The Horrors of Tooth Decay!

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The Horrors of Tooth Decay!
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Bad dental health can be down-right spooky.
Nothing sends people running away screaming like
smelly breath. So, during the month of October,
follow these easy steps to keep your fangs
looking shiny and beautiful for years and years
to come.
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The Basics

• Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride
  toothpaste
• Floss your teeth every day
• Snack smart limit sugary snacks
• Get enough calcium
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Wear the right protective headgear while playing
  contact sports.

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Going to the Dentist

• See your dentist regularly
• Ask your doctor if your medicines have side
  effects that might damage your teeth. (For
  example, some medicines may cause you to have a
  dry mouth.)

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Brushing Your Teeth

• Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a
  soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Use small circular motions and short
  back-and-forth strokes.
• Take the time to brush carefully and gently along
  the gum line.
• Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth
  clean.

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• Drink water throughout the day. Especially after
  eating sweets. It will help rinse sugar away from
  teeth until there is time for proper brushing.
• Brush your teeth before you go to bed to prevent
  tooth decay.
• Look inside your mouth regularly for sores that
  don't heal, irritated gums or other changes.

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Sources
Halloween Oral Help Tips http//bigcountryhomepage
.com/content/holiday/halloween/fulltext/?cid48451
Dental Health http//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d
entalhealth.html
Mouth and Teeth How to Keep Them Healthy
http//familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/heal
thy/prevention/100.printerview.html
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• Submitted by Lauren Denson,
• University of the Incarnate Word
• Supplement this bulletin board by passing out
  plastic vampire teeth to all of your residents!