Whether for hygiene, luxury or custom, the stick or toothpick is considered to be the instrument of dental cleaning oldest and known by all cultures. Some research indicates that people cleaned their teeth with small pieces of wood (predecessors of the brush).
The toothpicks, as is known in some places, was used in times of splendor and luxury. However, at other times was considered an unpopular subject.
Made from precious metals and decorated with precious stones such as emeralds and rubies, chopsticks were considered luxury items and use them represented a status in the seventeenth century.
There are anecdotes of the use of this little instrument. In Spain, bringing a toothpick in his mouth meant that he had eaten and was a wealthy person. In Rome, the stick was fashionable among the ladies of high society.
Used tool kits attached to a ring: one to clean ears, a holder of two teeth cleaned for the nails and scratching and a toothpicks.
In the Middle East, India, China, Japan and became popular a few pointy sticks, taken by the Muslim religion. The Chinese wore earrings bronze with toothpicks of the same metal.
Jews, Greeks and Romans used wooden toothpicks, feathers, straw, reeds, brass, iron, silver and gold. The Greeks used to walk with lentiscus in the mouth, like its neighbors.
Paleontological investigations indicate that 2 million years ago, our ancestors used this unique tool to ease the pain of the gums. We also have been found chopsticks made of bronze prehispanic buried in graves in northern Italy and in the eastern Alps.
Another study shows that the ancient hominids were concerned for his health and dental devices used to clean their teeth. This hypothesis came to check that the remains of the primitive had a curved grooves on the roots of the teeth, which can be worn grass stalks as toothpicks, according Leslea Hulsko, a researcher at the University of Illinois, United States and responsible of the investigation.
The grooves were found in dental tooth fossils dating back 1.8 million years what would make this scenario, if certified, the oldest human custom to date.

Brush your teeth after meals and snacks between not only removes the particles of food, but also removes the plaque, a sticky layer that forms on teeth. The plate consists of bacteria that produce acids, which cause tooth decay and gum disease, so the main goal of brushing teeth is to remove the plate. Use a toothpaste with fluoride is also very important because the fluoride reduces the levels of bacteria, such as minerals also returns to the surfaces of the teeth, making them stronger.

Your dentist, member of the California Dental Association (CDA, for its acronym in Spanish), or your dental hygienist can instruct on the proper way to brush their teeth and recommend the best toothpaste for you. Generally, a soft bristle toothbrush and ends with round or polished bristles will be less prone to damage gum tissue or damage the tooth surface. The size, shape and angle of the toothbrush should enable it to achieve each of the teeth. Children need toothbrushes smaller than toothbrushes designed for adults. Remember: worn toothbrushes can not clean their teeth properly and can injure your gums. The toothbrushes should be spare parts every few months or at the time that sows reveal signs of wear.

To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it must completely remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth. Unfortunately, your toothbrush can not reach effectively between teeth and below the gum line. Due to tooth decay and periodontal diseases often start in these areas, is so important to use dental floss every day like brushing your teeth.

Using dental floss is a skill that must be learned. You should not be discouraged if he finds it very difficult at first. Your dentist, member of or the dental hygienist can help you learn to floss properly, and can offer advice on how to do it easily. With practice, you will see that to floss only takes a few minutes of your time each day.

There are also other types of interdental cleaners, such as toothbrushes or thin spiral wooden chopsticks shaped wedge which are used to clean and maintain its healthy gums and the spaces between your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you select and instructed on the proper way to use those grants for oral health that are appropriate for you.

There are a variety of products available to help your oral health. The mouthwash, gel to the teeth with fluoride toothpaste and can be used to prevent tooth decay. Some mouthwashes and toothpaste containing ingredients with antibacterial properties and may help prevent or control gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Others contain ingredients to reduce the formation of plaque, the hardened plaque that forms on teeth over time. Chewing gum and mints containing XYLITOL, a sweetened naturally reduces the bacteria that cause cavities, can be used as part of the overall strategy to reduce tooth decay.

If you already use a product available without a prescription for oral health, it is always best to consult your dentist affiliated , if that product is right for you. Depending on your particular situation, your dentist affiliated  may recommend the use of any particular product.

True ARE SO IMPORTANT Periodic evaluations?

