Embrace Dental Communication

A simple way to feel great about dental treatment is to stay informed and on top of the latest dental information available. Open dental communication can give peace to even the most fearful patients. At Trinity Premier Dental, we know that patient education has a calming effect on troubled patients. With the help of the Internet, health literacy resources are at everyone’s fingertips. When you’re in the dark about a dental treatment and reasons for regular exams, you’re far less likely to follow through. Fear of the unknown can keep you from seeking dental care. Knowledge is motivational!

Health Literacy Definition:

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

There are many reliable websites keep dental communication widely accessible to everyone.  Our top picks of websites dedicated to sharing information regarding dental procedures, technologies, news, and other dental health topics:

• Mouth Healthy –  Mouth Healthy, part of the American Dental Association, is the patient guide to dental health. Learn about dental health topics, preventive oral care, common dental symptoms such as toothaches and mouth sores, and search for a new dentist. Learn how to brush your teeth properly, floss for healthy gums and what to do in a dental emergency.
• Colgate – Discover the Colgate Oral Care Center. The Oral Care Center provides information on dental health, oral health products, oral health guides, and much more.
• Mayo Clinic – At Mayo Clinic, over 3,300 physicians, scientists and researchers share their expertise to empower you. Learn why it’s the right place for your health care.
• WebMD – The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert commentary, and medical review.

In order to change the way you approach your dental care and oral health, your first step should be talking to your dentist. Give us a call for your next dental exam at (727) 835-7076. Our friendly staff is eager to hear from you. We continuously update our blog with new topics concerning dental care, treatment options, latest news, and more. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

How to Floss Your Teeth Like a Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Oral hygiene is the foundation to excellent dental health. A proper dental hygiene routine at home is the best way to prevent dental complications and keep your smile looking bright and healthy. Trinity Premier Dental would like to share some expert flossing advice to help keep your smile bright and healthy. For those of you wanting to learn the techniques used to floss like a pro, this article is for you!

What is floss?

Floss is made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. Flavoring agents, such as mint, may be added to make flossing more pleasant. There is no difference how waxed or unwaxed floss works in terms of effectiveness. Just use whichever you prefer and are more likely to use often. The type of floss you use doesn’t really matter as long as you are using it properly.

Proper Flossing Method

Flossing prior to brushing ensures that the particles and bacteria unearthed during flossing will be removed during brushing. Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job. Also, be sure to floss at least once a day.

Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your two middle fingers, with one of the two fingers having the majority of the floss. By wrapping the floss around the two middle fingers, your index fingers are free to use to guide the floss. Start all the way in the back and slide the floss around your back tooth. Gently use an up and down motion going down to the gum line until you meet some resistance. As you get to each tooth, let out a little more floss and wrap it around the finger picking up the slack. This way you are using a cleaning area of floss and you transfer the bacteria from tooth to tooth. Move to the opposite side of that tooth and gently slide the floss down in between two teeth and work it up and down several times. Repeat this motion until you have reached all areas between your teeth, top and bottom. Make sure you don’t “snap” the floss so you don’t injure your gums.

Congratulations! Now you know just how to floss your teeth like a dental hygienist! We want all of our patients to have the insight to be able to brush the right way and give yourself the excellent oral care you deserve! Contact Trinity Premier Dental at (727) 835-7076 to schedule your next professional cleaning and exam.

Source: ADA.org

Best Fall Foods for Your Teeth

September 22 marks the first day of fall. Along with the change of seasons, comes a multitude of delicious seasonal foods. Most fruits and vegetables that are in season during autumn go nicely with Thanksgiving dinner right around the corner. There are certain foods that have significant positive benefits for your teeth. They provide vital nutrients and minerals that strengthen teeth and keep your smile bright and in optimum health.

Some of the best fall foods for your teeth include fall vegetables like kale, carrots & broccoli and fall fruits such as strawberries, kiwi & apples. Along with providing necessary nutrients and minerals that strengthen teeth, these fibrous foods cleanse your teeth as you chew, defending your gums against bacteria and tooth decay. This also means that these delicious foods contribute to your bright smile and help it to stay in tip-top shape.

Always try to avoid processed foods, which are generally have a high sugar content. Fresh fruits like granny smith apples are a healthy option for satisfying your sugar cravings. If you do add sugar to quench a sweet tooth, try using stevia which is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Be sure to brush and floss as soon as possible following any sweet snacks or drinks. Drinking water afterward will help cleanse your teeth and wash away the harmful bacteria from your teeth.

Eating healthy foods and maintaining your home hygiene regimen will keep your teeth in good shape between dental visits. To ensure your teeth are in tip-top shape and there are no undetected dental problems developing, visit Trinity Premier Dental for your routine checkups and cleanings. In between visits, however, enjoy nutritious and tasty treats that will make your mouth smile!

Contact Trinity Premier Dental at (727) 835-7076.

Further Reading: WebMd – Foods Good For Your Teeth