We have heard many excuses and myths about why people don’t floss their teeth. Below are important myths and why they’re not true when it comes to flossing your teeth for the best dental health!

Myth #1 – I might floss the wrong way.

Flossing isn’t the most fun way to either start or end your day, but it’s hard to get it wrong. Start with a length of floss that is about 18 inches long. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand. Use your thumbs and forefingers to grasp the floss and gently place the floss between the teeth.

When the floss hits the gum line, form a C shape against the side of the tooth and move the floss gently up and down. Repeat with the adjacent tooth, then complete the process which each of your teeth. If you want additional help, Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow and their staff at South Waterfront Dental can show you how to get the most out of flossing!

Myth #2 – There’s no food between my teeth.

Although flossing between teeth removes food that has gotten caught, that’s not the only reason to do it. Floss is more about removing the dental plaque that forms on the surfaces of and between your teeth, which is difficult to see. Plaque build-up causes tooth decay, swollen gums, and periodontal disease if it isn’t removed, and the best way to get rid of it is to floss.

Myth #3 – I can’t floss because my fingers don’t fit in my mouth.

There are times when it’s difficult to get the floss where you need it to go for a variety of reasons. There are many tooth-cleaning tools for people who have hand pain, poor coordination, or conditions that keep them from being able to floss.

One way to floss is to use a holder. These Y-shaped plastic instruments hold floss between the two prongs to help keep it in place during the flossing routine. There are also disposable picks, conical rubber tips, and spiral brushes that can be used in addition to floss to help clean between teeth.

Myth #4 – I’m too busy to floss.

Our 21st century lives are busy, but when it comes to flossing, it’s worth making it a priority for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Even flossing for a couple of minutes once a day can benefit your smile. The key to effective flossing in a short amount of time is to practice.

Keep floss next to the bathroom sink so it’s easy to see, or store floss picks in your purse, pocket, wallet or car for easy access during down time. This will keep floss easy to reach so that you can practice any time during the day.

Before heading into South Waterfront Dental for your next dental exam, remember to practice flossing!

When Was Toothpaste Invented?

The first documented toothpaste came in the form as we know it today, which was created by a man named Washington Wentworth Sheffield. He was a practicing dentist who lived in Connecticut who called his wonder creation Crème Dentifrice, and it was available in 1850 for public consumption. The first toothpaste sold in a tube and was – believe it or not – called Colgate Ribbon Dental Crème sold in 1896. The trial size sold for only 4 cents.

Why is Toothpaste Effective?

The toothpaste we use in this day and age is great for our teeth because it has the basic components of proper oral care: an abrasive, a variety of flavor options and contains a soaping agent. These make up the three fundamental ingredients to a happy healthy mouth. Current types of toothpaste are far more superior then what our ancient ancestors use to use. Previous ingredients include, salt, crushed bone, ashes from fire, baking soda and sand.

What Kind of Toothpaste is Best?

The amount of choices of toothpaste can be overwhelming and frustrating, but Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow can help recommend a perfect fit for you. That is one of the reasons we give out trial sizes to our patients after a teeth cleaning and dental exam, so you can try new brands, flavors and types. The ultimate goal is to find a type that you like. Remember to pick toothpaste for its taste and texture rather than its brand name or cost. This will ensure you brush twice a day and maintain good healthy oral care habits. When purchasing toothpaste make sure that it contains fluoride.

What Type of Toothpastes are Around the World?

We get a lot of patients coming in and asking us about traveling abroad and what types of toothpaste to pack or buy there. Toothpastes are different all around the world. We recommend packing a small travel size of your favorite brand. That way you can be certain that you will have your toothpaste on the go. But many countries all around the world celebrate oral care by having flavorful types of toothpaste. If you are feeling adventurous, consider trying a new type. Here are our favorites from other countries:

Philippines – Chocolate Toothpaste

Thailand – Twin Lotus Herbal Toothpaste

France – Bacon Toothpaste

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common medical diagnosis in the United States, affecting over 30% of Americans. Symptoms can include headaches, vision problems, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. However, you can have high blood pressure without exhibiting any symptoms at all. The good news is that high blood pressure can often be controlled through dietary changes, increased exercise, and smoking cessation.

Because of its prevalence and because people generally see Dr. Beck or Dr. Morrow more often than their regular physicians, the American Dental Association recommends that dental professionals take blood pressure readings on all new patients and annually on recall patients.

Dentists need to know if patients are hypertensive because elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack in the dental chair. Additionally, most local anesthetics used in routine dental procedures contain epinephrine or other vasoconstrictors that can increase blood pressure and rarely cause arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.

It’s also essential that we know about a patient’s hypertension due to increased risk to dental health. Medications that are often used in the treatment of high blood pressure may cause dry mouth, which can result in an increase of plaque and the risk of gum disease, effecting the overall health of a patient’s teeth.

