Traditional String Floss vs. Floss Picks – Which One is Better?

We know regular brushing is a very important part of dental care and hygiene, but flossing is a crucial part as well. The American Dental Association has always emphasized the importance of cleaning in between the teeth, however, many parents overlook this oral practice to their kids and even themselves.

Flossing in between the teeth can remove trapped food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps remove plaque buildup. There are two things commonly used today – the traditional dental floss and the floss pick. Both types have a thin filament of fiber that is coated in wax, so it could slide easier between the teeth.

But which one is more effective? Looking at the two floss types – is there really a difference?

Dental Floss vs. Floss Picks

Dental floss has been used for many decades than floss picks. It is effective at getting rid of food residues between the teeth that toothbrush bristles cannot penetrate. Bacteria inside the mouth produce lactic acid, which causes plaque buildup. Plaque is a biofilm containing different types of bacteria. The lactic acid from bacteria demineralizes the enamel, which leads to dental cavities. Regular flossing can prevent the buildup of plaque.

In addition, flossing helps prevent gum disease. Many flosses contain anti-coagulant for people who have mild gingivitis or gum disease to prevent any form of bleeding.

On the other hand, floss picks are disposable pieces of plastic with a tiny floss on the ends. Many people use them over traditional string floss. They are easy to use, particularly when reaching molars at the back of the mouth. Floss picks are also good in removing bacteria and food.

Numerous studies have been done to compare the effectiveness of dental floss and floss picks. Most of the results found that both are effective when used properly and regularly. In a study checking their effect on the gums, researchers have shown the both have equally reduced plaque scores, which means that there’s no significant difference between the two.

Which One Works Best For You

So far, nearly all the research done has concluded that there’s no huge difference in the effectiveness between a dental floss and floss picks. This means that what is more important is that you floss at all rather than skipping flossing. Some people prefer floss picks while other choose the old dental floss.

Flossing every day can make a great difference in your oral health and prevents plaque build-up that can damage your enamel.

What to Expect About Getting a Dental Filling

When your pediatric dentist tells you that you have a cavity, she often advised you to have a dental filling to protect the tooth from further decay. If left unfilled, a cavity can only worsen and the decay could lead to bone loss. The good news is that tooth-filling procedure is almost painless thanks to advancements in dentistry. Today, there is no reason not to get a filling if your dentist advises it.

Dental Filling vs. Sealant

One of the main differences between a filling and sealant is the longevity. A filling can last for as long as 10 years, whereas dental sealants may only last for a year. In reality, dental sealants don’t actually last that long and may depend on the person’s oral hygiene practices. Sealants are often given to kids to protect their molars from the development of decay.

On the other hand, fillings are given as a treatment measure to eliminate the hole left when the dentist removes existing tooth decay.

What to Expect from a Dental Filling

One of the main things to expect when having your kids a filling is a conversation with the pediatric dentist on the type of material to be used. There are several options of filling material available today and your choice may depend on a mix of factors such as the appearance, the function and the cost.

Some options for dental filling material include:

·         Amalgam. This is a silver-colored filling, composed of a mixture of metals such as tin, copper, silver and mercury. They are strong, durable and cheap but a lot of people do not like the appearance of silver.

·         Composite. This is a tooth-colored filling made from resin and glass. Composite can match the color of your teeth, however, they’re not as metal and may have to be replaced more often.

·         Ceramic. This is often made of porcelain and are popular among those who want to have a natural looking tooth. They can be abrasive when they hit against a natural tooth. Your pediatric dentist has to make sure that your bite is correct to prevent tooth wear.

·         Glass ionomers. They are acrylic and glass fillings that bond chemically to dental tissues and slowly release fluoride over time. They are ideal for low stress areas and are often place on the front teeth or on root. They are commonly used in kids as a short-term fix for baby teeth.

After you have your filling, make sure to take good care of it. It is important to practice a regular dental health routine such as brushing the teeth twice daily and daily flossing. Be sure to see your pediatric dentist for regular checkup because you may not notice when the filling begins to wear down. If a dental filling falls out or breaks, immediately see a dentist for repair or replacement.

