Living on the GumLine
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING EVERY DAY
T here’s no such thing as flossing too much. Believe it or not, this simple action is beneficial to the overall health of your mouth. In fact, it may even be more important than brushing when it comes to the health of your gums. Flossing gets in between the teeth and under the gums — two places even the best toothbrushes can’t reach. When you don’t floss or only floss from time to time, you can end up with all kinds of problems. One of the most common problems is bleeding gums. Gums should not bleed — it is not normal — but bleeding can result from infrequent flossing. Your gums become sensitive to the action of flossing. Flossing every day can help eliminate the problem. Alternatively, bleeding gums can also be a sign that you’re flossing too hard or vigorously. You don’t need to apply much pressure when flossing.
sign of gum disease or gingivitis. Gum disease is often the result of plaque and dental debris trapped along the gum line and in between teeth. When debris sits for too long, gums become inflamed and irritated. Unhealthy gums also play a role in the development of bad breath, or halitosis. For most people, bad breath is a sign of improper brushing and flossing. Small food particles may become trapped between teeth, and larger food particles may not be properly broken down by saliva. As food remains trapped, bacteria consumes its sugars. While the most common byproduct of this bacteria is oral plaque, it also produces an unpleasant odor. Another major cause of bad breath is infection. If gum disease is allowed to progress too far, for example, the infection may worsen. It can cause the gums to recede, exposing the lower areas of the tooth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum pain, and persistent bad breath.
Thankfully, bleeding gums, gum disease, and bad breath are all treatable. It all starts with flossing every single day. However, if you notice flossing just isn’t doing the trick, call us at 703-584-5996 as soon as possible to set up an appointment. The sooner you address these common gum issues, the better. If left untreated, it can put you at risk for further infection and further discomfort.
If you notice bleeding on a consistent basis, it is crucial to talk with your dentist as this can be a
Sudoku
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.
INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 clove garlic
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8 Roma tomatoes
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1/2 tsp salt
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4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
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3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS
3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade. 4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.
1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling. 2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade.
Solution on Pg. 4
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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