Random oral hygiene and dental health facts

I was recently perusing the American Dental Hygienists Association website and came across some rather interesting facts. In no particular order, here they are:

• Snacking on celery, carrots, or apples helps clear away loose food and debris.
• Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months and after illnesses like a cold or flu.
• Oral cancer occurs twice as frequently in men as women
• Dental hygienists screen for serious health problems, such as HIV infection, oral cancer, eating disorders, substance abuse and diabetes.
• Chewing gum can help eliminate food particles caught between teeth after a meal and also helps prevent plaque build up by stimulating saliva production.
• The biggest oral health problem for infants is early tooth decay, known as baby-bottle tooth decay. This results when babies routinely fall asleep with bottles filled with sugary liquids such as milk, formula, and juice—anything other than plain water.