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.

Flossing daily is vital to your dental health. Brushing simply does not get all of the food out of your teeth, and neglecting to floss can significantly increase your chance for cavities and tooth decay. Some people who have dental conditions that make flossing more challenging think that taking this extra step in their dental hygiene doesn’t apply to them. This is not the case whatsoever. There are ways for everyone, no matter your dental condition, to floss each and every day. 

But what if I have braces?

There are actually multiple ways to floss while braces are on your teeth. You can weave the tip of the floss underneath the wire between two teeth, and floss normally. If you struggle to thread the floss under the wire, you can purchase floss with a stiff end to make this process easier. Yes, it will be more time consuming to floss with braces, but that is no reason to neglect such a vital part of your dental hygiene. You can also try a water flosser. Water flossers are powered by electricity and produce a forceful thin stream of water to remove the food build up between your teeth.

But what if I have sensitive gums?

Frankly, your gums bleed and become irritated when you do not floss often enough. If you begin flossing after you haven’t for an extended period of time, you will likely experience some minor pain and bleeding. However, the more you floss the stronger and healthier your gums become, so you should not experience any of these symptoms if you floss on a daily basis. If you consistently experience bleeding and pain when flossing regularly, you should contact your dentist for a professional opinion. In the meantime, consider switching to a softer and thinner floss to prevent as much trauma to your gums as possible.

But my child will lose his/her baby teeth anyway…

Children very frequently get cavities in their baby teeth, and it is often linked to a lack of flossing. No parent wants to undergo the stress and financial set back of a cavity when it can be prevented from the start. Plus, encouraging regular flossing can help children make it a habit for the rest of their life. It is generally said that children should start flossing between the ages of 5 and 7 years old.

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we understand the importance of flossing every single day, and we encourage you and every member of your family to make daily flossing a habit. However, if you skipped flossing too much and you are experiencing tooth pain or think you have a cavity, schedule your appointment with us now. We want to help you keep smiling and live your best life without the stress of dental problems.

Flossing, the dreaded extra step it takes for better oral hygiene. While it’s just as important as brushing only one-third of Americans do it daily. It seems more like a chore than brushing but it is actually quite simple and reaches the 40% of tooth surface area your toothbrush can’t. So why does it seem so much harder to follow a flossing routine than a brushing routine?  It can be a hassle adding an extra step in your daily to-do list, but the benefits of flossing are tremendous and there are several ways it can be made even easier.

So why should you care about flossing and what’s the best and easiest way to clean those chompers?

Why You Should Care About Flossing

Good oral hygiene prevents periodontal disease and periodontal disease can lead to a myriad of other health issues such as heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

On average one in eight adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of gum disease. Follow up on these flossing practices to make sure you’re not the one in eight.

Flossing Best Practices

It is best to practice flossing at least once a day, preferably before night to remove any food or particles that have become lodged in between the teeth or gums.

How to Floss Properly

• Take 18 to 24 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around two fingers, leave yourself an inch or two to work with
• Hold the floss tight between your thumbs and index fingers, and slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth
• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line.
• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth

Not Sure Which Floss is Best for You?

• Unwaxed floss is thin nylon floss that’s great for getting into tight spaces but can be prone to breaking.
• Waxed floss is a standard nylon floss with a light wax coating. It’s less likely to break but harder to use in smaller spaces than unwaxed floss.
• Dental tape is broader and flatter than standard floss and comes in waxed or unwaxed versions. This can be more comfortable for teeth with wider spaces between them.
• Polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE) is the same material used in high-tech Gore-Tex fabric. The material slides between the teeth easily and is less likely to shred compared to standard floss.
• Super flosses are made from yarn-like material that has stiffer sections on each end that can be used to clean around braces or dental bridges.

It only takes a few moments to leave a lasting impression on your health. Remember, floss at least once a day, before bedtime.

Resources:

https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/solutions/floss/dental-floss-types-pros-cons

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-floss

Dental Hygiene & Your Health

Did you know October is recognized as Dental Hygiene Month? We all know that skipping brushing and flossing can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss, but studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can affect your whole body. From heart disease to low birth rate, forgetting to take good care of your mouth can take a toll on your body.

Here are a few diseases that poor oral hygiene can play a part in:

• Cardiovascular disease
  Some studies show that bacterial infection in the mouth and gums can move into the bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots.
• Dementia 
  Some studies suggest there is a correlation between periodontal disease and increased risk of dementia. The bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain through the nervous system or the bloodstream leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Diabetic complications
  Gum disease is more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Periodontal disease can make it harder to control blood sugar and worsen diabetic symptoms.
• Pregnancy and Birth
  A study found in the NCBI confirms that mothers with Periodontal disease tend to produce relatively low birth weights as a result of poor dental hygiene.

Now that we know what poor hygiene and periodontal disease can cause, how do we prevent it?

• Find the right toothbrush
  Brush with a soft or extra soft toothbrush because medium and hard bristles can damage enamel.
• Floss Daily
  Brushing only cleans 70% of tooth surface area leaving a whopping 30% to be reached only through flossing.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
  Tartar buildup cannot be cleaned with just regular brushing and flossing, dentists need to remove tartar buildup to prevent oral disease. They also check for oral and throat cancer.
• Brush at least twice a day for two whole minutes
  Studies show that brushing for two minutes reduces plaque considerably compared to one minute of brushing. Brush a minimum of twice daily for two minutes each for optimal oral hygiene.
• Brush more than just your teeth
  Gums, tongue, and top of your mouth also harbor bacteria so make sure to give them a good brush too.

If you think you may be experiencing periodontal disease, Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville is here to help. We are currently accepting new patients. Call (865) 584-6163 to schedule an appointment today!

Resources:

• https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Dental/ways-poor-dental-care-makes-sick/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/