Why Should I Floss?

Why should I floss my teeth?  That's a question I hear daily and the answer is simple: Flossing is the best way to clean in between your teeth and help keep your gums healthy.  Believe it or not the bristles of your tooth brush are just too big to fit in between your teeth.  We recommend daily flossing in addition to brushing two times a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
To use manual (regular) floss, start by pulling out a section of floss about 18 inches long.  Wrap the floss around your middle fingers on each hand leaving 1-2 inches free to work with between them.  Using your index fingers to guide the floss, start in one area of the mouth and work your way around the arch then do the same with the opposite arch.  Make sure you floss both sides of every tooth. It's very important to make a "C" shape round the tooth and use a gentle vertical stroke.  Keep in mind the goal of flossing is to gently cleanse the area and not to harm or injure the gum tissue.  Some bleeding may occur if you are just beginning to floss. Please don't be discouraged because this is only temporary and should stop after a few weeks of regular flossing.
If you have further questions about how to floss or what types of floss would be best for your mouth please ask us.  You may also submit a question or comment.
Thanks,
Laura Melton, RDH, BS

Dry Mouth

Most people have dry mouth every once in a while, but if you have it most or all of the time it can lead to dental and general health problems.  Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia.  Dry mouth is caused by not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.  Did you know that saliva is important because it: helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth, and it makes it possible for you to chew and swallow your food.
Dry mouth can be caused by nerve damage to the head and neck, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, some diseases (AIDS/HIV, diabetes, & Parkinson's to name a few), and side effects of medications like blood pressure and anti-depressants.  There are more than 400 medications that can cause dry mouth.
If you have dry mouth you can do some of the following:
-Sip water often
-Avoid drinks with caffeine in them
-Chew sugarless gums or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow
-Do not use tobacco or alcohol (they tend to dry the mouth out)
-Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they can cause pain
-Make sure you brush 2 times a day
-Floss every day
-Use toothpaste with fluoride in it
-Visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year
-Use Biotene products (great for aiding in dry mouth) found at your local pharmacy
Thanks,
Jessica Still