When we hear the word cancer it might seem like a distance term, or you may have a very personal experience. “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime” (cancer.org). Cancer impacts many people.   April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which raises awareness about oral cancer and the importance of completing self-exams. Oral Cancer starts in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (neck and throat). This year there will be...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2060 the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. This is a growing demographic in the United States. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) increases the risk of poor oral health. The ability to access routine professional oral health services, have proper oral health education, and daily oral hygiene are...

May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2023 is ‘Aging Unbound’, exploring diverse aging experiences and discussing how communities can combat stereotypes as we expand our thinking about aging—and how all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.   Plaque retention in the aging population is exacerbated by the presence of dental restorations (e.g., crowns, bridges), missing teeth, and gingival recession. The aging population...

Teeth are an incredible part of the human body, and they do much more than providing you a smile. By maintaining excellent oral health, we hope you enjoy your teeth for life. There are 32 permanent teeth that serve different functions in the mouth. Incisors: 8 teeth located in the front of your mouth for cutting food. Canines: 4 teeth located at the corners of the mouth for tearing and breaking food apart. Premolars: 8 teeth behind the canines that...

How to Clean a Dental Bridge When missing a tooth you may notice a difference in chewing, speaking, and the way your smile looks. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and connects the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges use the surrounding teeth to support the artificial teeth. You can either have an implant-supported bridge or a tooth-supported bridge. Both provide a realistic look, and both are different to take care of than a...

  TePe Universal Care™ specialty brush has a unique contra-angled handle to enable easy access for hard-to-reach areas and a slim brush design to fit in narrow areas. The angle of the neck is perfectly suited for the inside surfaces of the teeth. The bristles are end-rounded making it gentle on your gums. The angle of the neck of the brush can be adjusted in hot water.     It is optimal for implants, under bridges, retroclined teeth, lingual braces...

The TePe® Implant Care Kit combines different tools to reach all sides of the dental implant(s). You can effectively clean around implants with brushes designed to fit narrow areas, between the teeth, and used for on-the-go cleaning. The gums and bone around an implant are far more sensitive to plaque and the build-up of bacteria, than around a natural tooth. The implant attaches directly to the bone, so natural defense mechanisms are limited if not cleaned properly. Maintaining a high...

You must maintain your dental implants with proper oral hygiene at home. Implants can develop disease, just like a natural tooth. Bacterial plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth and implants. If you do not clean your implant(s) properly, the plaque builds up and can cause gum inflammation called peri-implant mucositis. Your gums may look red, swollen, feel sensitive or bleed easily. This can be reversed, but if plaque is not removed, the bone around the...