the potential damage to the expectant mother's teeth, serious periodontal disease has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and certain amniotic fluid infections. More information: Pregnancy Gingivitis and Pregnancy Tumors - WebMD More resources: Dental Care and Diabetes - WebMD Dental care and diabetes: Guide to a healthy mouth - CNN.com Health Library Oral Health, Heart Health - Journal of the American Dental Association Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy - American Academy of Periodontology