Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best …
Floss Picks vs. Traditional Floss
Ever wonder how Lowcountry Family Dentistry decides on Facebook posts and blog subject matter? Typically our subjects are prompted by several patients asking the same question. If multiple patients have the same question it figures others might have be wondering the same thing. That being said, today's topic hits closer to home. Although a dental professional, I am also a mom and wife. As with many married couples, my husband and I were raised a little differently, Despite the fact we both want what's best for our children and are usually on the same page, there are a few things we debate. One of those debates is whether traditional floss or a floss pick is better for the kids. I'm in the traditional floss camp, and he thinks …
Flossing
Do I really need to floss? Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque and, in some ways, more important than the toothbrush. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease. Many people don’t spend enough time flossing and many never have been taught the proper way to floss. What type of floss is the best? Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. They all clean and remove plaque. Wide floss, also known as dental tape, may be helpful for people with a …