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Dental Care

Take Care of Your Child’s Teeth

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. Learn what you can do to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Taking good care of your teeth now can help prevent problems as you grow older.

Review Date: December 20, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Bad Breath (Halitosis): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about bad breath. The page includes information on the causes of and treatment for bad breath, as well as a link to products that can help to alleviate this problem.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about cleaning teeth and gums. The page includes information on plaque, tips for daily oral care, and instructions on how to brush and floss teeth.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

Community Water Fluoridation: Questions and Answers

This fact sheet provides information on community water fluoridation, as well as current federal activities to update guidance and regulations on community water fluoridation.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Diet and Oral Health: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about diet and oral health: how the food you eat causes tooth decay, how to choose foods wisely and tips for better dental health.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

FAQs: National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center and informational requests concerning oral health issues.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center

Seal Out Tooth Decay

This brochure presents a general overview of dental sealants and how applying dental sealants to a child's permanent molars can prevent tooth decay.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Tooth Restoration and Implants: Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions about Prosthodontists, dentists who specialize in the restoration and replacement of teeth.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American College of Prosthodontists

Benefits of Dental Implants

Find answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants, substitutes for the roots of missing teeth.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Academy of Implant Dentistry

Braces

Find out how braces work and how to take care of your teeth while wearing braces.

Review Date: January 02, 2013

The Nemours Foundation

Brush Up on Healthy Teeth

Every parent knows that a healthy smile is a sign of a happy child, and oral health experts agree that creating those healthy smiles begins in infancy. CDC experts have developed a set of pediatric oral health tips.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Chemotherapy and Your Mouth

This booklet will tell you ways to help prevent mouth problems while you are undergoing cancer treatment.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Dental Care Every Day: A Caregiver's Guide

Learn how to help someone with a developmental disability to maintain good oral health.

Review Date: November 16, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Dental Emergencies

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to your teeth. Accidents do happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

Dental Sealants: Protecting Your Teeth- (PDF)

Properly applied and maintained sealants are very helpful in preventing decay and they are cost-effective. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth’s chewing surface will be protected from decay. Sealants usually last for several years before reapplication is needed.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

This brochure discusses the causes of dry mouth, the importance of saliva to oral health, steps to follow to relieve dryness, links to related news releases, and information on clinical trials.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Dry Mouth? Don't Delay Treatment

Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, in your mouth. Here are some treatments and tips to give you relief.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Find a Health Center

Find a Federally-funded health center near you for low-cost care based on your income.

Review Date: November 02, 2012

Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration

Find a Health Center iPhone Application

Download this iPhone app to find a Federally-funded health center near you for low-cost care based on your income.

Review Date: February 04, 2013

Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration

Finding Low-Cost Dental Care

This fact sheet suggests various local, state, and federal sources of low-cost dental care. Information on accessing treatment through clinical trials and dental schools is also provided.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Fluoridation Basics

Community water fluoridation is not only safe and effective, but it is also cost-saving and the least expensive way to deliver the benefits of fluoride to all residents of a community. Studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent over a person’s lifetime.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Fluoride Supplements

This article will help you learn more about the important oral health benefits of fluoride.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Association

Fluoride Varnish- (PDF)

Learn how fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay in children and adolescents.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center

Getting Older? Why Your Teeth and Gums Are Important for Good Health (Multimedia)

Like the rest of the body, the mouth changes with age - but understanding these changes makes it easier to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Healthy Roads Media

Indian Health Service: Facility Locator

Find hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dialysis centers, dental clinics and other healthcare facilities administered by the Indian Health Service.

Review Date: January 16, 2013

Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Clinical Trials

This document lists over 100 studies being conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Review Date: December 24, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Oral Cancer

Learn about oral cancer, possible signs & symptoms, early detection, and how to lower your risk for the disease.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Oral Conditions in Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Health Care Providers

A guide for health care professional for children with special needs.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Oral Health Fact Sheet

Oral health can affect the health of your entire body. Good oral health does not just mean you have pretty teeth. Your whole mouth needs care to be in good health. Find steps to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Office on Women's Health

Organ Transplantation and Your Mouth

If you are an organ transplant patient, you are at risk for serious mouth problems. This fact sheet identifies problems you may encounter and explains how you can help keep your mouth healthy.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Review Date: December 20, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

This booklet is about the tooth and gum problems caused by diabetes. You will learn what you can do each day to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse - NDIC
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer: Questions and Answers

This document provides questions and answers on smokeless tobacco (snuff, dip and chewing tobacco). Related health risks are noted, and resources that can help you quit are provided.

Review Date: December 07, 2012

National Cancer Institute

Smokeless Tobacco: A Guide for Quitting

So you're a dipper and you'd like to quit. Maybe you've already found that quitting dip or chew is not easy. But you can do it! This guide is intended to help you make your own plan for quitting.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Special Care in Oral Health

Special care is an approach to oral health care that is tailored to the specific needs of people with a variety of medical conditions. Learn why patients need special care.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

State Dental Programs for the Elderly and Disabled

This site provides a link for local services available in each state offering free, comprehensive dental care for individuals with special needs, including elderly, disabled, and medically compromised adults.

Review Date: February 01, 2013

National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

Taking Care of Your Teeth

Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: plak), which is a clear film of bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) that sticks to your teeth .If you don't take care of your teeth, cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth

This fact sheet illustrates the proper method for cleaning the teeth and gums. Resources for finding low cost dental care are provided as well.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute on Aging Information Center

The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes

Routine and proper tooth brushing can reduce plaque associated with gum disease and tooth decay, as well as provide the cavity-preventing benefits of fluoride. Learn how to care for your toothbrush.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Three Good Reasons to See a Dentist BEFORE Cancer Treatment

This site provides information for cancer patients on the importance of oral health before and during cancer treatment.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of painful conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movements. Simple self-care practices for easing symptoms of TMJ disorders is provided.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - NIDCR

Tooth Whitening Systems

Before using any whitening procedure, you should first be evaluated by an oral health care professional to determine which application and program are best for you. Learn more about the procedure.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Dental Hygienists' Association

What's a Cavity?

A cavity develops when a tooth decays, or breaks down. A cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have a cavity, it's important to get it repaired.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. It is estimated that about 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed. Learn about the serious health problems the wisdom teeth can cause and when they should be surgically extracted.

Review Date: November 12, 2012

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons