Flossing has come under some heavy fire in recent months. This article is intended to inform anyone who is curious as to why dental hygienists will still be encouraging their patients to floss. In the interest of accuracy, I’ll be referring to “cleaning between teeth” rather than “flossing”; after all, there are more ways to clean between teeth than just using floss.
Daily “cleaning between teeth” is incredibly relevant and will continue to remain so to your ethical dental hygienist simply because hygienists, given the nature of their profession, are strategically placed to observe evidence which supports their recommendation. Patients who are reluctant to make a habit of “between teeth cleaning” consistently demonstrate more severe gum inflammation, gum bleeding, and off-putting breath odor than their eager-to-floss counterparts. All of the previously mentioned symptoms stem from some level of gum disease.
So what really triggers gum disease? Research has produced evidence which indicates that single bacteria are NOT responsible for gum, tooth, and structural damage in the mouth. Instead, it is when these individual bacteria form a colony – termed a “Biofilm” – with numerous other bacteria, that destruction really sets in. Biofilms – essentially a bacteria slime layer – have far more destructive potential than an individual bacteria. A Biofilm will release collective bacteria by-products which are highly acidic. It is this acid which “melts” tooth structure (creating cavities), and which has a level of potency which triggers strong inflammatory responses from our own bodies resulting in gum puffiness, soreness, and eventually, collapse of the supporting structures of the tooth (if inflammation is allowed to continue unchecked).
Like a castle fortress, Biofilms, once established, are incredibly difficult to infiltrate and remove (unlike individual bacteria). Such tools as high-frequency sonic instruments, high-pressure water, and sharp manual instruments are some of the few appliances which can successfully eradicate Biofilm. How then can Biofilm formation be prevented? Consistent disturbance of oral bacteria on every surface of a tooth (including between) will effectively reduce the chances of Biofilm establishment. Individual bacteria have been found to require two to three days in an undisturbed environment to create a stable Biofilm; this is why hygienists encourage all of their patients to find a comfortable “between the teeth cleaner” and to use it daily! It’s all about disturbing bacteria!!
Please don’t let hatred of floss stop you from caring for your teeth and gums – there are plenty of alternative “between cleaners” out there to try! Ask your hygienist for his/her recommendations!
Now, holiday season is almost here and to our office it means only one thing… fighting hunger. Many families face economic difficulties but more importantly children shouldn’t be punished for circumstances they didn’t cause or can’t help change. That’s where we come in to save their season! We will be accepting donated goods through mid December.
30 to 40 million people in the United States avoid the dentist because of fear. This fear is understandable. The dental experience is not inherently pleasant. Think about it this way…. You are in a private room with a light in your face! You are leaned back into a vulnerable position. Your mouth is propped open and may even have water sprayed in it…your gag reflex may be triggered not unlike the reflexes during waterboarding!! Further your mouth is examined with sharp tools and maybe drills. To make it worse you are going to have a very private place (mouth) ‘judged’! I am surprised the fear of the dentist isn’t higher! We all here in this office understand how traumatic this can be for some patients. We have been performing IV sedation for over 10 years and it has changed lives! 40% or more of our patients have suffered dental anxiety at one time or another. You’re not alone! Besides, research shows (Journal of American Dental Society of Anesthesiology) that a sedative prior to anesthetic is