Showing posts with label benefits of flossing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefits of flossing. Show all posts

Friday, September 2, 2022

Top 3 Benefits of Flossing

Are you flossing your teeth? Do you find it hard to remember to floss when you are going through your daily dental routine? That's okay! Making time to brush and floss your teeth is incredibly important, but you may not know all of the reasons why flossing is so vital in maintaining proper dental health! 

In this week's blog, we will be discussing some of the main benefits of flossing your teeth! Keep reading below to learn more about our picks for the top 3 benefits of flossing your teeth on a regular basis! 

1. Prevents Tooth Decay

Everyone has probably experienced a cavity at some point in their life, and they are not fun. Cavities are painful, and can be difficult to rid yourself of them once they've popped up. 

When we floss, we are clearing out leftover food particles that have nestled their way in-between our teeth, which can help prevent the breakdown of your enamel. When our enamel begins to breakdown, our teeth become susceptible to decay, so be sure you are grabbing some floss and getting rid of any leftover food that may be hiding between your teeth! 


2. Prevents Halitosis 

Having bad breath can be an embarrassing experience, especially if it goes noticed by others. Flossing, although it may not seem like it would, prevents halitosis from occurring! As we mentioned earlier, food particles can become trapped between your teeth, and flossing helps remove any leftover pieces. 

When those pieces stay stuck, they decay, and when they decay that leads to the foul odor that can come from our mouth. Not to mention, the build-up of plaque, cavities, and tooth decay can be caused from lack of flossing which also leads to bad breath. If you are experiencing halitosis, you can grab some floss and begin the process of fixing it, and you can always visit your local Missouri dental office to get advice on how to properly floss to avoid getting bad breath. 


3. Prevents Gum Disease

If you have ever brushed or flossed your teeth and noticed bleeding from your gums, you may be suffering from gum disease! Flossing after you brush is a great way to help rid you of your gingivitis. When you develop your dental routine, make sure you are brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once a day to help clear up your gum disease. 

Of course, if you are having any continuing or lingering issues, it may be wise to consult with your preferred dentist and schedule a dental appointment. 

Brushing is always one of the first aspects that comes to mind when we think of dental hygiene; however, it is important to remember the importance of flossing, too. When we floss, we are getting rid of all of the leftover particles that brushing just cannot reach. 

At Access Dental, we care about your dental health and want to see you have the happiest and healthiest smile! To schedule an appointment at one of our dental offices in Missouri, please visit our website! 

Friday, October 23, 2020

Tooth Pain? Check Out These Common Causes!

Tooth pain is not only annoying, but it can feel very invasive as well! Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri, so we know all too well how bad tooth pain can be. Not being able to enjoy cold food, hot drinks, chewing crispy or hard items... If tooth pain feels like it is taking over your life, keep reading to see if one of these causes could be why. And give us a call for an appointment! 


Grinding Teeth


If you grind your teeth, the outer layer of your tooth gets worn down from the pressure. This exposes the dentin inside your teeth, which makes it more susceptible to sensitivity and decay. If you regularly wake up with an aching jaw or tooth pain, then it may be a good idea to talk to your local dentist to get some protective gear while you sleep. 

Too Much Acid Exposure


If you consume a lot of acidic foods and drinks as part of your diet, then you could be on the path to some serious dental issues. Check out these signs and symptoms to see if your enamel may already be experiencing erosion. 
  • Tooth Sensitivity - Hot, cold, and overly sweet items will cause tooth pain.
  • Discoloration - Teeth will become more and more yellow.
  • Rounding - Teeth may start to look rounded as corners wear away.
  • Transparent Teeth - Teeth might start looking somewhat see-through, especially at the edges.
  • Cracks & Cupping - Small cracks and dents may appear on your teeth.


Too Much Brushing


Tooth pain and sensitivity could simply be caused by bad, or incorrect, brushing techniques. If you tend to brush your teeth very hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush, then it could simply mean that you are being too aggressive and need to pull back a bit. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle circles to avoid causing damage to your gums while brushing. 