For these reasons, Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow at South Waterfront Dental feel it is important that every patient have their blood pressure measured at their dental appointments. If patients are found to be hypertensive while visiting South Waterfront Dental, we can be refer them to their regular physicians for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease?

This inflammatory process is confined to the gums, and is usually caused by accumulation of a bacteria-laden plaque biofilm on the teeth.  The plaque can cause the gum tissues to become red, and sometimes swollen and tender.  Over time, this plaque biofilm becomes calcified due to minerals in saliva, causing a hard substance called “calculus” or “tarter” to form around the base of the teeth.

Treatment for Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Dental prophylaxis, sometimes called a prophy, is generally indicated by Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow as a treatment option for patients who have gingivitis and small amounts of plaque and tarter above the gumline.

In some patients, depending on many factors, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis.  The plaque biofilm and tarter can progress over time deep into the gum pockets surrounding the teeth, causing bone loss, tooth mobility, sensitivity, inflammation, and in severe cases, loss of the teeth themselves.  Periodontitis usually needs to be treated with a more thorough type of dental cleaning called scaling and root planing, which will be discussed in a future article.

Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Risk factors for developing gingivitis include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, systemic diseases, pregnancy, poor nutrition, and certain medications.  To prevent the progression of gingivitis to more severe forms of periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis, all patients are encouraged to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.  Daily flossing is also very important to remove plaque between the teeth.

Visiting Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, and the hygiene staff at South Waterfront Dental for regular cleanings every 3-6 months, depending on the disease severity, is recommended to remove the hard tarter that toothbrushes are unable to remove. Please see Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, or the hygiene staff at South Waterfront Dental if you have any questions about gingivitis, periodontal disease, or anything else relating to your dental health.

One of the most efficient and proven methods of removing tooth decay is the dental drill. While the dental drill may not be a favorite dental instrument, the use of it to remove tooth decay saves time, reduces potential pain, and provides the dentists at South Waterfront Dental a way to work with greater accuracy on patients’ teeth.

Modern Dental Drills

One of the most significant advancements of modern dentistry is the advent of the high-speed handpiece, or “drill.”  Before the 1960′s, dentists usually used foot-powered  handpieces to remove decay and prepare teeth.  Belt driven systems, although functional, had very limited power, excessive torque, and allowed for limited precision.  Air-driven models introduced in the 1960′s revolutionized the practice of dentistry by allowing for faster and more precise preparation of teeth, minimizing trauma to the teeth and improving safety with reduced torque.

While there are many advantages to the air-driven system, there are some drawbacks: they emit  loud, high pitched noise, they need repair frequently, and they have a tendency to expel lubricating oils in the operating field.  These problems with the air-driven systems have led many dentists, including Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow at South Waterfront Dental, to invest in a more advanced handpiece: the electric handpiece.

Advantages of the Dental Electric Handpiece

This technology affords many advantages for our patients: they are much quieter, have less vibration, provide more precision in preparing teeth, and allow for more versatility in the types of treatment that can be provided.  While the electric units are typically more expensive than the air-driven handpieces, they offer many advantages that make them worth the initial cost.

South Waterfront Dental patients can be assured that our practices use only the latest technology to ensure optimal oral health for our patients.  Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow are both well-versed in current dental technology and can answer any questions you may have regarding the benefits of the technology used in our practices.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol sweetener, often used as a sugar substitute, that is just as sweet as table sugar.  It’s found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, including berries, oats, and mushrooms.  It was popularized in Europe as a sweetener in the early 20th century  because it has fewer calories than sugar and is safe for people with diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Dental Benefits of Xylitol

The dental benefits of xylitol were researched extensively in the 1970s in Finland, which is where xylitol is mainly produced.  Xylitol is not fermentable, so basically it works by reducing dental plaque formation and “starving” the bacteria, a type of strep, that produces the acid behind dental decay.  It’s important to point out that at least 6-8 grams of xylitol must be ingested per day to get these dental benefits.

Using Xylitol Products

Most xylitol products are available in many forms, including gum, candy, mints, and even in floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash.  Many popular brands of chewing gum contain small amounts of xylitol, although in order to get the recommended 6-8 grams per day, we recommend using products from companies that specialize in manufacturing xylitol products, such as Epic Dental, Zapp Gum, or Spry.

Please let Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, or the friendly staff at South Waterfront Dental know if you have any questions about this excellent way to reduce dental decay and improve your oral health.

What is a Rubber Dam?

A rubber dental dam is a thin sheet of latex or silicone that isolate a tooth or a group of teeth requiring dental work. The

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teeth that need attention appear through holes cut into the appropriate areas of the rubber, separating them from the rest of the mouth while dental procedures are performed.

A Long History in Dental Care

Used in dentistry for over 150 years, this technique has three main advantages.  First, it helps create a physical separation between the patient and the procedure being done, helping to reduce dental anxiety and improving patient safety.  Secondly, the rubber dam is the standard of care when performing endodontic therapy, as it reduced the bacterial load in the operating field and minimizes the chance of contamination of the root canal system.  Third, the dental dam helps keep the operating field isolated and dry.  This is especially important when placing composite (tooth-colored) restorations, which are technique sensitive and require a very dry field in order to achieve long term success.

