It’s a fact, flossing daily helps protect against gingivitis by removing plaque and food particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, while giving you a beautiful smile.

So, do you floss daily?

Probably not! Well, you’re not alone because according to an American Dental Association (ADA) survey, only 16% of patients report flossing daily. 

The main reason people say they don’t floss every day is because it takes too much time but, flossing is a very important aspect of your gum health. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology says, “Gum disease is typically caused when prolonged exposure to bacteria in dental plaque causes an inflammatory reaction. Flossing is an effective and useful way to remove the plaque, especially in between the teeth or under the gum line-places where a toothbrush cannot reach.”

Some people find flossing difficult, others say it makes their gums bleed or sore. Well, that bleeding and soreness means bacteria is causing an infection between your teeth. Flossing removes that! 

Here are a few tips to start making flossing part of your daily routine:

Create Flossing Cues

• One of the easiest ways to remind yourself to floss more is to create a flossing cue, a way to remind you to do it. This can be as simple as a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or a reminder alarm on your phone. There are even dental apps that help you set reminders such as Brush DJ. The app helps you to brush your teeth for the full two minutes to a randomly selected song from your playlist. The app entertains you with music while you brush, making brushing fun and exciting rather than boring. The app also allows you to set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, and see your dentist or hygienist regularly. Brush DJ is a free app.

Chunk Floss

• Studies in neuroscience show that one way to create a new habit is by chunking the desired one with something you already do. This action, called ‘habit-chunking’ can work for flossing too. Pick something that you do every day, dental or non-dental, and put floss there. Before you do that daily habit, floss first. By chunking, you basically trick your brain into creating a new habit without thinking too much about it.

Stash Floss Everywhere!

• If you only floss by the mirror, it may seem like a time-consuming chore, ut if you have it stashed in places like your purse, pocket, car, or by the TV, you can do it when you have any extra minute. So, stock up on floss, LOTS OF IT! 

Find the flossing product that works best for you

• Not everyone has to use string floss. Some find it difficult to maneuver while others think it is just plain slimy. If you have sensitive teeth and gums that bleed easily, choose a soft floss that slides easily and comfortably between the teeth. There are also many alternatives to string floss such as floss holders, floss picks, and water flossers.

Types of floss:

• Traditional Waxed Floss – this is the typical offering. The wax can help make it easier to get the floss between your teeth so if you have really tiny spaces this could be a good option for you.
• Non-waxed floss – The lack of wax might make the floss a bit thinner, but the absence of the wax acting as a lubricant might make it a little more difficult to thread between your teeth.
• Disposable Toothpicks – these have grown in popularity and can be a great option, whether you’re on the go or just need help getting those tough to reach back teeth. These come in large packs at most grocery stores and are great for having on hand at all times. Throw a few in your backpack or purse in case you find yourself away from the house and in need of a quick floss.
• Floss Threaders – these handy tools are especially great for individuals with braces or permanent retainers. You can take your floss and place it inside the threader and then use the threader to guide the floss where you need it to go.
• Electric or Water Flossers – these handy tools can be great for those who really can’t get into the regular routine of flossing, they use a combination of pressure and water to clean away plaque and stuck food from the hard to reach areas between your teeth. These are great options but might not clean the entire area. They can be a little more expensive and they might make more of a mess during your daily routine.

*It is always best to discuss floss alternatives with your dental professionals*

Reward Yourself After You’re Done!

• Just as individuals can form good habits, it’s also possible for bad habits to form. Help get yourself excited about flossing by rewarding yourself after you’ve done it. If you have a favorite TV show wait to watch it until after you’ve completed your flossing or mark off the number of days in a row you floss on your calendar and after 30 consecutive days allow yourself a special treat.

Take Baby Steps

• Start taking baby steps toward more flossing. Flossing a few times a week is better than not at all. It can even lead to more regular flossing later! You can even start by flossing just one tooth. Flossing just one tooth isn’t going to improve your overall periodontal health right away. But that’s not the point. The point is to make the act of flossing a habit, which will eventually lead to improved gum health. All you have to do to feel successful is to floss one single tooth at a time.  

Don’t ever feel defeated if you can’t seem to make it a daily habit. Just keep trying to do your best and know that we are always here to help you find tools and tips to clean in-between your teeth.

Keep in mind that flossing correctly is just as important as how often you do it. Here is a step-by-step guide and video by the ADA on proper flossing. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral oropharyngeal cancer in 2020. They estimate that it will cause over close to 10,000 deaths. In the late stages, oral cancer can be life-threatening, which is why early diagnosis is so important.

Because early detection is the key to early-stage diagnosis, your dentist is an important health partner in mouth cancer detection.

