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Flossing Makes You Live Longer!
Regular flossing, long considered an essential part of daily dental cleansing, has been found to have a positive effect on your life expectancy, increasing it by up to 6 years.
The primary benefit of flossing is that plaque is removed from the sides of your teeth and gum line, resulting in fewer cavities and preventing you from developing gum disease.
If you have gum disease, you are 1.5-2 times more likely to die from a fatal heart attack and 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than someone with healthy gums.
Gum disease can be particularly dangerous to the elderly. Infected gums can contain pneumonia bacteria that can be transferred into the lungs. Furthermore, if bacteria from periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease, enters the blood stream, people with artificial joints or heart valves are more likely to suffer from a serious infection.
So floss regularly to live a longer, healthier life!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Brush Up Your Brushing Form
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If tooth brushing were a televised sport, the commentators would have a field day with the ridiculously individualized brushing styles each one of us has developed over the years. And yes, some of our styles are more effective than others.
Length Does Matter
To start with, most of us don't brush for long enough. Studies have shown that most of us brush for only 30 seconds, while dentists and other experts tend to brush from 2 to 4 minutes, that's at least 4 times the brushing action!
Get A (Better) Grip
Your toothbrush grip also matters. One Finnish study has found that using a pen-like grip, as opposed to the common tennis racquet-like grip, is just as effective at removing plaque but is also much less likely to damage your gums as you're less likely to brush too hard.
However, should you brush up and down or in circles? Actually, it doesn't really matter as much as the duration of your brushing and whether you brush too hard and cause damage to your gums. Go with whatever motion you're most comfortable with.
Oh No! We're Out Of Toothpaste
Finally, even if you're out of toothpaste you can still get the most important benefit of brushing, the removal of plaque, by simply brushing with plain water. Remember, your daily brushing is the most important and effective part of your individual dental health so don't let lack of toothpaste prevent you from brushing.
If tooth brushing were a televised sport, the commentators would have a field day with the ridiculously individualized brushing styles each one of us has developed over the years. And yes, some of our styles are more effective than others.
Length Does Matter
To start with, most of us don't brush for long enough. Studies have shown that most of us brush for only 30 seconds, while dentists and other experts tend to brush from 2 to 4 minutes, that's at least 4 times the brushing action!
Get A (Better) Grip
Your toothbrush grip also matters. One Finnish study has found that using a pen-like grip, as opposed to the common tennis racquet-like grip, is just as effective at removing plaque but is also much less likely to damage your gums as you're less likely to brush too hard.
However, should you brush up and down or in circles? Actually, it doesn't really matter as much as the duration of your brushing and whether you brush too hard and cause damage to your gums. Go with whatever motion you're most comfortable with.
Oh No! We're Out Of Toothpaste
Finally, even if you're out of toothpaste you can still get the most important benefit of brushing, the removal of plaque, by simply brushing with plain water. Remember, your daily brushing is the most important and effective part of your individual dental health so don't let lack of toothpaste prevent you from brushing.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Q: Why Do You Need A Dental Plan?
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A: Because having dental coverage makes it easier for you to afford regular dental check-ups which in turn will help...
1. STOP oral cancer - Regular dental check-ups reduce the risk.
2. STOP gum disease - Gum disease results in tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease and strokes.
3. STOP bad breath - It's been reported that about 85% of people who continually have bad breath usually have a dental condition that needs professional attention.
4. STOP tooth decay - Regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent tooth decay that can lead to other health problems.
5. STOP adult tooth loss because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
In the past several years, new studies and dental research have linked gum disease to heart disease, pancreatic cancer, strokes and other health problems.
While gum disease is very serious, it's also very easy to prevent; just see a dentist! Dental plans make it more affordable for people to see the dentist. Without a good dental plan, people avoid going to the dentist because they think it costs too much.
A: Because having dental coverage makes it easier for you to afford regular dental check-ups which in turn will help...
1. STOP oral cancer - Regular dental check-ups reduce the risk.
2. STOP gum disease - Gum disease results in tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease and strokes.
3. STOP bad breath - It's been reported that about 85% of people who continually have bad breath usually have a dental condition that needs professional attention.
4. STOP tooth decay - Regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent tooth decay that can lead to other health problems.
5. STOP adult tooth loss because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
In the past several years, new studies and dental research have linked gum disease to heart disease, pancreatic cancer, strokes and other health problems.
While gum disease is very serious, it's also very easy to prevent; just see a dentist! Dental plans make it more affordable for people to see the dentist. Without a good dental plan, people avoid going to the dentist because they think it costs too much.
Monday, June 4, 2007
3 Things Your Dentist Must Know About You
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If you're going to see a dentist for the first time or if you haven't been to the dentist in years, be prepared to answer these three important questions your dentist needs to know that may help him or her diagnose problems or treat you appropriately. These three things are:
By communicating with your dentist in this way, all of thes potential problems listed above as well as other less common ones- can be prevented simply by providing your dentist with the proper information.
If you're going to see a dentist for the first time or if you haven't been to the dentist in years, be prepared to answer these three important questions your dentist needs to know that may help him or her diagnose problems or treat you appropriately. These three things are:
- Your Fears - Many people have fears of the dentist that go back to childhood. Pain control and treatment techniques change constantly, so the things you fear most may not exist any longer. If you fear you have a particular disease or condition, let your dentist know so he or she can look for signs and either set your mind to rest or make a definitive diagnosis. Often, just talking about your fears will take some of the edge off.
- Your Overall Health - Your dentist should know if you've been diagnosed with any diseases or are taking any medications. Even diseases that seem to be unrelated to the mouth may require a different approach to dental treatments or prevention.
- Your Dental Health - If you think you have a new cavity, if your teeth have become sensitive or if you feel lumps on the inside of your mouth, tell your dentist before the examination starts. Don't wait to see if the dentist catches it or silently hope the dentist misses it. By telling your dentist your symptoms, you may help him or her make an early diagnosis.
By communicating with your dentist in this way, all of thes potential problems listed above as well as other less common ones- can be prevented simply by providing your dentist with the proper information.
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