Standard Floss vs. Water Flossers
Most people know to practice healthy oral health habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily. However, many people have questions about whether water flossing is a better alternative to traditional flossing. It’s important to understand each technique to help determine which is the better fit for you. Dental floss and floss picks Standard flossing is a simple process that uses a thin, soft piece of string to pass between teeth, gently scraping up and down to remove plaque and food particles from teeth and out from under gums. Another option is a floss pick – a plastic tool with a u-shaped end that holds a small piece of floss. There are several advantages to standard floss and floss picks: Minimal cost Easily accessible from a pharmacy or grocery store Quick and easy to use on the go Despite the pros to flossing, there are a few cons: […]
COVID-19 Stress and Oral Health
It is currently a stressful time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that stress not only harms your overall health, but it can harm your oral health as well. Reducing stress is important to maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Stress has been shown to contribute to the following oral health conditions: Bruxism (teeth grinding) Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are some good ways to help keep your whole mouth healthy, while you work to lower your stress levels. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always brush two times each day for two minutes, floss once daily and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and exams to lessen your risk for cavities or gum disease. Get plenty of sleep, stay active and try relaxation techniques, like meditation, to help you de-stress. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and eat a well-balanced diet […]
How to fight bad breath
If you suffer from bad breath, you’re not alone. Medically known as halitosis, bad breath affects 50% of adults at some point in their lives.1 It’s a very common, yet treatable, condition. Common causes: Dental hygiene Brushing twice a day and flossing daily ensure the removal of small food particles that can build up and cause odor-producing bacteria to grow. When those particles are not removed, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria, or plaque, forms to your teeth. And, it’s not just the bacteria on your teeth that cause bad breath. Your tongue can also trap bacteria and create an odor. Gum disease Bad breath can be an indicator of advanced gum disease, which is a buildup of sticky, cavity-causing plaque. Dry mouth Saliva is important, because it naturally cleanses your mouth, removing food particles that cause bad odors. If you don’t produce enough saliva, your mouth isn’t able to […]
Hearing health connected to a healthy heart
During American Heart Month, it’s important to know that a healthy cardiovascular system not only contributes to a healthy mouth, it can positively affect a person’s hearing. Proper hearing relies on good blood circulation so that the ear’s cochlea can detect vibrations to send to the brain as sound. Since the inner ear is sensitive to blood flow, it’s possible that cardiovascular abnormalities could be detected initially in the ear.1 Don’t neglect your hearing health. TruAssure partners with Amplifon to ensure healthy hearing for a lifetime. Amplifon’s hearing health discount program is a free benefit to TruAssure members and offers: Free hearing screening Custom hearing solutions Risk-free 60-day trial Hearing aid low price guarantee Read more about the connection between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease and take a free hearing quiz, too. 1 http://blog.amplifonusa.com/what-your-ears-may-be-saying-about-your-heart?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&=AMP0000641
How can gum disease be linked to heart disease?
February is American Heart Month and because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, we hear a lot about it. But did you know that evidence shows there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease? Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In its early stage, it’s called gingivitis and can cause inflamed, red gums that bleed. Without proper daily oral care, gingivitis may worsen and become periodontitis. Periodontitis is a form of gum disease that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth allowing for further tooth decay, loss of bone, and eventually tooth loss. Oral bacteria may be the link to heart disease The main cause of gum disease is harmful oral bacteria found in tooth plaque and tartar. […]
