Let’s look into the environmental issues associated with conventional floss and shed light on the compelling reasons to make the switch to reusable alternatives.
The Plastic Predicament:
Single-use plastic dental floss poses a significant threat to our environment. The primary material used in these floss products is often nylon or Teflon, both of which are non-biodegradable. As a result, discarded floss adds to the growing mountains of plastic waste that take centuries to decompose. This accumulation in landfills and oceans has severe consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
Microplastics in Every Strand:
Beyond the visible plastic waste, traditional floss introduces microplastics into the environment. As plastic floss degrades during use, it breaks down into tiny particles that can find their way into water systems. These microplastics pose a threat to aquatic life and can eventually enter the food chain, impacting not only the environment but also human health.
The Benefits of Reusable Alternatives:
Long-Term Cost Savings: While the initial investment in reusable floss may be slightly higher, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Users can enjoy the benefits of an eco-friendly product without constantly contributing to the demand for single-use plastic.
Versatility and Innovation: Reusable floss comes in various materials and styles, catering to different preferences and needs. Some options incorporate innovative designs, making them not only environmentally friendly but also more effective in promoting oral health.
Join the Reusable Oral Care Movement:
Making the switch to reusable floss is a small but impactful step towards a better future. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution, promote a circular economy, and support environmentally conscious practices. It's a decision that not only benefits your oral health but also aligns with a global commitment to preserving our planet.
As consumers, our choices matter. The environmental impact of traditional floss is a stark reminder that even seemingly insignificant decisions can contribute to a larger problem.
Let's floss responsibly and contribute to a healthier, greener future.
]]>By making brushing fun and engaging, you can establish good brushing habits that will last a lifetime.
Happy brushing from Team SimplyFloss!
Because menopause can lower estrogen levels and affect your bone density, you might be at higher risk of losing teeth. To make matters worse, if you smoke or drink too much alcohol, you might also be at increased risk of oral cancer. Don't worry though, there are things you can do to help keep your mouth healthy during menopause!
Menopause can have several impacts on oral health, including:
Oral cancer: Menopause can also increase the risk of oral cancer, particularly in women who use tobacco or consume alcohol.
There are things you can do to help keep your mouth healthy during menopause!
Make sure to brush and floss regularly, drink plenty of water, visit the dentist often, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, and talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. By taking care of yourself and your oral health, you can help prevent any problems from popping up during menopause. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
You got this!
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Anorexia and bulimia can harm oral health through tooth erosion, gum disease, and oral lesions due to abnormal eating habits and malnutrition. Seeking treatment and developing a comprehensive oral health plan with healthcare providers and dentists can help prevent long-term damage.
Here are some effects of anorexia and bulimia on oral health:
Tooth erosion: When someone binges and purges, they expose their teeth to high levels of acid from stomach contents. This acid can erode the enamel on the teeth, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and even tooth fractures.
Gum disease: Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth build up and irritate the gums. People with anorexia and bulimia may have dry mouth due to dehydration and malnutrition, which can increase the risk of gum disease.
Oral lesions: Bingeing and purging can cause oral trauma, such as scratches, cuts, and bruises, that can develop into sores, ulcers, and abrasions. These lesions can be painful and make it difficult to eat and speak.
Tooth decay: Dry mouth caused by anorexia and bulimia can lead to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and cavities, which can be painful and require dental treatment.
Changes in taste: Certain medications used to treat anorexia and bulimia can alter the sense of taste, making food less enjoyable and leading to a decrease in food intake. This can impact a person's overall health, including their oral health.
Altered wound healing: Malnutrition and anemia can impair the body's ability to heal, which can delay recovery from oral surgery or other dental procedures. This can prolong pain and discomfort.
Jawbone problems: In severe cases of anorexia and bulimia, the body may not get enough nutrients to maintain healthy bones. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of jaw fractures and other problems.
To protect your oral health, individuals with anorexia or bulimia should seek treatment for their eating disorder, maintain a healthy diet, and work with their healthcare provider and dentist to develop a comprehensive oral health plan. This can include regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing regularly, and drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and dry mouth.
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Did you know that even while you catch some Zzzs, your oral health can be at risk? It's true! While you're fast asleep, your saliva production decreases, leaving your mouth feeling dry and parched.
