The Top Worst
Excuses for Not Brushing and FlossingMonday, December 23,
2002
Good at-home oral hygiene is
recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology to
ensure a beautiful smile, and prevent periodontal disease,
which is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
"It's important to practice a meticulous at-home oral
care routine of daily brushing and flossing to ensure your
teeth will last a lifetime," said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., and
president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "Although
periodontal disease can't always be avoided, proper oral
hygiene is the best means of prevention."
The American
Academy of Periodontology challenges the public to quit making
excuses for not brushing and flossing and to start off the New
Year by incorporating a daily routine of brushing and
flossing. By doing this, you will reap the rewards for years
to come.
* My hands are too big and I have no
dexterity - for people with dexterity problems, power floss
holders may be useful.
* The floss pushes the food
down further into the pocket - floss cleans about 30 percent
of the tooth's surfaces, and its primary function is to remove
the invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms between
the teeth, causing plaque.
* My gums bleed - in the
mildest form of periodontal disease called gingivitis, gums
redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis is often caused by
inadequate oral hygiene and can be reversible with
professional treatment and good oral home care.
* I
get my teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, so I don't
have to brush and floss - If plaque is not removed, it can
turn into a hard substance called calculus/tartar in less than
two days. It's so hard that it can only be removed by a
professional cleaning. Daily cleaning will help minimize
calculus formation.
* It takes too long - Thorough
brushing and flossing takes about ten minutes. This is less
time than shaving or applying make-up.
* It gets in
the way of my sex life - research suggests periodontal disease
can pass through saliva. This means that common contact of
saliva from kissing may put your loved ones at an increased
risk for contracting periodontal disease.
* Losing
teeth is part of aging - this is definitely not true. More
people are keeping their natural teeth longer with brushing
and flossing. And, make sure that you're using the right
equipment. The AAP recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush that
doesn't have bent or frayed bristles. Brush your teeth at a
45-degree angle in a gentle circular motion several times
using short, gentle strokes.
* My teeth are too tight
for the floss - people with tight spaces between their teeth
may prefer a polymer floss that's been ADA approved.
*
I'm afraid of damaging my gums when I floss - that's why
technique is so important. When flossing, gently insert the
floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion, guiding
the flossing with your forefingers. Guide the floss to the
gumline and curve the floss into a C-shape. Slide it into the
space between the gum and tooth until you feel light
resistance. Repeat this process between every tooth and don't
forget the back sides of your teeth.
* I went hiking
and forgot to bring floss - One possibility for people without
access to floss may be to chew on sticks. Dental researchers
have studies the periodontal status of Sudanese populations
who use Miswak chewing sticks and found that their periodontal
health status was comparable to Sudanese toothbrush users.
For a free brochure titled How to Brush and Floss, use
the AAP's online request form or toll-free number
800-FLOSS-EM. You may also visit the AAP web site at
www.perio.org for a referral to a periodontist in your area.
The American Academy of Periodontology was established
in 1914 and focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. |
