Cleaning between the teeth, also known as interdental cleaning, is important because it cleans where a regular toothbrush simply cannot reach. How many times have you been told you need to floss your teeth, but you’re left with many unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of your most asked questions. How often should I floss my teeth? You should clean between your teeth at least once a day, preferably in the evening. Is it better to floss at...

Your toothbrush only cleans 3 of the 5 surfaces on your teeth, leaving the 2 surfaces between the teeth ignored. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause damaging gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath.   Cleaning between your teeth, also known as interdental cleaning, is important because it cleans where a regular toothbrush simply cannot reach. It might not be FUN, but it is...

May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2023 is ‘Aging Unbound’, exploring diverse aging experiences and discussing how communities can combat stereotypes as we expand our thinking about aging—and how all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.   Plaque retention in the aging population is exacerbated by the presence of dental restorations (e.g., crowns, bridges), missing teeth, and gingival recession. The aging population...

You don’t often realize how essential your tongue is in your everyday life. Your tongue helps you taste, eat, digest, and speak. While you chew the tongue assists with moving the food and swallowing. The small bumps, or papillae, on the tongue allow you to taste. The tongue is an agile and flexible muscle, giving it the ability to produce many words. The tip of the tongue is sensitive, allowing it to assist in cleaning the mouth and alerting us...