How to Promote Good-at-School Dental Habits

Most parents are very good in providing their children dental care at home. We write notes on dental appointments, limit intake of sugary foods like candies and make reminder charts to remind them to brush and floss. But most children spend most of their waking hours away from home, from their mom and dad.

Below are some simple means in which to encourage proper dental hygiene of children while at school.

Employ changes in their snack

Most schools nowadays have snack counters and vending machines that are available to school children during snack time, lunch and after school. Because of this, your kids have access to candies, soda, ice cream, chips and other unhealthy foods every single day. Do some changes on their snack selection by providing healthier options such as orange slices, apple, bottled water and string cheese. This will help your child’s general health, particularly dental health.  

Create a healthy lunch

It’s good for your child to send him off with a lunch full of healthy foods that can help strengthen the teeth. Cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium, which is great for strong bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins are good for promoting healthy mouth. Crunchy food such as celery, apples and carrots can help remove plaque.

Protest sugary beverages

You can petition to get sugary beverages such as soda be removed from school vending machines. Aside from coating your child’s teeth with sugar to feed on bacteria, these sugary drinks can also cause staining of the teeth. Milk and bottled water are good options for bright, healthy smile.

Encourage brushing

Tooth brushing and flossing should not only be done at home. To encourage brushing, you can talk to your child’s teacher on allotting time for the entire class to brush their teeth after taking their lunch. You can also ask your local dentists to donate brushes, floss, mouthwash and toothpaste and talk in front of the class to raise awareness on the significance of proper dental care.

See the Emergency Contact Information

Don’t forget to check the school’s contact information regarding the record of their school dentist. Make sure they are up-to-date just in case a dental emergency happens during the day.

Children’s dental care is very important regardless on their whereabouts. Teach them the benefits of taking care of their teeth and mouth while they’re away from home to ensure that all your efforts are not being wasted when the kids are at school or away from you.

How to Make Dental Hygiene for Kids Fun and Enjoyable

At Mint Kids Dentistry by Dr. Soo Jun, we know how important dental hygiene is for kids.

Do you find it hard to encourage your kids to brush his/her teeth before school? Young kids do not understand the importance of dental hygiene or overall dental health. For parents, dental hygiene for kids should not concentrate on the nuts and bolts of dental care. Your child may be too young to understand how plaque forms. Instead, create a fun and enjoyable experience of mouth care in the family.

Buy a special brush and toothpaste

One way to ignite your child’s interest is to buy a colourful, fun toothbrush. Replace an old toothbrush with new, fun brush with colourful, soft bristles or one that is adorned with your child’s favourite cartoon character.

Aside from the toothbrush, you can also buy a special toothpaste to go along with it. Your toddler may not be running to the bathroom to use your hot, minty toothpaste. But he can feel excitement cleaning his teeth using a watermelon or gum-flavored toothpaste packaged in his favourite cartoon character.

Do it together

Another way to make mouth care fun for kids is to do it together. Make your child interested by brushing and flossing together. Kids love to copy what their parents do. Guide your son or daughter with the proper way of brushing, including tongue brushing. After you brush, floss your child’s teeth or help them if they’re old enough to do it by themselves. Make routine brushing exciting and fun by singing a fun song or a rhyme about keeping the teeth clean.

Keep track of time

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for only two minutes, two times a day. To make sure your child brushes only for that time period, use a two-minute sand time. Simply flip it over and start brushing. 

Another way is to use mobile apps like the Disney Magic Timer that is available in App Store for free. This app features 23 characters from Marvel, Star Wars and Disney. By using this app, it will bring more fun to daily brushing routine, encouraging kids to brush longer.

Play a fun video

Look for some fun video on dental hygiene for kids. Videos and stories designed for kids are effective teaching materials for kids on how to take good care of their teeth and of making mouth care something they can relate to.

Create a reward system

Make flossing and brushing more enjoyable by making your own gold star reward system. You and your son or daughter can make a poster and decorate it with toothbrushes, teeth, oral health themes and healthy snacks to represent the days of the month. Then, every time they brush their teeth, give your child a gold star sticker to put on the poster.

Pediatric dental visits

Regular check-up is a very important aspect in keeping good dental hygiene for kids. Visit your child’s pediatric dentist every six months to help maintain your child’s sparkling smile. Make every dentist appointment fun by heading to the park for a picnic after the visit.