The Benefits Of Flossing

When dealing with the health of your teeth, you mainly hear about brushing and even rinsing with a mouthwash. But how many times do you hear about flossing? There are health benefits to flossing because what a toothbrush cannot reach, floss can. Flossing your teeth at least once a day can work wonders.

Flossing cleans out all the left behind food particles stuck deep between your teeth. These left behind particles lead to bad breath! By flossing you not only keep your teeth nice and clean, but you alleviate one of the causes of bad breath. Another wonder that flossing does is it helps keep cavities out of your mouth. Cavities are decayed areas of the teeth and form when food particles, bacteria, or acids in your mouth form plaque. Floss to prevent plaque build-up.

Another benefit to flossing is preventing gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease and is a result of poor oral hygiene. Going to the dentist for periodical check-ups as well as brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help prevent gingivitis. Some signs of gingivitis include; red or swollen gums, inflamed gums, or gums that easily bleed.

There are about 14 different types of floss that you can use for your teeth, the most popular being waxed or unwaxed which can be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy. If you have any questions about which type of floss is right for your teeth consult your dentist at your next appointment.

Foods To Watch Out For

There are a few foods to watch out for when trying to maintain good oral health. Some foods can damage or break down your teeth’s natural protection. Acidic foods are especially harmful to teeth, but other foods can be just as bad. Hard candy, sticky foods such as certain fruits, sports drinks or sodas and lemons all have negative effects on teeth.

All soda is, is a sugary and carbonated soft drink. That combination is damaging to teeth. The sugar and its byproducts soften tooth enamel; cause tooth decay, and assist in the formation of cavities. Besides sugar, acidic foods and beverages also harm teeth.

Acid eats away at your teeth. Certain foods like fruits have a higher acidity level than other foods like breads and cheeses. Blackberries, grapes, lemons, and strawberries all have high pH levels and can be very bad for your teeth without proper management. Eating foods with higher acidity in moderation is okay as long as you remember to brush at least twice a day or after every meal, and floss daily to prevent acid erosion.

Red and white wines, apples, green olives, and orange juice have medium acidity levels which again, in moderation are okay. The foods and beverages with the lowest acid levels are corn, avocados, beans, and mineral water which are safer for your teeth (but don’t forget to brush and floss). Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can prevent tooth decay caused by acidic foods. Also, routine visits to the dentist will ensure the health of your teeth with preventative methods and taking care of any current problems.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com