Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Flossing 101



Although we all know that daily flossing should be part of our regular dental hygiene regime, many of us treat it like an afterthought: “Oh, yeah, it’s been a few days since I’ve flossed, better get after it” or “Now, where did I put that new pack of floss?…oh dear, no time, I’ll find it tomorrow.”

According to the American Dental Association, it is necessary to floss at least once a day to maintain optimal oral health. Flossing simply reaches particles of food that settle between the teeth that can be too difficult to reach with normal brushing. When tiny food particles remain between the teeth and nestle into the gum line, plaque, tartar, cavities, and bad breath are inevitable! Did you know that a toothbrush can only effectively clean about 75% of each tooth’s surface? Without flossing, that’s like not brushing the fractional equivalent of 8 entire teeth! Avoid a dental health disaster by following these guidelines for better flossing:

Tools-Waxed or unwaxed floss, plastic flossers or dental picks-it is just a matter of personal preference. Some tools make flossing easier for those who may have trouble using traditional floss, such as small children and older adults. Using any type of floss is certainly better than not flossing at all. However, waxed floss may have more of an edge, due to some that are coated with essential oils and enzymes. Those extras aid in the removal of plaque and food debris.

Individuals with large spaces between the teeth tend to have great results with what’s known as “super floss”. It is specially made to stretch and expand in larger spaces and contract to fit through smaller spaces. Those with dental work, such as braces, find that floss threaders make the job much easier.

Another important tool for flossing is a timer or even a watch-that’s because failing to set aside a little time each day for flossing is a common problem!

The Right Way to Floss-Rushing this important activity and just zipping the floss though a couple of teeth is pointless. If you are not sure of the technique, consult  your dental hygienist for a demonstration. In the meantime, here are the basics:


  • Use a length of floss that is 18 to 24 inches long
  • Wrap the ends gently around each index finger
  • Using the thumb and index finger on each hand, grasp the floss and guide it between each tooth-if that is uncomfortable or difficult, use your middle finger and thumb instead


The Nitty Gritty-Here are some pointers to make flossing even more effective:

Consider the way your teeth are set into your gums-they are side by side in rows and each tooth has 2 sides that can not be accessed with a toothbrush. That’s why you should floss each side of each tooth!

Move the floss up and down the length of each tooth. When you come to the gum line, curve the floss into a “C” shape to reach around the tooth. Be sure to go just under the gum line.

Either rinse the floss as you go or use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria and food particles from going tooth to tooth.

Ok, this may sound strange, but every now and then, try sniffing the floss just after you’ve worked it between a tooth. If you notice an unpleasant odor, take it as a clue that something is amiss. It could be that it’s been a while since you flossed, that you missed something before, or it could be a sign of decay. Either way, floss again, rinse, and brush to see if the matter persists. If it does, see your dentist to find out the cause.

Be aware that some teeth, especially those with crowns may be what are known as “food trappers”. Be especially diligent with those and never skip flossing! A great trick for to help get the job done is to tie a knot in the floss.

If you have not been flossing regularly, do not be alarmed if it is slightly painful or if you see a little blood. However, if this persists for more that a week to 10 days, see your dentist to ensure that there are no issues.

It’s easy to make flossing a part of your routine when there’s easy access to floss. Try keeping spare packs of floss or flossing picks in the shower, the car, your briefcase or purse, and gym bag. That way, there will be no excuses!

Having any pain from your teeth or jaw? There's no need to suffer, come see us so we can work on a solution and an end to that pain. Simply call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Spring and Summer-Time to Eat Healthy!



Spring and summer can be busy times for families with kids. Some sports are gearing up, there’s Easter, spring break, and then those lazy, crazy days of summer. Time spent running here and there, plus spending hours in the car is typically the rule and not the exception. This is also a period in which healthy habits may fall by the wayside. Crazy schedules force us to dash here and there and “grab and go” foods become a mainstay.

Of course the problem lies in the fact that most of those “grab and go” choices are not the healthiest. Not only do they sabotage a healthy diet, they can also lead to tooth decay. Resorting to the drive through may be the only choice from time to time. However, it does not have to be! Check out these tips to stay on track with better food choices during the spring and summer:

Make your grab and go options an alternative to sugary, salty processed snack foods. Keep baggies of washed and cut up fruits and veggies in the fridge. We already know that fruit is nature’s candy! Crunchy or salty cravings can be satisfied with individual snack size bags of bite size cheese, whole grain crackers and pretzels, wholesome nuts, seeds, and veggie chips.

Speaking of chips, look into purchasing a small dehydrator. They are relatively inexpensive and considering the cost of kale or apple chips, they pay for themselves several times over. Just think….sweet potato chips with cinnamon, garlic/lemon zucchini chips, pear chips, dried peaches with vanilla, plums, figs…mmmmm!

This is also the time of year when local farmers markets begin to reopen. Make shopping directly from the farmers a family affair. Something magic happens when youngsters have hands on experiences and make the connection that the foods they eat do not actually come just from only the supermarket! And…this is one of the best sources for healthy food choices.

Designate two snack baskets or boxes-one for home and one for the car. Fill them with healthy options so you will always be prepared.

Make water the hands-down beverage of choice. Invest in a few appealing (packaging is everything!) BPA-free water bottles. Keep them chillin in the fridge for the best grab and go thirst quencher around!

Another important "to-do" item for your overall health? Regular visits to the dentist! Give us a call at 919-782-0548 to be sure you are up to date, or to schedule an appointment.