Can Not Flossing Lead to a Heart Attack?

Let’s break down the benefits of flossing, what happens if you don’t floss, the proper way to floss and some tips and tricks for remembering to add the important step to your nighttime routine.

1.      What are the benefits of flossing?

The main benefit of flossing is the removal of plaque buildup between your teeth and in the gingival sulcus. The plaque causes inflammation of the gingival and can lead to periodontal disease in addition to caries between the teeth. This is one of the most common areas of decay.

2.      What happens when we don’t floss?

When we don’t floss the plaque between the teeth and in the gingival sulcus continues to grow and release acidic byproducts that cause caries and gingivitis

3.      What is the biggest mistake you see when it comes to flossing?

The biggest mistake most people make is not flossing enough. But when they do floss they need to make sure they wrap the floss around the tooth, and drag the floss deep into the gingival sulcus. When patients see blood from flossing they tend to not take the floss deep enough in the sulcus to get all of the plaque removed or they stop flossing as much.  When what they should be doing is actually flossing more often. Another mistake I see patients make is skipping around the mouth when they floss. It’s best to go from one side to the other to avoid missing areas.  

4.      When should we floss?

Ideally, the best time to floss is before bed. It’s always best to go to bed with the cleanest teeth possible. When you sleep your saliva glands aren’t as active leaving your mouth drier. The drier your mouth the higher the bacterial levels. The higher bacterial levels result in more acid produced.  You can floss before or after you brush. It doesn’t matter. It should be once a day and if you can’t floss at night, my motto is floss when you can. Some people floss on their commute to work. A good time to floss is whenever you have time to floss. 

5.      Can gum disease lead to heart disease?

There aren’t any studies that show a direct causal relationship, but there is a strong link between chronic inflammation and heart disease. And there are studies showing  that many of the patients with heart disease have experienced gingivitis and/or periodontal disease.  Also, some scientists theorize that as bacterial levels increase, as with gum disease, the bacteria could be entering the bloodstream, adhering to the walls of blood vessels and causing plaque formation and eventually clots.

6.     What are some easy ways we can remember to add flossing to our nighttime routine? (Easy tips and tricks)

           

The key to starting a habit is making it as easy as possible to do. I would recommend having the floss that you like at the ready. Set it next to your toothbrush. Most people brush their teeth before bed. Try flossing before you brush. Make an effort/habit of flossing before you brush, almost as a prerequisite before you’re allowed to brush. Some other things you can do is set a nightly reminder on your phone, or place a simple sticky note on your bathroom mirror reminding you to floss. Usually, after you do something repetitively for 3-4 weeks you can establish a habit, good or bad.  

7.     Do you recommend regular floss, dental picks or pre-threaded flossers? Is there anything we should know about the different kinds of dental floss (waxed, unwaxed, thick or comfort floss?) 

           

The best floss is the floss that you like to use. There are basically two types of floss, waxed and non-waxed. Studies show that there is no difference in the ability to remove plaque and prevent decay and gingivitis.

8.     Can mouthwashes and rinses take the place of daily flossing? 

           

No, plaque can only be removed by physically removing it off of the teeth. Plaque is very sticky and cannot be removed by a liquid. Even using a WaterPik cannot remove all of the plaque unless turned up to a level that may cause damage to the gingiva. Some mouthrinses can kill the surface bacteria, but not the bacteria that make up the bulk of the plaque. 

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

At any given time, ask half a dozen adults around you about their wisdom teeth, and there is a good chance you will find that most have had them removed. This is common, considering what they are and some of the risks that they may pose. Many people have them removed during their younger years, for valid reasons, making it a good idea to be familiar with the ins and outs of these teeth, so that you will be better able to deal with them for you and your family.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Are They Removed?

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as your third molars, are the larger teeth at the very back of the mouth. They are the last teeth to come in, usually somewhere between the ages of 15 and 25, which is considered to be the “age of wisdom,” hence their name. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth erupting, many others find that they present a challenge and can be risky to the health of your other teeth.

About the time that this third set of molars begins erupting, some common problems also emerge as a result. Some of the problems associated with erupting wisdom teeth include:

Impaction: According to the Nation Institutes of Health, wisdom teeth are the most common to teeth to become impacted. When a tooth is impacted, it means that the tooth has failed to emerge through the surface of the gum, or that only a portion of it has emerged.

Caries: An impacted third molar leads to a high probability of creating dental caries, or cavities, both in that tooth and in the one next to it, as well. This is because they often trap plaque in the area, which is difficult to reach and to clean.

Cysts: When wisdom teeth are impacted, it can cause cysts and tumors to form around the area. This is lead to additional problems because it can affect the bone, and even damage the jaw. Risks with this involve infections, as well as tooth abscesses.

Misalignment: The emerging wisdom teeth may not be coming in straight or, even if they do, can cause problems with the other teeth. As they emerge, they often push the other teeth out of alignment.

Discomfort: The vast majority of people who have dealt with emerging or impacted wisdom teeth know just how uncomfortable the experience can be. From the headaches to toothaches, pain, swelling, and feeling ill, the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth can make you miserable.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The best time to have your third set of molars removed really depends on the tooth’s development. A good professional rule of thumb is to have them removed when two-thirds of the root has formed. Ideally, it is recommended that people have them removed by the time they turn 24 years old. This is because it has the ability to re-grow bone in that area of the jaw is reduced as time goes on. Also, the third set of molars are usually easier to remove when you are younger, and the recovery period is also shorter during that time.

