Poor dental hygiene produces immediate consequences that encourage proper care of your mouth. From cavities and gum disease to yellow teeth and bad breath, most people are sure to brush their teeth, use mouthwash, and floss regularly to avoid negative repercussions. Well, maybe not so much that last one! 

According to the National Library of Medicine, 68% of American adults reported flossing at least once weekly- a statistic wildly lower than the recommended by medical professionals. Many adults claim that they don’t get food stuck between their teeth; therefore, it’s a waste of time to floss- but they would be wrong. Even microscopic particles can cause long-term damage to your health. Others cite their reason for not flossing is out of pure inconvenience and not wanting to take the extra time out of their day. As much as some patients dislike flossing, it is a vital part of the oral hygiene regimen. Let’s take a closer look at why and when the best time to floss is!

So why is flossing important? Flossing removes plaque build-up and food from between teeth and gums. As a result, it drastically reduces the chances of cavities, gum disease, periodontal disease, bad breath, and even heart failure. Dentists recommend that you floss twice daily, but should you floss before or after brushing your teeth?

According to dentists, the common consensus is that flossing is more effective before brushing your teeth. 

Flossing loosens food particles and plaque, making it easier for your toothbrush to remove the remaining plaque from your teeth. So, floss removes the large and challenging-to-reach particles, and brushing does away with the remainder.

Even if you have all the excuses for skipping flossing in your oral hygiene routine, you should still consider its effects on your health. Browse through Cakmes Dental Studio’s resources to learn more about common illnesses seen from poor dental care and how to treat them.

We’ve all experienced the anxiety that accompanies a trip to the dentist’s office, often caused by one word: cavities. So what exactly are they? 

As defined by the Mayo Clinic, cavities are permanently damaged areas on the hard surfaces of teeth that appear as tiny holes. Also referred to as tooth decay, cavities are among the world’s most common health issues caused by poor oral hygiene and excessive sugar in the diet, which causes plaque and bacteria. While you may think tooth decay is more prevalent in children, all age groups can get them- 80% of Americans develop a cavity by their 30s.

You may already know that teeth are exposed bones covered in enamel, the hard coating that protects the tooth mentioned above. Unfortunately, tooth enamel cannot be replaced: once it has been eroded, only dental work can help repair it. So when cavities form, breaking down enamel, minor procedures called fillings must be done to prevent further damage. If not attended to, these holes can develop infections and abscesses. Be sure to learn more about fillings from a recent blog!

There are three types of cavities: smooth surface, pit and fissure, and root decay.

Smooth Surface: These are slow forming only within the enamel and are very treatable with fluoride solutions and very attentive dental cleaning.

Pit and Fissure: Occurring in the molars, pit and fissure cavities usually develop from plaque and food buildup due to infrequent toothbrushing. These can be treated with sealants.

Root Decay: As the name suggests, these only occur at the root of teeth, near the gum. This type is common in patients with receding gums, aging, and/or poor oral health and is treated with root canals and fillings.

Cavities of all kinds are preventable by consistent and thorough oral hygiene such as toothbrushing, flossing, mouth washing, and biannual checkups for monitoring. Reducing excess sugar from your diet will also help prevent cavities from forming.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as toothaches, bad breath, bleeding gums, and sensitivity to cold or hot foods, you should schedule an appointment with Cakmes Dental Studio for a proper exam and treatment plan.