Everyday Wellness in Brecksville: Flossing for a Healthy Mouth

When I was little, my favorite activity was to climb up a tree and sit there while eating my favorite candy, the Astro Pop. It was a rocket-shaped lollipop that was somehow both very hard and very chewy. As you sucked on the thing it sort of melted, then hardened into a glass-like sugary shell on your back teeth.

Like most kids, I wasn’t fond of brushing or flossing. Needless to say, I’ve had my share of dental problems, and even talking about this topic gives me a nervous tic.

So I asked my dentist, Dr. Daina Matas, what she thinks is something everyone can do for their oral health that they may not be doing currently. “That’s simple,” she said. “Floss.”

Everyone should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, according to the website for the American Dental Association. The association also recommends that everyone floss their teeth daily to help prevent gum disease.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can occur when plaque builds up along the gum line, and can lead to painful dental problems like infection, and even tooth loss, according the website for Brecksville dentist

The American Academy of Periodontology lists some warning signs of periodontal disease on its website, including gums that are tender or bleed easily, changes in your bite and persistent bad breath. They have more information and a risk assessment that you can take on their website.

According to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visiting your dentist regularly can help in the early detection of problems, like gum disease, and help prevent further damage. They give some additional suggestions for maintaining good oral health, including:

• Thoroughly brush and floss
• Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid sugary and starchy snacks

They don't make Astro Pops anymore, and it's been far too long since I've climbed a tree. Next time I do, I think I'll bring an apple.