The presence of your third set of molars is usually associated with an increased risk of periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the gums and bone which can lead to tooth loss, abscesses, infections, and tooth shifting. It is important to note, as well, that an absence of symptoms does not mean that there is not problem or disease.

Additionally, research regarding people who did not have their wisdom teeth removed demonstrates that, the older they got, the more common it was for them to have cavities in those teeth, as well as in the adjacent ones, due to the difficulties of keeping them properly cleaned. In fact, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported that, of the nearly 7,000 older adults they studied who had at least one third molar, most of those people had caries or periodontal pathology involving those teeth, and that few had visible molars that were free of disease.

Additional Concerns

There is some controversy regarding whether those who wear a retainer or have had braces in the past need to continue wearing their retainer once the wisdom teeth have been removed. Because there is a risk of relapse if the retainer is not worn, it is recommended that patients continue wearing theirs, as recommended by their orthodontist. Doing so will help to eliminate the risks associated with shifting teeth.

If you are experiencing the emergence if your wisdom teeth, or someone in your family is, be sure you know the facts, risks, and options that are currently available. Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure today, one that most people recover from without issue. Removing third molars can be an important step to take if you are having problems now, or as a preventative measure to avoid issues that can arise later.

Addressing the Issue

Either way, it is important to speak with your doctor to learn more about your specific third molar development, risks, and options. When you are dealing with your third molars, it may seem as if they steal the show, due to the discomfort they can cause. But it doesn’t have to be like that, since this is an issue that can usually be addressed without difficulty.

Wisdom teeth really are an issue that is better dealt with sooner, rather than later, in order to avoid a lot of discomfort, as well as the risk of an array of complications. Besides, when you address this issue head on, rather than putting it off and prolonging the issue, you will find that you gain the wisdom, without the worry!

What’s in my mouth? A Brief Rundown of Orthodontic Appliances.

Are you curious what's in your mouth? Dr. Gonzales and our team correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws so that you can speak clearly, chew food effectively, and look attractive when you smile. We do this by putting sophisticated gadgets in your mouth. While many of these dental devices look similar, we use a wide variety of orthodontic appliances to straighten your teeth and repair jaw problems.

Orthodontic appliances are devices that move your teeth, change the position of your jaw, or hold your teeth in their finished positions after your braces are removed. These devices may be removable or attached to your teeth.

Braces straighten your teeth. Brackets, bands, and wires characterize traditional braces. Braces are attached to the teeth, so they are not easily removable.

Spacers or Separators are small plastic rings fitted between your back teeth before your braces. These spacers create space between your teeth that allow us to place bands on your back teeth that will serve as the "anchor brace".

Retainers hold teeth in their finished position after your braces come off. A Hawley retainer is the most common type of retainer and has been used for decades; it features an acrylic plate that rests against the roof of your mouth and a wire crossing in front of your teeth. Essex retainers have been in use for around 25 years and are quite popular, as they are durable and nearly invisible.

Bite plates are like a Hawley retainer and help correct a deep overbite, where the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower front teeth to cause bite problems.

Holding arches or Lingual Arches prevent the back teeth from moving forward to crowd the front teeth during the mixed dentition stage (age 7-11).  A lower lingual holding arch prevents your permanent molars from migrating forward. The Nance holding arch is used on the upper arch only and maintains the upper molar position while all of the other teeth erupt. This helps hold space open while your permanent teeth erupt. This is similar to the Lower holding arches.

A palatal expander widens your upper jaw by separating the bones of your palate. This appliance helps correct a posterior crossbite and helps your top and bottom teeth fit together better. 

The Quad Helix is also a palatal expander and widens your jaws to correct crossbites.

Contact our office today to learn more about the ways we can improve the appeal and function of your smile.

Five Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is not the worse health problem to have, but it can make you feel self-conscious and have a negative impact on your life. The majority of people suffering from bad breath are dealing with oral bacterial. However, there are other causes of this embarrassing problem. Learning more can help you fight this solvable problem.


Five Causes of Embarrassingly Bad Breath

1. Dry Mouth. A decrease in saliva flow can be caused by several things. Most often, medication or mouth breathing are the culprits. As saliva helps wash away food particles from your mouth, it prevents bad breath. Dry mouth can be dealt with by stimulating salivation.

2. Gum Disease and Poor Oral Hygiene. Not brushing and flossing well enough or with enough frequency can lead to gum disease, which leads to bad breath. Halitosis can be a sign that plaque is present on your teeth.

3. Food-Related Bad Breath. Food particles that aren’t brushed or flossed away attract bacteria that leads to bad breath. It’s especially important to brush after eating strong-smelling foods, such as garlic or onions.

4. Smoking and Tobacco. Tobacco is bad for your health, and that includes your oral health. Smoking or chewing tobacco can contribute toward the development of gum disease, as well as oral cancer.

5. Mouth Infections and Other Medical Problems. A mouth infection, sinus infection or even the common cold can cause you to temporarily have bad breath. Even conditions such as diabetes and reflux can cause halitosis

Even if you maintain good oral hygiene, it’s important to see Dr. Gonzales to deal with or avoid problems with bad breath. We can help you uncover the cause of halitosis, while also providing solutions that allow you to enjoy fresh breath without relying on mints and breath fresheners. As is the case with all things related to oral health, we are your number-one ally when it comes to eliminating the problem of bad breath. Cheers to a fresher breath and a beautiful smile!