It’s the start of a new day and you’re going through the motions of your morning routine. As you begin flossing, you notice your gums start to bleed in some areas. Is this normal?
While bleeding gums from flossing does not mean your mouth isn’t clean, it can be a sign that you aren’t flossing enough. According toColgate, “It’s fairly common for gums to bleed when you first begin flossing between teeth, and as long as the bleeding stops quickly, it’s not usually considered a problem.” In other words, continue to floss daily and the bleeding should stop over time.
There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. It is important to find reasons to smile and be grateful for all the lessons we’ve learned, and achievements accomplished. For those who can’t find a reason to smile, Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistryhas five:
Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well-nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry has four tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve!
Brush and Floss
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. It also recommends flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring and annoying, is pertinent to oral health. Did you know not flossing is linked to heart disease? YIKES!
With the growing popularity of juicing in recent years, more of our patients have been turning to this diet as a means of increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. While blending veggies, fruits, and other nutrients together can be very beneficial for overall health, do you really know the effects on your oral health?
The Effects of Juicing on the Teeth
When you consume a fruit and vegetable drink, you’re exposing your teeth to the acids that come from these foods as well. Over time, these acids can cause staining and erosion damage to your teeth. Many people notice that their teeth feel sticky or rough after juicing for more than a couple of days. Thankfully,Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistryhas a few easy tips to help maintain great oral health while drinking yourself to a better you.
All of us here at Westover Family Dentistry have heard the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Taking this to heart can make our teeth stronger and brighter if we eat the right foods to support that healthy smile.
Even though Veneers,crowns, and fillings,along with professional whitening can make your teeth stronger and brighter, it’s best to avoid cavities and stains altogether with regular brushing, flossing, and just as important…eating the right foods.
Walking down the aisles at the grocery store can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know which foods are healthy. It always pays off to check labels for high sugar content, high levels of acid, or ingredients you’ve never heard of. Here are some tips on foods to watch out for. Remember, it always pays to be mindful of what you put into your body! Whether it’s solid food, candy, soda, or sports drinks, take the necessary steps to prevent unwanted conditions in any form that can damage your teeth. Keep reading to learn more from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry about which foods pose a threat to your dental health.