FitSugar

Speak Up: What Healthy Habits Are Hard For You to Stick With?

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:29 -0800

Every time I go to the dentist, the hygienist asks the million-dollar question, "Have you been flossing every day?" I know she can tell by looking at my teeth and gums that the answer is no, but I think she asks just so I feel bad enough to actually remember to do it. I know it's recommended to floss at least once a day, but for some reason, I can only remember to do it a few times a week, which is why flossing daily is one of my healthy goals for 2010. Tell me, what healthy habit to do have a hard time keeping up with?

Confused About Floss - Which Type Is Best?

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:00:40 -0700

Brushing your teeth removes food particles and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, but we need floss to clean in between your teeth. "You cannot effectively vacuum a house with only one attachment," says American Dental Association spokesman Richard H. Price, DMD. "You need other attachments to get into the nooks and crannies. That's what floss does.”

When picking up floss at the store, it's astounding how many varieties there are. If you're confused about which one works best or is right for your teeth, read more.

Unwaxed: This floss is perfect for teeth that aren't too tight together.
Waxed: If the spaces between your teeth are tight, waxed floss will glide easier.
Tape: This ribbon-like floss is meant for those who have wider spaces between their teeth.
Ultra floss: If the spaces between your teeth vary, this floss is right for you. This yarn-like floss stretches thin to fit between tight teeth but also springs back to be slightly thicker for teeth that have wider spaces.
Flossing picks: If it's tough to reach your back teeth or it hurts your fingers to wrap the floss around, these picks have convenient handles to make flossing easier.

The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter which type of floss you use - as long as you use it. Choose one you like that doesn't damage your gums and use it at least once a day. Flossing not only removes leftover spinach and pesky poppy seeds from in between your chompers, but it's also essential for healthy gums. So the next time you go to the dentist, ask for some samples of different kinds so you can try them out and see which you like best.

Do You Floss Before or After You Brush?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I know this question seems somewhat trivial, but it has sparked an earnest debate at my house and the debate continued here at Sugar HQ. I'm not sure if your answer says anything about your character or commitment to dental health, but folks tend to fall clearly on one side or the other. So tell me . . .

How Often Do You Floss?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Every year, I make the same New Year's resolution, among others that change. It is the noble goal of flossing daily. When I lapse and miss a day or two, I do not feel that I have failed or my resolution is lost. I just pick up the floss and renew my commitment to gum health. What about you . . .

Source

Flossing 101

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Taking care of your gums is about so much more than having pretty teeth. Having healthy gums may help prevent pancreatic cancer. I thought it would be worthwhile to review good flossing technique.

You should floss daily. Keep floss in your purse or desk drawer as well as your medicine cabinet at home. Easy access to floss is key to getting the job done.
Guide the floss between your teeth and rub up and down the side of each tooth.
Gently slide the floss between the gum and the tooth, with the emphasis on the word gently. Ramming the floss up against the gum will only irritate it.
Use a fresh bit of floss for each tooth.
Don't forget to floss the backside of your last molar and to gently massage between the gum and tooth there as well.

Source

Do You Floss Before or After You Brush?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I know this question seems somewhat trivial, but it has sparked an earnest debate at my house. I am not sure if your answer says anything about your character or commitment to dental health, but folks tend to fall clearly on one side or the other. So tell me . . .

Source

How Often Do You Floss Your Teeth?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

More than just to keep your teeth until you're 80, dental hygiene is important for your overall health and possibly cancer prevention. Taking care of your gums even more so. But we all tend to get lazy about flossing, it just happens. So I want to know....

Source

Healthy Gums May Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:15:00 -0800

All cancer is bad news, but what makes pancreatic cancer so awful is that only 5% of people diagnosed with it will live another 5 years.

There are no recommended screening tests, early warning signs or symptoms to alert a person or their doctor that they have pancreatic cancer.

Some risk factors that could make you more susceptible to pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking and possibly diabetes and obesity.

Oddly enough, periodontal disease (gum inflammation) and tooth loss may also be associated in some way with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

The connection it seems is that over time, the bacterial infection that causes gum disease can also cause loss of the bone that anchors the teeth. The inflammation from the infection may set the stage for other serious diseases, like pancreatic cancer.

There has also been recent interest in a possible link between gum disease and coronary artery disease, based on the theory that gum disease may lead to increased levels of inflammation throughout our bodies.

Fit's Tips: So take care of your teeth and gums people. Get regular dental cleanings twice a year, and whatever you do - don't forget to floss.

Just Five Minutes to a Healthier You

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:30:00 -0800

There is not a whole lot you can do in just five minutes. However there are two vital things you can do every day for your health and they only take about five minutes a day, which means you'll still have 1,435 minutes left in your day to do everything else.

Floss your teeth (one minute, once a day).
Brush your teeth (two minutes, twice a day).

Fit's Tip: My dentist once told me that brushing your teeth without flossing at least once a day is like washing only 65 percent of your body - gross!

Source

Avoid These Bad Habits For Your Chompers

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:59 -0700

I know dental care isn't the most exciting topic, but healthy teeth are important and make for a lovely smile. Speaking of lovely smiles, remember the scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts announces that "you shouldn't neglect your gums"? With that said, let's review some common bad dental habits that can lead to health issues like gingivitis. And since nobody likes getting that disappointing look from her dentist, make the doctor proud by avoiding these habits.

Brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush. We all want to get that plaque off our teeth, but jamming your toothbrush back and forth with extreme intensity can permanently (as in forever) wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. It could also lead to increased tooth sensitivity and receding gums, the latter of which could require surgery. Ouch!
Brushing side to side. I was a big horizontal brusher for years, and it was hard work to break this habit, but circular motions are the best way to clean your teeth gently yet effectively.
Not brushing long enough. Two to three minutes is recommended.
Not flossing daily or ever. Sorry to say, but a toothbrush only cleans the surfaces of your teeth. Using floss is the only way to clean in between your teeth, so if you don't do it daily, plaque can form and cause cavities.
Using your teeth as tools. While your sharp incisors can help you rip open a package of trail mix, you're asking for trouble. This is a sure way to chip or crack your teeth or damage fillings.

What other bad habits are ruining your teeth and gums? To find out read more.

Not using a fluoride rinse. Clinical studies show that by using both a fluoride mouthwash and a fluoride toothpaste, you can provide extra protection against tooth decay more than if you use fluoride toothpaste on its own.
Not seeing the dentist regularly. OK, so going to the dentist isn't as fun as going out for ice cream, but if you don't get your teeth cleaned and checked professionally twice a year, you're bound to end up with some serious and painful dental problems, like a root canal, that could have you sitting in the chair for hours.
Choosing white wine. While red wine can lead to staining, the acidity in white wine wears away tooth enamel.

It's time to vent. What unhealthy habits are you guilty of when it comes to your teeth?