When our mouths are not producing enough saliva, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. But it's
not just bacteria that can cause issues, if you grind your teeth while you snooze, it can put extra pressure on your pearly whites and gums, leading to sensitivity, jaw pain, and even headaches.
There are several signs that sleeping may be affecting your oral health:
Dry Mouth
If you wake up with a dry or parched feeling in your mouth, it could be a sign that your saliva production has decreased while you slept.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort when eating or drinking, it could be a sign of tooth enamel erosion caused by acid produced by bacteria during sleep.
Cavities
If you have noticed new cavities or an increase in the number of cavities, this could be a sign that sleeping is affecting your oral health.
Gum Disease
If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of gum disease, which can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth during sleep.
Jaw Pain
If you experience jaw pain or discomfort, it could be a sign of bruxism (teeth
grinding) during sleep, which can put additional pressure on your teeth and gums.
The good news is, you can take steps to help keep your mouth healthy while you sleep. Make sure you drink enough water before bed and try to practice good sleep habits. If you are a teeth-grinder, a mouthguard can go a long way in protecting your smile.
To ensure that sleeping doesn't negatively affect your oral health, here are several things you can do:
1. Practice good sleep hygiene
2. Stay hydrated
3. Avoid sugary and acidic foods before bedtime
4. Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
5. Visit your dentist regularly
To ensure that sleeping does not negatively affect oral health, it is important to practice good sleep hygiene, drink plenty of water before bed, and consider using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
Don't let these symptoms go unchecked – take action now to keep your smile shining bright! Your dental health matters, speak to your dentist or healthcare provider today.
]]>Like anything, there are pros and cons to a tongue piercing.. they can have an impact on oral health, both positive and negative! Here are some potential impacts:
Positive Impacts:
Oral Impacts:
So you want to go ahead and get the piercing? Here’s what to expect for your aftercare!
Bear in mind, not everyone has issues, but they’re a high possibility! It's important to consider the potential impacts of a tongue piercing on oral health before making a decision to get one! If you do decide to get a tongue piercing, it's important to follow proper aftercare instructions and to see a dentist regularly to monitor oral health and address any issues that may arise.
Happy Smiling - Team SimplyFloss
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Here are a few things you can do to keep your mouths healthy over the next few months:
Sensitive Teeth: Do you feel a pang of sensitivity each time you take a breath outside during the winter months? If so, you’re not alone. Breathing in cold air can lead to tooth sensitivity as can sipping on hot wintry beverages. To relieve or prevent such discomfort, brush with a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth and avoid acidic foods and piping hot beverages whenever possible. See your dentist if the problem persists or gets worse.
Chapped & Cracked Lips: The thin skin on our lips is particularly susceptible to dry winter air and that won’t change even in this mask-wearing era. Soothe chapped lips by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly and avoid licking them at all costs. Drinking water more frequently can also help to keep lips hydrated.
Cold Sores: Winter seems to put the “cold” in cold sores and there are a few reasons to explain why. Cold sores can be triggered by sickness, stress and fatigue as well as cold and dry air. Knowing this, it’s important to keep your immune system healthy and lips hydrated to help prevent cold sores from arising.
Paying attention to our oral hygiene is important throughout the year but particularly during the cold and dry days of winter.
- The SimplyFloss Team
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So-called dental DIYs showing people filing down their teeth with a nail file and flossing their own hair have been making the rounds on TikTok in recent weeks much to the dismay of the dental community. Just as alarming? Videos of TikTokers bonding fake fangs to their teeth with superglue were also trending in the period leading up to Halloween.
We’re not here to spoil anyone’s fun, but we need to state the obvious: these DIYs are REALLY bad for your teeth and gums.
Unlike hair, skin and nails, tooth enamel doesn’t grow back. Filing down teeth and gluing on prosthetics can cause irreversible damage to the tooth’s structure or in extreme cases, kill the tooth entirely. Any changes to the shape or texture of your teeth should only (we repeat, only) be done by a licensed dental professional.
As for flossing with human hair, we get that it seems like a nature-made solution but it’s absolutely not a good choice for your oral health. Not only can it cause gum damage, but residue from hair products don’t belong anywhere inside your mouth. We’re clearly big fans of SimplyFloss for cleaning in between teeth but support the use of any reputable floss or flossing product that works for you.
Now that we’ve gone over the don’ts of dental DIYs, why don’t we focus on some dos? Here are some of our favourites!
