Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here,..wishing you all a breezy day!:)

From reading today’s heading, you must be thinking that I have completely lost my mind!  Before you start to think that I am going back on all that preach, just hear me out.

There are times when you should actually consider waiting to brush.  Below are the NON-ideal moments to brush and why:

• IN THE SHOWER–I realize your mornings are probably pretty rushed and every minute is accounted for, but there should be a time and place for brushing your teeth.  And the SHOWER is NOT  it.  When you rush to brush, your 2 minutes gets cut short.  Plus, there are millions of microbes bathing on your shower head.  the moist and germ-filled environment exposes your mouth to all of these bathtub bacteria.  Brush your teeth at your sink, in front of the mirror and keep it clean.
• RIGHT AFTER EATING–Waiting 30 minutes after you eat is not just a made up rule.  You may think you’re brushing off bacteria, but you are actually digging the acid deeper into your grin.  While you are waiting, drink some water to neutralize your mouth’s PH levels.
• AFTER VOMITING–We don’t like to really think about it, but unfortunately there are moments where you may feel under the weather and need to throw up.  But, it is good to know that if you are sick-poo to your stomach and had to “get it out”, as yucky as you may think this might be, you should wait before brushing right away!  It is important to try to wait 30 minutes.  Like many foods, vomit contains acid, and the gastric acid in it erodes tooth enamel.  the thinned enamel leaves teeth temporarily tender, therefore making them susceptible to damage.  While you are waiting, try to sip some water.  In addition, if you have been sick, remember to replace your toothbrush.
• ON THE POTTY–Ironically, your mouth and the toilet both contain billions of bacteria.  You may choose to brush up on current events or read a book, but it’s not the ideal time to brush your teeth.  You should be brushing at least 6 feet away from the toilet.  Bacteria can get airborne and into your mouth–YUCK! Oh, and always close the lid before flushing.

Knowing when NOT to brush is a good reinforcement in creating good oral hygiene habits.  Something else to remember is that you should NEVER share your toothbrush with ANYONE.   The act of brushing boosts bacteria in your bloodstream, making immune systems more susceptible to infection.  Now that you know when NOT to brush, keep your smiles happy & healthy everyday.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well!

There’s just something about summertime and tropical drinks with a straw and maybe even a little umbrella to go with it:)  Other than the 24 hours following a tooth removal, there is no reason to skip on straws.  Kids and parents alike can enjoy a refreshing pina colada or strawberry daiquiri (without the alcohol for the kiddos, of course).

Straws can help with keeping Cavities out!  When beverages high in sugar or acidity touch your teeth, the resulting bacteria can cause cavities, enamel erosion and other dental issues.  Even if you drink soda, acid can hide in healthy places like sparking water.  Straws act as a teeth tunnel, limiting liquid contact.  The best way to use a straw is to position it toward the back of your mouth.

Dark drinks can create surface stains, dulling the shade of your smile.  Sip through a straw to prevent surface stains, especially on those all-important front teeth.  If you have sensitivity in your teeth, the modern drinking straw was invented to get cold drinks past sensitive teeth.  Tooth enamel can wear down, causing exposed dentin.  That exposed dentin is sensitive to icy shakes and piping hot chocolate.  Dentin also makes your smile super sensitive to pain–especially temperature.

When using a straw try not to be wasteful.  Consider using an eco-friendly, reusable option like acrylic or glass.  Recyclable straws are also a great option and they come in lots of fun patterns too!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you all a safe return to work after a long weekend of good-old American fun!:)

One thing I’m sure you all noticed was how HOT summertime in South Florida can be!  For most of us, we live a pretty fast-paced life.  We are always on the go and in a hurry.  We come in & out of our cars and into air conditioned stores or your home.  Because we are in such a hurry, often times, we leave some things behind in our cars, where temps can rise up to a scorching 140 degrees.  So today’s topic is all about what NOT to leave in your car, in particular your oral hygiene products and why.  After doing some research, Delta Dental provided some great information about the dangers of leaving Bottled Waters, Toothpaste, and your Toothbrush in extreme heat.

