Be smart about good dental healthPracticing good dental health isn’t hard. All it takes is

some simple routines each day to help protect your

mouth, teeth and gums. Follow these easy steps to

help prevent dental problems:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least

twice a day.

• Floss between your teeth every day.

• Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar.

• If you smoke or chew tobacco, quit.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

• Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups

and cleanings.

It’s not just how often you brush and floss, but the

way you brush and floss, that counts. Practice

these techniques every day:

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

• Brush using circular and short back-and-forth

motions.

• Don’t forget to brush gently along the gum line.

• Remember to brush your tongue.

• Change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush

head at least once every three months.

• Rinse with water after you floss to remove the

plaque and food your toothbrush missed.

Practice good dental care to help protect your healthy,

beautiful smile.

Open Wide and Say “Ahh”

bcbstx.comA Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

His and Hers

Understanding dental concerns for men and womenEveryone needs to pay attention to dental health. It’s also important to understand oral health issues that

are specific to men and women. Studies show that men are less likely than women to take care of their oral

health, and women go through hormone changes that affect their oral health.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Academy of General Dentistry54237.0112

Dental Health for Him Dental Health for Her

Consider these facts:

• Men on average will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72, and if they smoke, 12 teeth by that age.

• Men are more likely to develop gum diseaseand cancer of the throat and mouth.

• Since men suffer more heart attacks than women, they may be on medicines which cause dry mouth. This results in less saliva to stop cavity-causing bacteria.

• Men are affected twice as often as women when it comes to oral problems due to tobacco use.

Key changes to watch for in different life stages include:

• Gingivitis during puberty and pregnancy, which may appear as red, swollen gums

• Dry mouth due to pregnancy – less saliva can make pregnant women more prone to cavities

• Menopause-related conditions such as taste changes, pain, dry mouth and burning feelings

Women should seek their dentist’s advice when oral health changes occur to rule out possible causes. They should also visit the dentist more frequently during hormone-changing stages of life.

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