The Extra Step for Higher Quality Care

Not all dental practices use rubber dams routinely, but Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow take this extra step in order to protect our patients.  We spend a lot of time and put a lot of work into producing high-quality dentistry, and using  the rubber dam helps our restorations last longer.  Of course, not all situations necessitate the use of the rubber dam, but we always try our best to use them when indicated.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the use of the rubber dam or about how it benefits our patients, please contact Dr. Beck or Dr. Morrow at South Waterfront Dental.

Brushing Techniques to Clean Teeth

Brush with a soft toothbrush at least three times a day.  Brushing removes plaque, a sticky bacterial film, from around the teeth and gums.  If allowed to remain on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns into calculus which will cause tooth decay and gum disease.

You should take at least two minutes to brush your teeth, and preferably longer for a thorough clean.  With so many surfaces it takes that long to do an effective job.  Though any soft toothbrush will do the job, Dr. Beck recommends the Sonicare system, which does an amazing job of removing stain and plaque. These kinds of systems also have convenient, automatic timers, so you can just turn them on, brush, and go!

Floss for Good Measure

You should floss your teeth at least once a day.  Flossing removes the plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.  In addition to brushing, flossing is critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Our friendly, helpful staff at South Waterfront Dental will teach you the best techniques for effective flossing at home.

A Crunchy Diet

When we eat, food is deposited that encourages the development of plaque if it’s not brushed away. One way to keep plaque from forming even when you’re not near a toothbrush is to stay away from sticky, sugary foods which cling to the surfaces of your teeth. Crunchy foods – like celery, apples, and carrots – help naturally clean teeth while you eat.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to discourage the formation of plaque, and brush and floss each day to keep your smile healthy and bright!

Migraine Symptoms

If you’ve ever had a migraine, then you know how painful they can be. Unlike normal headaches, which are generally

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brought about by stress, illness or pollutants, migraine symptoms include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Throbbing pain behind your eyes or in isolated areas of your head

Totally debilitating, migraines can last from many hours to several days, with no relief besides prescription medications that make you drowsy.

Dental Treatment for Migraines

Dr. Jim Boyd, an innovative dentist, has found another approach.  Through many years of research he has developed an oral appliance called the NTI-tss  (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition tension suppression system).

The NTI is an acrylic mouth piece that fits over the front teeth and helps to prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth.  We now know that the nerve complex where many migraines start is the same complex that provides sensation to the jaws and teeth.  By keeping the teeth from contacting in the back of the mouth and preventing clenching and grinding in ones sleep, migraines can be prevented.  The best part is there are no mind fogging side effects from pain killers!

A Possibility for Relief

The NTI-tss is the only FDA approved preventative available to migraine sufferers. There are no side effects and no complicated, surgical or painful procedures required.

Dr. Todd Beck and his staff at South Waterfront Dental  have been providing this appliance to patients for several years.  If you suffer from clenching, grinding, migraines or any other type of head ache pain, Dr. Beck would be happy to help determine if this simple and non invasive treatment may work for you.

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You have all heard it before: smoking is bad for you.  It has been well documented that smoking leads to lung cancer, emphysema, high blood pressure and a host of other health problems.  What you may not realize is what smoking does to your mouth!

Periodontal Disease

Smokers have altered sensation to smell and taste, as well as bad breath and dramatic staining of their teeth. In addition, smokers have a much higher rate of periodontal disease and oral cancer.

Periodontal Disease – also known as gum disease – begins with simple plaque that forms on your teeth and along your gumline. Bacteria grow in this plaque, destroying tissue and eventually the bone that holds your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is an early indication of periodontal disease.

Smoking can increase the severity of periodontal disease and encourage it to progress more quickly than in nonsmokers, even when it has been treated. Continued smoking hinders treatment, interfering with our bodies’ natural abilities to fight disease.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Cigarettes and other tobacco products have over 60 known carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals).  It’s not surprising that 75% of all oral cancer is caused by these tobacco products.  Cigarette and other tobacco smoke from cigars or pipes can lead to cancer anywhere in the mouth or the throat. Other cancers caused by smoking include that of the larynx, lungs, kidney, bladder, and esophagus. Around 90% of those diagnosed with some kind of mouth or throat cancer have used tobacco.

Dr. Beck does a thorough oral cancer exam for every new patient and annually for all existing patients. If caught early, many oral cancers can be effectively treated.

Treatment Options

The good news is that quitting the smoking habit now will help your dental health for years to come. This, along with regular dental visits and treatment for your specific needs, will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you are interested in quitting smoking, Dr. Beck and his staff at South Waterfront Dental will be more than happy to assist you.  You can also visit www.smokefree.gov for more information about smoking cessation.