Tag

Flossing

All articles tagged with #flossing

Rethink Morning Oral Care: A Custom, Multi-Step Plan to Prevent Cavities
health27 days ago

Rethink Morning Oral Care: A Custom, Multi-Step Plan to Prevent Cavities

A CNN Chasing Life interview with Dr. Kami Hoss argues for a personalized, multi-step oral-health routine beyond fluoride-only guidance: start your day with an alkalizing mouthwash before breakfast, clean the tongue, floss nightly, and brush with fluoride when appropriate, then rinse at night. It also discusses fluoride’s benefits and risks, the potential of nanohydroxyapatite as a remineralizer, and how oral health connects to pregnancy, heart disease, respiratory infections, and overall wellbeing, calling for broader dental–medical education and individualized care.

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine
health1 month ago

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine

Dentists say flossing before brushing is generally the best order because it removes debris between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to cover more surfaces for stronger enamel and healthier gums. If you floss after brushing, do it thoroughly—consistency matters more than order. Nightly flossing helps maintain oral health and may reduce risks to overall health, with traditional floss being effective and alternatives like floss picks or water flossers also useful. Regular dental visits remain essential for long-term oral and overall health.

Dentists Reveal Whether to Floss Before or After Brushing
health4 months ago

Dentists Reveal Whether to Floss Before or After Brushing

Dentists recommend flossing before brushing to effectively remove debris and plaque, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to better strengthen teeth and improve oral health. Flossing first dislodges particles from between teeth, making brushing more effective, especially when done at night as part of a daily routine. The best flossing tool is the one you will use consistently, whether traditional floss, picks, or water flossers.

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Hygiene and Heart Health
health7 months ago

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Hygiene and Heart Health

A preliminary study suggests that regular flossing may significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve heart health by reducing inflammation and gum disease, although more research is needed. Despite its benefits, only 31% of Brits floss daily, highlighting a widespread neglect of this simple, affordable habit that could contribute to better overall health.

Dentist Cautions Against Flossing Picks: Here's Why
health1 year ago

Dentist Cautions Against Flossing Picks: Here's Why

Dentist Lulu Tang advises against using flossing picks for cleaning teeth, as they may not effectively clean below the gum line and can damage gums if used improperly. In a viral TikTok video, she demonstrates the correct 'c-shape' technique for flossing and suggests using multiple picks per session to avoid spreading bacteria. While some viewers agree with her advice, others defend the convenience of flossing picks, especially for those with small mouths or difficulty using traditional floss.

The Right Way to Floss for Optimal Dental Health
health2 years ago

The Right Way to Floss for Optimal Dental Health

A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) found that people who learned and consistently used proper flossing technique showed fewer indicators of potential severe gum disease than those who did not. The study focused on the "adapted horizontal vertical flossing technique" (AHVFT) and found that participants who received flossing instruction and followed a daily regimen had a 70% reduction in bleeding gums compared to the control group. Proper flossing technique is crucial in removing dental plaque and biofilm, which can lead to decay and gum inflammation. The AHVFT technique, similar to the one promoted by the American Dental Association, helps prevent unintentional damage to the gums.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Daily Flossing
health2 years ago

The Surprising Health Benefits of Daily Flossing

Flossing your teeth daily not only leads to less plaque, fewer cavities, and healthier gums, but it can also lower your risk of heart disease. Gum disease can cause high blood pressure and lead to inflammation and bacteria in the heart. Some 43% of adults 30 and older have some type of gum disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For best results, floss once a day, ideally at night before you go to bed, and visit a dentist regularly.

Avoid These Common Mistakes for Healthy Teeth, Say Dental Experts.
health2 years ago

Avoid These Common Mistakes for Healthy Teeth, Say Dental Experts.

Dental experts have revealed the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth, including forgetting to floss, not brushing before bedtime, waiting until after breakfast to brush teeth, and using teeth as tools. Neglecting oral health can lead to issues such as gum disease, teeth abscesses, decay, infections, and tooth loss. Flossing daily is important for optimum teeth and gum health, as well as overall wellbeing. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste before breakfast is recommended, as brushing after eating can damage teeth.

Oral Health FAQs: Flossing, Other Practices, and Overall Health
health2 years ago

Oral Health FAQs: Flossing, Other Practices, and Overall Health

Dental hygiene professionals answer common questions about dental care. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes a day, floss at least once a day, and visit a dentist at least once or twice a year. Brushing technique is more important than toothpaste. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing. Whitening toothpaste and home remedies can be abrasive and cause sensitivity. The ideal way to whiten teeth is to ask a dentist for professional advice. Dental schools, federally qualified health centers, and mobile dental clinics offer low-cost/no insurance options.