How is oral cancer detected by my dentist?

When you visit your dental office, your dental professionals are screening for cancer.  At your cleaning appointment, your hygienist performs an oral cancer screening and reports suspicious areas to your dentist before your exam. Your dentist also performs an oral cancer exam and will refer you to an oral surgeon if they feel the discovered lesion or bump should be tested. Those abnormalities can be tested through a biopsy, which can definitively determine whether cancer cells are present.

Because oral cancer symptoms can often seem like other less serious conditions, it can be missed early, which is why self-awareness is so important. Self-examination is also a way to detect abnormalities as well. So, if you have a sore, lump, or pain that doesn’t go away in about two weeks, you should seek an examination by your dentist or physician. 

Can oral cancer be treated?

Yes, it can be treated like other forms of cancer.

Your oral surgeon can perform a biopsy and remove the abnormal lesion or growth. If it is determined to be cancerous, patients are referred to an oncologist, a cancer specialist. Typically, post-surgery treatment involves treatment such as radiation and/or chemotherapy. 

Common Symptoms:

• Mouth or lip sores that do not heal after 14 days.
• Unusual red or whitish spots inside the mouth/tongue that cannot be wiped away.
• Unusual bleeding or pain inside the mouth/around gums.
• Lumps or bumps inside the mouth & lip or outside the mouth, head, and neck.
• Chronic sore throat or feeling of thickness in your throat.
• Voice changes or hoarseness.
• Trouble chewing and swallowing.

Common Risks:

• Age – Patients who are over the age of 55 are at higher risk.
• Gender – Men are at twice the risk as women.
• Tobacco Use – Tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer!
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Oral cancer is more likely in people who drink alcohol vs non-drinkers.  Some studies show that excessive alcohol users are up to 6 times more likely to get oral cancer.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Cases of oral cancer associated with HPV are rising, especially in younger people. 
• UV Exposure – Cancerous lesions around lips are more common in those who have had excessive sun exposure from a young age.

In addition to common risk factors, new research is also finding that there may be links between oral cancer and poor nutrition and poor oral health. So, regular dental visits can help not only detect but also help reduce your risk for oral cancer.

Dental x-rays or radiographs are an important part of your dental care. Along with an oral examination, they provide your dentist with a more complete view of what’s happening in your mouth.

BENEFITS OF X- RAYS

X-rays give your dentist a picture of your hard tissues (teeth and bones) and the soft tissues that surround your teeth and jawbones.

According to the American Dental Association, x-rays can show tooth decay, fillings, gum disease, and types of tumors. Dental radiographs can also alert your dentist to changes in your hard and soft tissues. In children, radiographs allow the dentist to see how their teeth and jawbones are developing. Early detection of an infection or injury also can limit or prevent further damage to other areas of the mouth.

SAFETY OF DENTAL X-RAYS

Many wonder if x-rays are safe because they expose the patient to radiation. The ADA states that the amount of radiation used to obtain dental radiographs is very small. Dentists follow the ALARA principle, which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable,” when obtaining radiographs. This radiation safety principle limits your exposure by incorporating the following techniques: use of the fastest image receptor (that is, the fastest film speed or digital speed); reduction in the size of the x-ray beam to the size of the image receptor whenever possible; use of proper exposure and processing techniques; duse of leaded aprons and, whenever possible, thyroid collars.

Your dentist will decide when radiographs are needed on the basis of your oral examination findings, any symptoms you report, a review of your health history, your risk of experiencing oral disease, your age, or any combination of the preceding.

Peanut butter is a heart-healthy food with good fats, but that classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich from your childhood might not be such a great idea for your mouth. Most kinds of peanut butter are made with a lot of sugar that feeds acid-causing bacteria.

Here at Fox Dental, we recommend looking for peanut butter with no added sugar. It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water and brush afterward to make sure all of the sticky substance is removed from your teeth.

Peanuts and peanut butter can have benefits for your mouth, in fact, some research suggests that they can decrease your chances of gum disease. Just make sure to buy brands with only natural peanut oils not added fats. Peanuts are also a great source of protein which is an important building block for a healthy mouth and body. The protein in peanuts helps form and repair cells.

Of course, there are some risk factors of eating peanuts like breaking the shell. Using your teeth to break the shell is a major no-no. You’ll risk chipping or even cracking a tooth, which can be seriously painful. Instead, use your hands or opt for the already shelled variety.

Again, there is often a lot of unnecessary sugar so always check the ingredients and pick brands free of added sugars and syrups. And remember the sticky treat can stay on your teeth, promoting plaque-causing bacteria so be sure to brush and you can keep enjoying the delicious sticky snack!