Too Little Flossing


Flossing. We know it’s something we should do daily, but most people aren’t quite sure why. You may think that brushing your teeth twice a day and using Listerine is enough. But what you might not realize is that neither of those methods can reach the bacteria growing in the tight spaces between your teeth. This bacteria can cause inflammation and tooth pain. The benefits of flossing go beyond just keeping your teeth clean and shiny. Flossing regularly can help prevent...
  • Bad Breath
  • Yellowing Teeth
  • Tooth Decay
  • Gum Disease
  • Serious Health Concerns

Cavities


Your tooth pain and sensitivity could be caused by a more serious issue than the others, though. It could be that your enamel has already worn away and caused a cavity in your tooth. It is important to see a dentist to rule out this possibility!

Missouri Dentist


If none of these causes sound like they could be the reason you are experiencing tooth pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with a professional dentist near you as soon as possible. There could be an underlying issue causing the problem. Access Dental and Dentures is dedicated to your health, and we are here for you. Give us a call to set up an appointment or a regular cleaning: 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, September 6, 2019

Flossing Could Save Your Life

Flossing. We know it’s something we should do daily, but most people aren’t quite sure why. You may think that brushing your teeth twice a day and using Listerine is enough. But what you might not realize is that neither of those methods can reach the bacteria growing in the tight spaces between your teeth. The benefits of flossing go beyond just keeping your teeth clean and shiny. Our team at Access Dental can remove buildup between your teeth for you, but every six months is not often enough to prevent the bacteria from harming you.
There are several negative side effects, and even very serious health conditions, that can develop from not flossing. Read on to find out what you may be risking by sticking to your current routine. If you have any questions about flossing or your oral health in general, contact our Southern Missouri dentist and we’ll take care of you!


Bad Breath and Yellow Teeth

Have you noticed that, no matter how much you brush your teeth and use mouthwash, your breath still has an unpleasant odor? This could be a result of bacteria stuck between your teeth that a regular toothbrush can’t reach. These bacteria will continue to grow and cause even worse breath. Flossing removes these pesky pathogens and can help prevent bad breath.
You may also have trouble keeping your teeth looking clean and sparkly. The front of your teeth may be perfectly white, but if you aren’t taking care of the edges by flossing, your overall smile will look less bright. Plaque buildup between your teeth makes this effect even worse, and you could end up trying to hide your smile that now seems yellowed and dull.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

The longer that food and the resulting bacteria sit between your teeth, the more damage they can do. They weaken tooth enamel and can eventually cause the affected tooth to decay, develop cavities, and possibly even fall out!
These same bacteria sitting on your gums makes for a very unhappy mouth. As your body tries to fight the bacteria, it sends additional blood to the area. This is what causes gum inflammation and bleeding that we refer to as gingivitis. Gingivitis is considered a minor version of gum disease! As it progresses, the gums get more infected and can start to affect your overall health.


Pneumonia

One of the ways oral bacteria can negatively affect your health is by causing lung infections. You can inhale bacteria as a result of the buildup in your mouth. These bacteria travel through your system and lodge in your lungs, causing respiratory issues including pneumonia.   

Heart Disease

Another serious consequence of unattended oral bacteria is heart disease. As the bacterial infection spreads and enters your bloodstream, bacterial plaques can start building up on the valves in your heart. The extra burden on your heart, in addition to the infection, can lead to heart attack and even stroke.


Alzheimer’s

A recent study published in Science Advances (1 Jan 2019, https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/1/eaau3333. Accessed 9 Sept 2019.) found that there may be a correlation between Alzheimer’s and insufficient oral hygiene. In studying Alzheimer patients, researchers discovered that numerous patients had a pathogen in their brains that has been linked to gum disease.

Floss Daily for Better Health


Thoroughly cleaning your teeth isn’t just about having a bright smile and fresh breath – even though those are great perks! Proper care reduces harmful bacteria and inhibits the spread of infection from your mouth to other areas of your body, including your lungs, heart, and brain. Flossing is an important habit that should be part of your daily routine. If you are unsure how to properly floss, our caring experts at Access Dental would be happy to show you. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment with the best dentist near Springfield Missouri!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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