June is National Smile Month and we here at The Dental Lodge of Noble want to help you have the best smile ever!

Browse through the sections below to learn about everything from keeping your teeth and mouth healthy, how good oral care is linked to your overall health, and interesting facts about the history of dentistry. And if you have any dental concerns or haven’t been to the dentist in a while, give us a call! We’d love to see you!

Fun Fact!

The earliest known evidence of dentistry dates back to 7000 B.C. in the northwestern regions of South Asia!

Did you know?

Problems in your mouth can affect other parts of your body.

Fun Fact!

Children have 20 teeth and adults have 32!

Pro Tip

Set the timer on your smartphone to time your toothbrushing.

Many electric toothbrushes even have timers built in!

The Mouth

Our mouth serves a vital role in our overall health and it’s important to take care of it.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your mouth stays healthy as can be.
  • Close your mouth when swimming in a pool because chlorine can wear down enamel.
  • Green tea contains antiseptic properties, which can help keep your gums healthy.
  • Drinking water after every meal helps wash out some of the residue from sticky and acidic foods and beverages.
  • Visit your dentist at least twice a year. In addition to a thorough exam and cleaning, they can spot potential issues and offer treatment before it becomes a serious issue.

The Daily Routine

Keeping your teeth healthy and your smile confident requires daily care.

We have some great tips for your daily routine!
  • Brush your teeth twice per day and always brush before going to bed. This rids the mouth of the plaque and germs that accumulate during the day.
  • Be sure to floss daily. If you don’t, you’re missing approximately 40% of the surfaces of your teeth.
  • Don’t forget your tongue! Brush your tongue with a toothbrush or scraper to remove the plaque that builds up on it.
  • Rinse your mouth after brushing. Swishing with water or mouthwash will help clear tidbits of toothpaste and food that even brushing and flossing can miss.

Systemic Diseases

Oral health is linked to a range of other health conditions, which is why it’s so important to take good care of your mouth.

  • Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves, can occur when bacteria and germs from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, spread through the bloodstream.
  • Some research suggests that cardiovascular disease might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
  • Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
  • Other conditions can affect your oral health, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to pay extra attention to oral care.

Technology

We’ve come a long way since the earliest days of dentistry!

Here are some fun facts about the history of dental hygiene.
  • Ancient Babylonians and Egyptians created the first toothbrushes. These “chew sticks” were made from frayed twigs.
  • The first bristle toothbrushes, similar to what we use today, was invented in 1498 in China. The bristles were the stiff, coarse hairs taken from back of a hog’s neck and attached to bone or bamboo handles.
  • Ancient Egyptians are credited with creating the first toothpaste, made from crushed rock salt, mint leaves, and dried iris flowers. However, it was known to cause bleeding gums.
  • In 2006, a number of teeth were discovered in Pakistan that dated to around 7,000 B.C. and had evidence of drilling. It’s thought that they used specifically adapted bow drills to core out decay.