references
  
      Mayo Clinic: “Oral health: A window to your overall health”
    
      Mayo Clinic: “Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)”
    
      Oral Cancer Foundation: “Oral Cancer Facts”
    
      CDC: "Periodontal Disease"
    
      CDC: "National Diabetes Statistics"
    
      American Dental Association: "How to Floss Your Teeth"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

Your teeth can indicate heart disease, diabetes and other serious health conditions.

Image Credit: santypan/iStock/GettyImages

The Refresh is helping you freshen up on your oral-care knowledge and upgrade your dental-hygiene routine.

Image Credit: santypan/iStock/GettyImages

The Refresh is helping you freshen up on your oral-care knowledge and upgrade your dental-hygiene routine.

  • Oral and Overall Health
  • Health Issues Dentists May See
  • When to See a Dentist

To prevent any bad bacteria from festering and maintain a healthy mouth microbiome, it’s imperative to brush and floss twice per day (the American Dental Association recommends flossing once per day) and eat a well-balanced diet, Dr. Rubinshtein says.

To reduce the damage of reflux and prevent your tooth enamel from eroding further, try avoiding (or limiting) acidic drinks like soda, use toothpaste with fluoride and consume less sugar, Dr. Rubinshtein says.

If you believe you have an eating disorder, contact the NEDA Helpline for support, resources and treatment options.

      Mayo Clinic: “Oral health: A window to your overall health”
    
      Mayo Clinic: “Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)”
    
      Oral Cancer Foundation: “Oral Cancer Facts”
    
      CDC: "Periodontal Disease"
    
      CDC: "National Diabetes Statistics"
    
      American Dental Association: "How to Floss Your Teeth"