Flossing daily is very important to your overall dental health. Regular flossing will reduce tooth decay in between your teeth as well as promote gingival health. Flossing removes dental plaque and stimulates the gum tissue allowing the gums to be as healthy as possible. For many years the most effective method of flossing has been traditional “string” floss. In recent years the ADA (American Dental Association) has given certain water flossers the ADA seal of approval in plaque and bleeding reduction . Which is best? Lets take a look at some pros and cons of both!
Traditional Dental Floss
Advantages
It is a very efficient method of removing excess food off of the teeth.
Floss is inexpensive and easily accessible from any pharmacy or grocery store.
Flossing can be done anywhere.
Disadvantages
Difficulty reaching some areas of the mouth with floss.
Flossing can cause minor bleeding, especially if not done regularly.
Floss can sometimes be difficult to handle by some people
Water Flossers
Water flossers are a small machine that utilizes a stream of water to remove plaque and food debris as well as massage the gums.
Advantages
Water flossers are great to use in difficult areas to reach such as dental bridges, implants, crowns, etc.
Studies show removes 2x more plaque than traditional flossing and brushing.
51% more effective than string floss to reduce gingivitis.
Long term compliance.
Disadvantages
Can be expensive and uses up space on the counter.
Need electricity and water to use which makes it difficult to use away from home.
Due to having water under pressure, it can be messy.
Conclusion
The best way to floss is the way it is easiest for you to do on a daily basis.. If you have always used dental floss and are having great checkups, keep up the great work! If your dentist and dental hygienist are suggesting a need to floss more often and to be more thorough, check out a water flosser. You may be surprised how much better your dental checkups will be!
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Approximately 53,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. One person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, will die from it. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it is not noticeable by patients. It is typically noticed once it has metastasized to the lymph nodes or another area. For this reason, routine oral cancer screenings are important to aid in early detection.
Risk Factors
Smoking and tobacco use have been known risk factors for quite some time. Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor. Historically at least 75% of those diagnosed at 50 and older have been tobacco users. This percentage is now changing, and exact percentages are yet to be definitively determined and published, as new data related to a decrease in tobacco use are changing the dynamic very rapidly. When you combine tobacco with heavy use of alcohol, your risk is significantly increased, as the two act synergistically. Those who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.
While smoking and tobacco are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due the connection to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This can develop oropharyngeal cancers which can be found in the throat and tonsillar region as well as the base of the tongue.
Symptoms
Noting any changes in the mouth is very important. Oral cancer may appear as a white or red patch, or a small ulcer like a canker sore. It is important to have any sore or discoloration evaluated by a professional if it does not heal within 14 days.
A sore, or soreness or irritation that doesn’t go away
Red or white patches, or pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
Lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Persistent sore throat
Earaches
Hoarseness
Enlarged lymph nodes
Pain when swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
When it comes to symptoms, call your dentist immediately if you have any concerns. Many of these symptoms can seem like normal changes occurring in the mouth. A dental professional can help you to monitor and determine when further examination is needed.If you have never had an oral cancer screening there is no time like the present! By taking a proactive approach, there is an increased chance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Children's Dental Health Month
When should my child see an orthodontist?
This is determined case by case. Some orthodontic treatment such as expanding the upper and lower jaws is completed as early treatment which could begin as early as 7-8 years old. In other cases, orthodontists like to begin treatment when all the baby teeth have been lost around the ages of 10-12 years old. We do recommend having a panorex completed by the age of 8 years old to evaluate the erupting pattern of the permanent canines. This xray can be taken during a routine dental appointment.
Dr. Roach’s desire is to walk alongside parents to help them establish the healthiest habits for their children. We want our office to be a place of education as well as a fun place to be where children genuinely look forward to visiting. A great checkup is fun for kids as well as parents!
A brighter, healthier smile is just one step towards a “new you” in the New Year.
As the New Year begins, it is common for people to evaluate many areas of their lives to seek out ways to improve. The following are 5 steps that can help you towards your goal!
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing 2x daily is essential as it minimizes the development of periodontal disease, tooth decay and bad breath. This can be the easiest step to promote great oral health. Removing the plaque, bacteria and food debris will reduce the chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease. When brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle touching your gums and tooth. Move the toothbrush gently in a circular motion being careful not to scrub back and forth. Brushing your teeth should take at least 2 minutes and should be completed 2x per day.
Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or water flossing, it is very important to be sure you floss daily. 40% of the tooth surface is in between your teeth. Flossing will remove the plaque and bacteria in between your teeth that can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. When using string floss or floss pick be sure to wrap the floss around the tooth into a "C" formation and scrape up and down. The Waterpik water flosser has recently been given the ADA seal to remove plaque as well. This offers an additional stimulation to the gum tissue and can be easier for some people to use.
Regular Dental Visits
Visiting the dentist and dental hygienist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings will help to keep your mouth feeling healthy. During those visits, the dentist and dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove the buildup of tartar and stain. They will also evaluate any development of decay or periodontal disease both of which are easier to treat when caught early. It is amazing how routine dental cleanings will minimize the amount of money and time spent at the dentist over a lifetime!
Whitening Teeth
The color of your teeth is similar to hair color or skin color…we are all a little different. Coffee, tea, smoking and some foods can increase the discoloration of teeth while some tooth discoloration is just part of the natural aging process. There are several different options to whiten teeth. Whether you choose to begin the whitening process in the office or at home, most people achieve great results. This leads to a more confident, brighter smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many ways to enhance or repair teeth. We can change the shape and color of teeth with crowns. Bonding allows us to close those unwanted spaces that you would like to eliminate in your smile without having to go through braces. Sometimes replacing a stained filling is all that is needed for someone to feel more confident with their smile.
Orthodontics
Straightening teeth isn’t just for children any longer! We have patients of all ages going through the process of orthodontics. We work closely with you to help find the best orthodontist to help you reach your goals of straighter teeth.For some people these may seem like big steps to take…But you are not alone! We would love the opportunity to help you along the journey of achieving your best smile.
Flossing daily is very important to your overall dental health. Regular flossing will reduce tooth decay in between your teeth as well as promote gingival health. Flossing removes dental plaque and stimulates the gum tissue allowing the gums to be as healthy as possible. For many years the most effective method of flossing has been traditional “string” floss. In recent years the ADA (American Dental Association) has given certain water flossers the ADA seal of approval in plaque and bleeding reduction . Which is best? Lets take a look at some pros and cons of both!
Water flossers are a small machine that utilizes a stream of water to remove plaque and food debris as well as massage the gums.
Approximately 53,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. One person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, will die from it. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it is not noticeable by patients. It is typically noticed once it has metastasized to the lymph nodes or another area. For this reason, routine oral cancer screenings are important to aid in early detection.
Brushing 2x daily is essential as it minimizes the development of periodontal disease, tooth decay and bad breath. This can be the easiest step to promote great oral health. Removing the plaque, bacteria and food debris will reduce the chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease. When brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle touching your gums and tooth. Move the toothbrush gently in a circular motion being careful not to scrub back and forth. Brushing your teeth should take at least 2 minutes and should be completed 2x per day.