Sweet Holiday Dental Tips

The holidays are drawing closer, but don’t let tooth decay get in your way this holiday season. 

Holiday sweets such as gummy bears, candy canes, and mints can stick to your teeth for hours. The longer they remain stuck, the more likely your chance of developing a cavity since bacteria thrives on sugary foods.

Here are some helpful tips that will keep your teeth jolly this season:

·      Restrict the amount of snacks you consume before and after meals. Sugar free gum can be a healthy alternative.

·      Consume more water. Water helps wash out the sugars.

·      Floss after every meal and brush your teeth in the morning and night. We can’t stress this enough. You don’t want to go to bed with sugary foods stuck between your teeth!

Also, visit your dentist for a regular check-up. Check-ups are a crucial part to maintaining a healthy mouth.

Be sure to take advantage of our special offers!

If you have any questions please call us at 702-997-7707 or contact us here.

Happy Holidays from Floss Dental & Orthodontics!

Adult Braces

Braces aren’t just for teens these days; adults wear them, even famous adults.

First, there are traditional steel braces, which are attached to each tooth. Singer Gwen Stefani wore them in 1999. The No Doubt singer says that she always wanted braces as a child, but finally got them as an adult: "I could afford them at that point, and that's when I went and got them."

If the idea of wearing metal braces doesn’t appeal to you, then another option is ceramic braces. These braces are similar to the stainless steel kind as they are attached to each tooth and hold a wire, which applies the pressure.

But unlike the stainless steel kind, ceramic braces are "tooth-colored" and appear much less noticeable in the mouth. Some ceramic braces also hide the metal color of the metal wire.

Tom Cruise reportedly wore ceramic braces to premieres of the 2002 film "Minority Report" and country singer Faith Hill wore them earlier this year to the Grammy awards. Due to their camouflage qualities and affordable price, ceramic braces are the most popular choice among adults and some celebrities. 

Another option is clear aligners, which are custom-made trays that people wear to help their teeth get aligned. A person uses several clear aligners over a period of time. Each aligner slowly pushes the teeth into the right position. Minor aligners may need three to four trays, where more crooked teeth will need 20 to 30.

Reports say that singer Justin Bieber and TV star Katherine Heigl chose clear aligners to straighten their teeth. Aligners can be taken out as needed because they do not attach to the surface of the teeth.

Everyone’s teeth are different, so there is no one style fits all. To find out what type of braces would be the best for you visit our website or give us a call at 702-997-7707 to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist who can examine your teeth and give you the best plan of action. 

The Proper Way to Brush & Floss

Plaque (bacteria) is constantly forming on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar. If tartar is not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even damage to bone in severe cases.

Plaque needs to be removed through daily oral care, which includes brushing and flossing. Are you using the right techniques when it comes to brushing and flossing? While that may sound like an obvious question, there are some specific steps to properly brush and floss your teeth.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and at night (brushing after lunch can also be a good habit). When you brush, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (AMA). Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control.

When brushing, hold a soft-bristled toothbrush at an angle and aim the bristles where the tooth meets the gum. Press firmly and gently rock the brush back-and-forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub. You should always brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Also, brush your tongue to prevent bad breath.

You should buy a new toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn down. Also, if you catch a cold, flu, or any other infection, then you should buy a new toothbrush, as there may be bacteria on the brush.

Brushing cannot reach every small nook and cranny between your teeth, or under your gum line. That is why you also need to floss once a day. Flossing is all about removing food debris and plaque.

Bacteria do not take any time off when it comes to your teeth and neither should you. Visit our website to learn more about brushing and flossing, call 702-997-7707 to make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning and exam with an experienced dentist.