Simple Steps To Better Dental Health
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Featuring consumer information from Columbia School of Dental & Oral Surgery
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Oral Health Made Simple: Your Prescription For Knowledge
 PREVENT PROBLEMS
Small BoxAll About Cavities
Small BoxBrushing and Flossing
Small BoxFluoride
Small BoxMouth-Healthy Eating
Small BoxSealants
Small BoxTaking Care Of Your Teeth
Small BoxTobacco
Small BoxYour Dental Visit
Small BoxMORE
 CONDITIONS
Small BoxBad Breath
Small BoxCavities
Small BoxCold Sores
Small BoxDry Mouth
Small BoxImpacted Tooth
Small BoxSensitive Teeth
Small BoxTMJ
Small BoxTooth Discoloration
Small BoxMORE
 TREATMENTS
Small BoxCrowns
Small BoxDentures
Small BoxFillings: The Basics
Small BoxGum Surgery
Small BoxImplants
Small BoxRoot Canal Treatment
Small BoxScaling and Root Planing
Small BoxWhitening
Small BoxMORE
 GENERAL TOPICS
Small BoxControlling Pain
Small BoxCosmetic Dentistry
Small BoxEmergencies
Small BoxFill, Repair, Replace
Small BoxKids And Teens
Small BoxOral Health and Your Body
Small BoxOrthodontics
Small BoxPeriodontics
Small BoxSeniors
Small BoxMORE
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Step 1 Prevent ProblemsSimplestepsPrevent Problems
Step 2 Understand ConditionsSimplestepsUnderstand Conditions
Step 3 Explore TreatmentsSimplestepsExplore Treatments

go to Parents' Guide go to News go to Ask The Dentist go to Interactive Tools

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Faculty of Columbia University School of Dental Medicine explain and take a stand on issues and controversies in dentistry.
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Columbia Commentary:
New Guidelines Explain When To Use Sealants
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Recently published guidelines offer helpful advice on the best use of sealants for both children and adults.
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Columbia Commentary:
Baby Teeth -- Save Them or Pull Them?
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Yes, baby teeth are "going to fall out anyway," but there are good reasons to save a decayed or diseased tooth if you can.
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Columbia Commentary: The Amalgam Controversyarrow pointing right
A cautious approach may be the best course to take as researchers continue to investigate whether amalgam (silver-mercury) fillings pose any potential risk to developing fetuses or children.
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Columbia Commentary:
Breastfeeding and Tooth Decay, a Complex Issue
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Breast milk contains chemicals known to protect teeth, yet some studies suggest that breastfeeding in some cases may contribute to early tooth decay.
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Columbia Commentary:
Can Flossing Improve Overall Health?
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Is it an accepted "fact" that maintaining our teeth can also improve our overall health? Is it time to change the phrase "floss or lose your teeth" to "floss for good health"?
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Columbia Commentary:
Brushing Kids' Teeth and the Risks of Tasty Toothpaste
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Children's toothpastes are made to taste good, but many kids still aren't ready to brush alone. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste can discolor developing teeth.
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Columbia Commentary:
Do You Need Antibiotics Before Your Dental Appointments?
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New guidelines suggest antibiotics before dental procedures for fewer heart conditions than in the past. The purpose is to prevent a dangerous infection.
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Columbia Commentary:
Stopping Decay Before a Cavity Forms
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It's a new model of dentistry: Your dentist will assess your risk of cavities and may be able to stop decay without the need for a filling.
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Columbia Commentary:
How Will Retirees Pay for Dental Care?
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Access to affordable dental care is in jeopardy for older adults.
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Columbia Commentary: Let's Expand Gains in Oral Health to All Childrenarrow pointing right
A recent government research report shows improvements in U.S. oral health, but unfortunately, the health of baby teeth appears to be getting worse.
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Columbia Commentary:
The Wisdom Tooth Dilemma
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Removing wisdom teeth may make sense even if the teeth are not currently causing problems.
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Columbia Commentary: The Boy Who Died From a Toothachearrow pointing right
The death of a 12-year-old boy from complications of a neglected toothache is a tragedy that should never be repeated.
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Columbia Commentary:
Do You Have To Lose Teeth To Fix a Bad Bite?
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Is it really necessary to pull teeth to correct a "bad bite"? It depends.
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Columbia Commentary: Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomesarrow pointing right
Research has not yet settled whether periodontal disease leads to preterm birth and other pregnancy problems, but all women should maintain good oral health.
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© 2002-2008 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window.