Tag: Floss

Take the Bad Out of Breath

May, 18, 2016

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are a number of causes of bad breath as well as some simple solutions.

First, bad breath is a nuisance, embarrassing and can limit or inhibit your interaction with others. However, bad breath can also be a sign of health problems. So, chronic bad breath is not to be ignored.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush regularly causes bacteria to grow inside the mouth. This not only causes bad breath, but also leads to cavities and other dental problems. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Keep a toothbrush at work or school so it’s handy to brush after lunch. After brushing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is another good way to freshen breath and keep your mouth healthy.

Because bad breath can be a warning sign of other health issues, regular dental checkups and cleanings are extremely important. During the exam and routine cleaning, your dentist can check for gum disease, plaque build up and other potential problems.

Certain health conditions or bad habits can also cause bad breath. For example, smoking and chewing tobacco are both extremely dangerous habits—contributing to not only bad breath, but also serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Other health conditions such as acid reflux, sinus infections and dry mouth are common causes of bad breath.

If you’re suffering from halitosis, and want to do something about the bad in your breath, start with making an appointment for a check up, today.

There’s a National Toothache Day (No Joke).

Feb, 2, 2016

February 9 is National Toothache Day. Like you, we’re a bit confused. Why is there a National Toothache Day? How does one celebrate National Toothache Day?

Although there’s not much information about National Toothache Day—or why there’s a national day dedicated to toothaches—there are a few “theories”.

For example, February 9 is also The Feast of St. Apollonia.

Apollonia died in 249 A.D. She is known as the Patron of Dental Disease, a moniker she rightly earned after having all her teeth knocked out by a Christian persecutor.

Another theory is February 9, 1894 is the day the Hershey Corporation was founded. Chocolate = sugar = bacteria = plaque. You get the equation.

Whatever the origin, we suggest that instead of knocking out all your teeth or eating a bag of chocolate, focus on good oral hygiene. Simple steps include: regular flossing and brushing. Plus, don’t forget your dental checkups.

Together, let’s work on making every day a Toothache Free Day!

Attack Plaque: Cavity Prevention & Care

Jan, 25, 2016

Let’s be realistic. We know you’re not going to completely stop eating sugary foods like candy, ice cream and cake; and, most people will continue to enjoy starchy foods like bread, crackers and cereal.

However, sugary and starchy foods are the types of food that create more plaque, and plaque causes tooth decay. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating. When you don’t brush or floss, the plaque/bacteria starts its dirty work.

The bacteria combined with leftover food particles forms harmful acids that destroy enamel and teeth. Eventually, the decay leads to cavities.

Cavity prevention starts in your hands: floss and brush. Keep floss and a toothbrush at work. Pack floss and a toothbrush in your backpack for school. It really only takes a couple of minutes to protect your teeth.

“Prevention! Prevention is the key to a healthy mouth. Forming good habits of brushing and flossing must be repeated every day, and after about two weeks of doing this as a daily routine, it becomes a habit and not a chore,” said Dr. Meyer.

Even dentists have to get into a routine. “As for flossing, for some reason I have a tough time being motivated for that one. But, I have found that keeping some floss close to my TV makes for a good opportunity to floss,” said Dr. Johns.

So, keep your toothbrush and floss close by, and make it a habit to attack plaque. However, don’t forget that regular dental checkups are an extremely important part of the battle plan.