• Bottled Water–Plastic water bottles contain low levels of bisphenol A (BPA).  Thought the FDA has deemed the amount of BPA safe, the levels skyrocket from safe to dangerous after being left in extreme heat.  This includes water bought in bulk from your wholesale store.  Try to go straight home after your shopping, so that you don’t have to leave your freshly bought plastic containers in the heat of your car.  At best, try to keep your drinking water indoors or buy a BPA-free bottle instead.
• Toothpaste–When it comes to toothpaste, chemicals are not a concern, but quality can be.  Hot temperatures may cause ingredient separation and a melted mess.  Brands made with natural ingredients are more susceptible to melting.  And the mint flavoring in your favorite tube may start to disintegrate, leaving you with a less than fresh breath.
• Toothbrush–If you leave your toothbrush in the heat alongside other items, those other things can melt on or around your toothbrush.  In addition, Toothbrushes are a breeding ground for bacteria.  If you add the heat factor, it makes germs even more active under those warm weather conditions.  It’s always best to let your toothbrush breath.  Safely store your backup brush out of the sun and in a second location like your desk drawer, etc.  Make an effort to keep products indoors this summer.  If you absolutely must leave anything in the car, do your best to park in the shade and make your stop a brief one.

May you continue to have a safe & happy summer with a healthy smile!:)

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

 

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, excited about Shark Week,…hope you are too!:)

For years now, Shark Week has been a big deal in my household.  We look forward to it every summer.  This year it’s in June instead of August, but it was actually a nice surprise.  So because Shark Week only comes around once a year, I thought it would be fun to learn cool facts about shark teeth and how we measure up to their JAWS!:)

Sharks are born with teeth.–Our first teeth form in the gums before birth and begin erupting at about 6 months of age.  Unlike humans, shark pups enter the world with a full set of teeth .  This makes it easy for them to feed and fend for themselves, since there is no parental care.

Sharks have thousands of teeth.  Our complete set of 20 temporary teeth is usually in place by age 2 or 3.  By around age 18, we have our complete adult set, totaling 32 teeth.  By contrast, most sharks have 5 rows of teeth, and can have as many as 3,000 teeth at once! It’s a good thing sharks never run out of teeth, as they lose up to 100 per day.  This is due to their daily diet of large fish and sea mammals.

Shark teeth fix themselves.  The tooth is the only part in the human body that can’t repair itself.  With the exception of our baby teeth, a lost permanent tooth can’t be replaced naturally.  Sharks are luckier than us in that respect.  If a tooth falls out, another spins forward from their rows and rows of backup teeth.

If the Tooth Fairy visited sharks, they would all be rich! LOL

Shark teeth have built-in toothpaste.  It’s no wonder sharks don’t get cavities–the surface of their teeth contains 100%fluoride!  The teeth of humans and other mammals contain hydroxyapatite, which is an organic compound also found in bone.

Sharks are the ocean’s top predators, mostly due to their enormous and powerful chompers.  They need to do very little to maintain their JAWS, but for humans that’s not the case.  With that in mind, remember that we are not exactly sharks and we must Brush, Floss, and visit the dentist for our routine cleanings and check ups to maintain a healthy smile.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you are staying dry from the tropical weather that is rainy South Florida today!

For years I have heard that raisins promote cavities, but a recent study suggest that compounds in this great, go-to snack may in fact fight tooth decay.  In my household, raisins are a staple on my grocery list.  We consume many of the little boxes in a short amount of time, so when I read about this recent study, I was thrilled!

According to researchers at the University of Illinois, certain chemicals in raisins suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities & gum disease.  We are aware that eating sweet & sticky foods can lead to tooth decay.  This happens when bacteria (Mouth Monsters) that live in the mouth thrive on foods left on teeth, producing acids as a result.  Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.  Although raisins are sticky & sweet, they contain mainly fructose & glucose types of sugar–not sucrose, which some experts consider the main culprit of sugar-related oral diseases.

Although this is great news, lets keep in mind some basic points about dental health care that you should still remember.

• Any food particles left on your teeth–including particles from raisins–can lead to tooth decay.  Always brush at least 2x a day with a fluoride toothpaste (if age appropriate) & clean between your teeth once a day with floss
• Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings & checkups to keep your smile healthy.

“Raisin” Kids was different in the Cave Man days,….

Why you ask?  Because sugar was not in their diet!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, sending you all warm wishes.

Courtesy of one of my favorite and most reliable sites , sponsored by the AAPD, today we will be learning about some of the best and healthiest summer snacks recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

 

 

I hope today’s special snack report was helpful with planning your on-the-go activities for you and your family.  Remember to Brush and Floss at least 2x a day and schedule you recare visits to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!:)

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)