You don’t have to resort to painful or dangerous methods to achieve the smile you desire. A few simple tweaks to your hygiene routine and a consultation with your dental professional for more dramatic changes can help you on your way!
]]>Chewy sweets, like caramels and taffy, are holiday favourites but they’re also stubbornly sticky and are known to get lodged in between teeth. Meanwhile, hard candies (think: lollipops and ring pops) allow sugar to linger in the mouth which can cause enamel erosion. In extreme cases, hard candies can also lead to chipped or broken teeth. Yikes!
So, how can kids enjoy Halloween without the spooky side-effects of sugary snacks?
Here are a few of our tricks for ensuring healthy and happy smiles this year:
1. STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK! This should go without saying but we’re going to repeat it anyway. Stay home if you’re sick! If you are feeling well and are planning to head out, keep your group size to a minimum, practice social distancing and sanitize your hands before eating any sweets.
2. CHECKING TREATS: As difficult as it may be, encourage your child to save their treats and not to eat any before they get home. It is important to check the ingredients for any allergies your child may have as well as for safety.
3. BRUSH, FLOSS & RINSE: Next to costumes, candy is half the fun of Halloween and we definitely don’t want to spoil the fun! Brushing and flossing after snacking is definitely a good idea while rinsing with water can help wash away any lingering sugars and acids hanging out in your mouth.
4. NOT ALL CANDY IS CREATED EQUAL: Sticky candies that get lodged between the teeth and hard candies that can chip or break your pearly whites are not a dentist’s favourite friends. Try and limit your intake of these sweets for a happier Halloween!
5. FAMILY FUN! Halloween is about more than just candy. This is a great time to enjoy being together as a family.
Wishing you a spook-free smile this Halloween!
The SimplyFloss Team
]]>So, what can people do to prevent bad breath, decay and inflammation? As a dental hygienist of 25 years, I would like to share with you some simple tips.
1. Drink More Water: Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body as it helps to cleanse teeth and discourages tooth decay. Drinking water is especially important while mask-wearing to combat dry mouth and swish away bacteria.
2. Brush 2X a Day with Good Technique: We’ve all heard this one before, but it bears repeating! Frequent brushing helps teeth stay whiter and healthier. Angle bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle with just enough pressure to make tissue a lighter color. Use gentle small strokes focussing on only one or two teeth at a time. Choose a brush with softer bristles as medium or hard bristles can degrade enamel or cause gum recessions when combined with aggressive brushing.
3. Floss Regularly (It’s Never Too Early to Start!): Flossing isn’t the most popular hygiene habit, but it should be considering how important it is! Foregoing floss can lead to bad breath, decay and other dental issues. Not flossing means you are missing more than one-third of your tooth surface.
4. Book Your Dental Visit: Routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile by removing stain and tartar from the teeth. Dental offices are reopening under strict COVID-19 guidelines and regular visits are an important part of a well-rounded oral hygiene routine.
Mask-wearing is non-negotiable these days. It is important to keep our mouths fresh, while also staying safe.
The SimplyFloss Team
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So, how can families get back on track with their oral hygiene now that September is here? Tammy, a dental hygienist of 20 years and the Chief Flossing Officer at SimplyFloss, offers the following tips for parents and kids alike:
1. Drink More Water: Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body as it helps to cleanse teeth and discourages tooth decay. Drinking water is especially important while mask-wearing to combat dry mouth and swish away bacteria.
2. Brush 2X a Day with Good Technique: We’ve all heard this one before, but it bears repeating! Frequent brushing helps teeth stay whiter and healthier. Angle bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle with just enough pressure to make tissue a lighter color. Use gentle small strokes focussing on only one or two teeth at a time.
Toothbrush Tip! Choose a brush with softer bristles as medium or hard bristles can degrade enamel or cause gum recessions when combined with aggressive brushing.
3. Floss Regularly (It’s Never Too Early to Start!): Flossing isn’t the most popular hygiene habit, but it should be considering how important it is! Foregoing floss can lead to bad breath, decay and other dental issues.
4. Book Your Dental Visit: Routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile by removing stain and tartar from the teeth. Dental offices are reopening under strict COVID-19 guidelines and regular visits are an important part of a well-rounded oral hygiene routine.
September is always a great time to restart healthy habits, but particularly this year as families have been out of routine for so many months.
-The SimplyFloss Team
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