Yes!  mouth is often a good indicator of their overall health, why, when  dentist affiliated with the  Dental Association looks inside of  mouth, he or she not only looking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, but Also look for signs of systemic diseases. Conditions such as cancer or precancerous lesions, diabetes, salivary glands and locked up HIV or AIDS can be detected through an oral exam. In addition, there is evidence of the relationship between periodontal disease (gum disease) and heart disease, respiratory disease and some babies with low birth weight. To maintain their general health, it is important that you keep your oral health!

Beyond the connection between oral health and general health, regular dental care is essential to prevent the development of dental problems more complicated. Good oral hygiene practices, which include brushing teeth and using dental floss daily, eat a healthy diet and visiting your dentist affiliated with the California Dental Association (CDA) for dental evaluations twice a year - or as much as you recommended by your dentist CEL - is the best way to keep their teeth healthy and a beautiful smile for life!

Gum disease (sometimes called periodontal or gingival diseases) are infections that hurt the gums and bone that hold teeth in place. When the board remains in your teeth too long, it forms a hard layer and damaging, called plaque, which can not be cleaned with a toothbrush. The longer remain tartar and plaque on their teeth, the greater the damage they cause. Their gums may redness, swell and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, over time can cause your gums are collected on top of your teeth and forming small pockets that can become infected. This is called periodontitis. Without proper treatment, this infection may damage the bones, gums and the tissue that holds your teeth. Over time, you can loosen your teeth and your dentist would have to extract them.

Here are some things you can do to prevent gum disease:

     * Brush your teeth twice a day (with a toothpaste with fluoride).
     * Spend the floss once a day.
     * Visit your dentist regularly for review and clearance.
     * Eat a well-balanced diet.
     * Do not use products snuff.

Brush and floss correctly is an important part of good oral health. Here's how: Brush your daily teeth gently on all sides, with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Make small circular movements and movements back and forth for better results. Take the time to carefully and gently brush along the gum line. It also helps to gently brushing the tongue.

To keep your gums healthy, in addition to brush, wipe with the dental floss around their teeth. To move carefully floss, withdrew the plate and food waste that the toothbrush has not been able to achieve. Enjúagese mouth after passing the dental floss.

If you move the brush or floss makes your gums bleed or hurt your mouth, see your dentist.

Your dentist may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash to help control the plaque and inflamed gums. Use mouthwash, in addition to brush carefully and move the floss every day.

It was thought that with old age was going to lose their natural teeth. Now we know that this is not true. According to the National Center for Information About Oral Hygiene  following some simple steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy - in addition to regular visits to the dentist - you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.

First, what is the plate? The board is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that are found on the mouth and stick to the teeth. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay. Other types of plaque cause disease in the gums

The people contracted dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that produce saliva are not working properly. Potential causes include:

     * Medicines. More than 400 medicines can cause salivarías glands produce less saliva. Drugs for blood pressure and depression continued to cause dry mouth. (Read about "Security Medicines" "Hypertension: High Blood Pressure" "Depression")
     * Disease. Some diseases affecting the glands salivarías. All diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, HIV / AIDS, diabetes and Parkinson's disease can cause dry mouth. ( "AIDS" "Diabetes")
     * Radiation therapy. Salivarías glands can be damaged if exposed to radiation during cancer treatment. (Read about "Cancer: What It Means")
     * Chemotherapy. Medicine used to treat cancer can create saliva thicker, causing the mouth feel dry.
     * Nerve damage. Head or neck injury can damage the nerves that tell the salivarías to create saliva glands.

Treatment depends on the cause of dry mouth. He was blamed medications, ask your physician about how to replace them. There are also medications that your doctor may suggest pair to help salivarías glands to function better.

Periodontal disease is a gum disease that is not unusual. Thus the Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research  indicates that 80 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease or periodontal disease. The problem begins with the plate. ( "Oral Hygiene") The plate is not removed can harden and form bacteria that turns into tartar. Once this happens, the brush is not enough. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist can remove tartar.

If plaque or calculus are not removed, the bacteria cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and is usually reversible with daily brushing and regular cleaning by a dentist. This form of the gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that holds teeth in place.

When gingivitis is not treated, can advance to periodontitis. In periodontitis, gums backs out of the tooth forming pockets that become infected. The body's immune system resist the bacteria when the plate is scatters and grows under the gum line. Bacterial toxins and enzymes that attack the body infection usually start under the broken bone and connective tissue that holds the tooth in place. If left untreated, bones, gums and connective tissue that supports the teeth is destroyed. The teeth will eventually loosen and have to be removed.